Guyana_Chronicle_EPaper_06_06_2019

THURSDAY 6th June, 2019

No.105660

‘No takeover

of ferry service’ …Gov’t dismisses speculation about taking over Guyana/Suriname ferry service 03 …Suriname cited for defaulting on payments to maintain vessel PAGE

Giftland, Banks DIH courted …as GPL seeks solutions to electricity problems 09 PAGE

More youths to join oil sector …as TOTALTEC launches new round of recruitment programme

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DDL urges US to reallocate sugar quotas …USTR 2019 allocation targeted non-producing Caribbean states

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Exxon, others investing at 11 Wales Estate PAGE

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman greets some of the recruits during the programme on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Health Expo 2019 opens 2

By Navendra Seoraj

NO public health system would be complete without emphasis on preventative care because it is central to universal health coverage, said Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

“In Guyana prevention is at the centre of our health

strategy,” said Minister Lawrence at the launch of Health Expo 2019 at the Sophia Exhibition Centre on Wednesday evening.

The theme of the expo, “reaching for a better life with good health” is synonymous with the ministry’s agenda, said the minister, adding that it outlines the

mandate of delivering quality healthcare services.

In order to achieve their goal, the ministry has appointed focal points to work with regional officers in every region. According to Lawrence, the vision of the ministry in moving forward is to identify the existing gaps in the health sector.

The ministry also intends on providing all the health amenities to the hinterland regions since people on the coastland have been benefitting for years. “Everyone must enjoy a life characterised by wellness, fitness

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

and health…the President in his address at the inaugural health expo last year reminded us of the indisputable connection between good health and good life,” said Minister Lawrence.

She said the constitution of Guyana entitles every citizen to have access to free primary healthcare coverage. And, the ministry has been delivering the requisite services through various programmes and projects such as the health expo.

According to Minister Lawrence, primary healthcare is seen as the basis and

medium through which universal health coverage can be achieved. In an effort to deliver primary healthcare, the ministry has increased the number of health centres being commissioned across the country.

The ministry has added two health centres to Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and two to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), while three centres are expected to be established in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Health centres improve

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, checking out one of the booths at the health expo

(Samuel Maughn photo)

Ministers and other officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the expo opened

(Samuel Maughn photo)

the ministry’s ability to counter the incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by educating the population on healthy lifestyle choices.

“We must approach lifestyle diseases frontally,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that the expo is also one of the initiatives geared at achieving this goal.

The expo allows the ministry to reach more persons and interact with the public on a wider level. It improves accessibility to health services. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, commended the Public Health Ministry for staying on the right track to achieving a better life with good health for all.

“Good life and good health are indispensible to each other…we can have any other resource and amenity but without health, the

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, delivering her remarks at the launch of the expo

(Samuel Maughn photo)

value of everything else is dismissed,” said Allicock.

He believes that the good health of the nation is the pillar for real development of the country and the government remains committed to doing its part to ensure that every citizen has access to proper medical services.

Allicock said the Government will provide proper medical services which will enhance the medical and physical growth of Guyanese.

“At the government level we see the commitment with the growth of the health budget by over $10 billion from 2015 to 2019,” said the minister, noting that the ministry has taken drastic steps in the fight to ensure that Guyanese are healthy.

He said one such step is the expo which the minister anticipates will draw Guyanese from all walks of life.

Some of the services offered at the expo include: testing for malaria and dengue, immunisation, women’s and elderly booths, blood donation booth and much more.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Colette Adams, said the expo will be run for three days and will be opened from 15:00hrs to 22:00hrs.

She encouraged the public to capitalise on the opportunities which will be offered throughout the expo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

‘No takeover of ferry service’ …Suriname cited for not honouring agreement on maintenance of vessel

THE Guyana Government on Wednesday dismissed speculations that it was mulling taking control of the Guyana/Suriname ferry service even as it lamented that the Dutch-speaking neighbour was not honouring its side of the agreement regarding the maintenance of the vessel.

Government is seeking an early meeting with the authorities to deal with the issue.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded that the operation of the ferry vessel, Canawaima has been suspended to facilitate repairs and servicing by the joint company – the Canawaima Management Company which is responsible for the service. “It would seem that timely action was not taken by the relevant authorities to initiate repairs to the MV Canawaima, when it sustained damage to one engine in September 2017. Since the company was unable to secure the funds intended to meet the routine repair costs, the vessel had to be pulled by a tug-boat to facilitate passengers wishing to travel between Moleson Creek Terminal and the South Drain Terminal,” the ministry’s statement read.

According to the ministry, this service between Guyana and Suriname was

officially launched on November 6, 1998. It is a joint venture and the financial and other arrangements for defraying operational expenses are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Suriname on the Formation and Operation of the Joint Ferry Service between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname (1998).

According to the abovementioned agreement, the maintenance of the ferry is to be shared equally. “This has not occurred,” the Guyana Government emphasised.

It said in a bid to reduce the hardships to passengers and businesses using the service and in order to give the neighbouring state time to meet its obligations, the Government of Guyana has been funding most, if not all, of the maintenance works on the ferry over the years.

“The Guyana/Suriname Cooperation Council, at its meeting in 2018, underscored the importance of the Canawaima Ferry Service to bilateral trade and cross border tourism between Guyana and Suriname and agreed that the efficient and optimal operation of the service was to the benefit of both countries.

As indicated elsewhere, the matter was raised by Pres-

ident David Granger over a year ago during his last meeting with his Surinamese counterpart. At that time, President Bouterse undertook to look into the matter.”

To this end, the ministry said speculation about the Government of Guyana taking on the obligation of entirely funding a joint enterprise of this type is erroneous. “It is not in keeping with the bilateral agreement signed between the two countries that governs the obligations of both States regarding the operations of the ferry service. That agreement is

still functional. There is no onus on Guyana to fund the replacement of the service, either temporarily or permanently. The joint company has to ensure that the monies collected by or on behalf of the business are properly directed to defraying the expenses incurred.” The ministry added that Guyana will request an early meeting of the relevant mechanism in order that the issues affecting the operation of the ferry vessel can be fully ventilated and resolved to the full satisfaction of the parties. The ministry said it is hoped that

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings

The Canawaima Ferry

the fact that the service has been of mutual benefit to both countries will inform the treatment of the matter.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, is expected to meet with his Surinamese counterpart this week to discuss putting systems in place for a continuation of the Guyana/Suriname ferry service. Since the M.V. Canawaima began experiencing challenges, leading to its suspension on May 25, 2019, the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been in discussion with the Government of Suriname on devising a way forward. On Monday afternoon, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, met with Surinamese Ambassador to Guyana, Ebu Jones, to continue discussions on the issue. In a media release, the Ministry of the Presidency stated that the issues have engaged the attention of both Heads of State and it is now time for the discussions to ensue to arrive at an amicable solution. In the meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has done its part by deploying the M.V Sandaka to transport persons from May 31 to June 2 who were stranded.

Baramita village completes draft Village Improvement Plan The Baramita Village Council in Region One has completed crafting its Village Improvement Plan (VIP). The draft document was compiled by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs after consultation with the village.

The VIP was designed to support the Indigenous people by improving their well-being as Guyana pursues a green, diversified and resilient economic development path. On Friday last, the ministry’s Special Assistant of Projects and Community Development, Martin Cheung handed over the document to Toshao Sharmain Rambajue in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Wil-

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Special Assistant of Projects and Community Development, Martin Cheung handing over the draft Village Improvement Plan (VIP) to Toahso of Baramita, Sharmain Rambajue in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

liams during a community outreach.

According to the Toshao,

the VIP will guide the village workplan for the next three years. It includes policies

and programmes to improve the lives of the almost 4,000 Caribs residing in the village.

Additionally, the Village Council also crafted its draft Village Rules which was also handed over. The Amerindian Act of 2006 allows villages to implement their own rules. Toshao Rambajue said the document will help to restore law and order in the village. Cheung explained that the Village Council will review the draft documents and present them to the residents for their input. If there are any modifications, the ministry will facilitate, after which the final draft will be done.

During his remarks, Minister Allicock commended the village for moving ahead with crafting these critical documents. “This work cannot be done by the government alone nor by you alone as a community, it

must be done in partnership.

As long as we agree on what was decided upon then we move forward and implement them,” he pointed out.

As it relates to the Village Rules, the Minister stressed the need for the village council to enforce them without showing favouritism. He also urged them to ensure they have their say in the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006. In September 2018, at the Heritage Village in St. Cuthbert’s Mission, President David Granger called on Indigenous communities to craft effective Village Improvement Plans built on the pillars of education, employment for all, environmental protection and economic diversity. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

Trump administration suspends U.S. educational programmes for migrant children

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Trump administration is suspending educational, legal and recreational programs for migrant children in its custody, saying an influx of children crossing the border without a parent or legal guardian was putting a “tremendous strain” on the resources of the agency tasked with housing them.

The agency that houses migrant children - the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) - asked Congress for an additional $2.88 billion to increase shelter capacity, HHS spokeswoman Evelyn Stauffer said on Wednesday.

ORR is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. ORR has instruct-

ed providers in its network to begin scaling back or stop providing services “that are not directly necessary for the protection of life and safety,” Stauffer said.

On May 30, HHS official Mark Boss sent an email to providers in ORR’s network of shelters informing them costs budgeted for educational and recreational activities, including staff associated with those programs, were “unallowable costs” for any federal funds received after May 22. The email, which was seen by Reuters, was first reported by Reveal at the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Border agents appre-

hended 11,507 unaccompanied children on the southwest border in May, an 80% increase from a year earlier, according to government data released on Wednesday.

ORR’s system of shelters is currently running at 96% capacity, according to a HHS official who declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the program. The provision of recreational and educational activities, such as English language lessons and sports, are required by a long-standing legal settlement, known as the Flores settlement, that lays out conditions under which migrant children can be kept.

“If this administration goes forward with denying education, recreation and other unspecified ‘non-essential services’ they would be in flagrant violation of

the Flores settlement and will face immediate legal action,” said Neha Desai, Director for Immigration at the National Center for Youth Law in Oakland and a Flores co-counsel. The Trump administration has repeatedly called on Congress to enact regulations that would override the settlement. It is also working on regulations on the length of time and conditions in which children can be detained.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLaura from Connecticut, who chairs the House committee negotiating with ORR on supplemental funding, said in a statement that the Trump administration could not be given a blank check “when time and again it has failed to show it has these childrens’ best interests at heart.”

Last week, the U.S. Cit-

izenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) placed limits on special legal protections for some migrant children who turn 18 or reunite with a parent or guardian before they file

their asylum application.

In a policy memo to all asylum officers dated May 31, USCIS official John Lafferty also empowered officials to request additional documents if they suspect an applicant is over 18 years old when they file their asylum application.

U.S. preparing to sell over $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, testing China - sources WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is pursuing the sale of more than US$2 billion worth of tanks and weapons to Taiwan, four people familiar with the negotiations said, in a move likely to anger China as a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies escalates.

An informal notification of the proposed sale has been sent to the U.S. Congress, the four sources said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the possible deal.

The potential sale included 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2 Abrams tanks worth around US$2 billion as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft munitions, three of the sources said. Taiwan has been interested in refreshing its existing U.S.-made battle tank inventory which includes M60 Patton tanks.

The United States is a main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems its own and has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that the United States was responding positively to Taipei’s requests for new arms sales to bolster its defenses in the face of pressure from China. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan, but is bound by law to help provide it with TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

Caribbean urged to transit towards a sustainable economy

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jun 5, CMC – The chairman of the board of governors of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Camille Robinson-Regis, Wednesday said the Caribbean has a major opportunity to transition towards a sustainable economy by building its potential for economic growth.

Addressing the 49th Annual Board of Governors Meeting here, Robinson-Regis, who is also the host country’s Planning and Development Minister, said that while none of the borrowing member countries (BMCs) have been spared the deleterious effects of the external vulnerabilities to which the region is prone, by virtue of both of size and geography, “we have collectively experienced many years of minimal growth in our gross domestic product”.

She said it is anticipated that the region will experience increased economic activity which augers well for its development agendas. “Targeted policy interventions have helped to reduce unemployment across the region, and the Bank will continue to undertake rebuilding efforts geared towards shoring up re silience. This is especially important given the heightened impact of climate change which has resulted in more intense flooding, drought and extreme weather conditions across the region.”

She said that through concerted efforts by regional governments and institutions such as CDB, Caribbean people were now more conscious about their obligation to

assist in preservation and conservation. “Indeed, we have a moral obligation to protect our environment and to ensure that we cultivate a planet which is habitable for all species of creation. A major opportunity for the region then, lies in seeking to transition towards a sustainable economy by building on our potential for economic growth.

“Traditional wasteful approaches to our consumption must give way to behaviours that will ensure preservation o f t h e m a r i n e e n v i r o nment. Currently, there is tremendous strain on the oceans, from plastic and styrofoam pollution which adversely affects marine life, to sargassum seaweed which impacts our coastlines and affects tourism and local recreation.”

But Robinson-Regis observed that some Caribbean countries have already initiated the process with regard to eliminating the use of these products, while others are following suit. “Our global commitments speak to ensuring that we do more to protect our marine life in an in­c lu­s ive and sustainable manner, especially as we understand that our oceans and economic development are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary to each other and inextricably linked.”

She told the meeting that just as the CDB provides the region with a collective economic voice, so too the membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has proven to be an invaluable asset as the region seeks to present a united voice

that speaks to democratic independence, inclusion and sovereign strength, as opposed to the growing global chorus of isolationism and nationalism.

“Now more than ever, we, as a region, must be resolute in our defence of democracy and the promotion of regional integration. If we all do more, then the individual effort is lessened. As the words of Trinidad and Tobago’s national motto declare, positively Together we aspire, together we achieve.

“While CDB continues faithfully to serve as a useful, unifying, relevant and key development partner in addressing regional issues, its 50th anniversary next year must, of necessity, give rise to a more determined effort to leverage rapidly advancing technology, as it seeks to place digital transformation and innovation at the top of its agenda.”

She said that the CDB cannot and indeed, has never intended only to be seen as a repository of funding and that throughout the years of its existence, financial and technical assistance

have resulted in member countries being able to make significant progress in fulfilling their development agendas.

“It is therefore necessary for us to continue to capitalise on this most critical resource,” she said, noting that the meeting here is taking place under the theme “Transformation”.

“As a region, we continue to witness almost daily, several global “disruptors” to our sustainable development, including, but not limited to, the rapid pace of digitisation and technological innovation, as well as migration, all of which pose challenges as well as opportunities.

“The region must therefore transform not only what we do, but also how we do business, so that we do not merely adapt, but proactively seize and create avenues for advancement.’

Robinson-Regis said that embracing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an indicator for transformation is one certain way to complement the region’s national and international development

agendas. “ I therefore urge that we consider the transformations necessary for the diversification of our economies, to build entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among the youth, to improve our governance structures, and to build our resilience, both individually and collectively.” She said the discussions over the next two days “must therefore focus on the

interventions required to give life and legs to these critical transformations, especially given that they are fundamental to our survival and prosperity”. “Let us utilise the dynamism and creativity we possess as Caribbean people, together with all our partners in development, as a catalyst for our region’s advancement and ultimately for an enhanced life for our citizenry,” she added.

U.S. preparing to sell...

FROM PAGE 4

the means to defend itself.

China and the United States are engaged in a fierce trade war, with clashes over Taiwan and the South China Sea exacerbating tensions. A spokesman for the State Department, which oversees foreign military sales, said the U.S. government does not comment on or confirm potential or pending arms sales or transfers before they have been formally notified to Congress. Advertisement The congressional notifications included a variety of anti-tank munitions including 409 Raytheon Co and Lockheed Martin Corpmade Javelin missiles worth as much as US$129 million, two of the sources said.

In addition, the notifications included 1,240 TOW anti-tank missiles worth as much as US$299 million, one of the sources said adding that there were also 250 stinger missiles worth as much as US$223 million in the notification. Stingers are often used in man-portable anti-aircraft weapons systems. In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration rolled out a long-awaited overhaul of U.S. arms export policy aimed at expanding sales to allies, saying it would bolster the American defense industry and create jobs at home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

Presidential pardons

PRESIDENT David Granger has continued his tradition of routinely pardoning young people as well as women who have been incarcerated for minor non-violent offences. He released two women recently for Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary and followed up with the pardoning of two students of the New Opportunity Corps earlier this week.

However, as is the case with most decisions made by this government, there have been attempts to drill holes into the action of the president purely for political spin with persons revisiting the crimes committed by the now-pardoned inmates.

President Granger himself has explained time and again that careful consideration is given to persons who benefit from this presidential action.

It is clear that he understands both the social and political implications for such actions

and has been granting these pardons in a most careful way since he started. Unlike his predecessor, Donald Ramotar, who had pardoned a child-killer and when asked about it, said he was unaware that the relatives of the victim were still grieving. President Granger has used this constitutional prerogative to give young people and mothers a second chance at life.

In fact, very early in his presidency, he was unequivocal in his conviction that “young people should be in school and not in jail.”

Society will now be expected to do its part in accepting those inmates that are well-deserving back into its fold, minus the traditional discrimination that is so well known. All agencies ought to be part of this exercise, beginning at a time of a new dispensation, and a similar horizon beckons, by giving those pardoned a chance at

rehabilitation.

All the prisoners pardoned thus far were in jail for committing non-violent offences. In the case of those at the NOC, most of the children there are serving time for wandering and other petty offences. In the initial stages of this programme, the Guyana Bar Association and other organisations had called for the release of the names and photographs of the inmates; the administration has heeded this call and has since been providing details of the crime committed by the inmates, as well as their names and photographs.

A prison, also known as a correctional facility or jail, is a facility in which inmates are forcibly confined and denied a variety of freedoms under the authority of the State. That prison is a foreboding place is uncontested. Its location, usually away from population centres

by many miles (the Camp Street Prison, built in colonial times, is an exception); its very structure, characterised by unusually high walls that are mostly topped by razor wire and with strategically placed watch towers with armed guards who command an all-encompassing view of its external environment.

It is a reminder that the inhabitants within those walls have had to be placed there, set apart from the normal mix of society, for crimes against the laws of the land.

People are sent to prison for two reasons: to be punished for their crimes and to be rehabilitated. But as we know, prisoners are categorised on account of the type of offence committed. These are usually from the minor offenders and those categorised as not dangerous, to the most extreme of the latter.

It is a fact that there are prisoners who are so dan-

gerous that they will never taste the sweet air of freedom again. Such has been determined by the law that society has to be kept safe from this type. There is yet another that has been made to serve very lengthy sentences, as a result of the horrendousness/ serious nature of the crime committed. These will have a release date, based on the length of sentence. And there is still another group: those in incarceration as guests of the State whose sentences are not so lengthy. For them, looking forward to liberty is as much anticipated as the sun that will rise on the next day, because of a short sentence.

It is a given that our kind of society which has its socio-moral underpinnings and values mostly influenced by its colonial experience, has always emitted a jaundiced and prejudiced view as to those who become guests of the State. It is no different in

the former British colonial territories that now constitute CARICOM. In this milieu, many perceive prisoners, whether incarcerated for a minor or major infraction of the law, as persons who are stamped with the mark of outcasts. We describe these as the “bread and water” treatment perception of prison and prisoners, reminiscent of the colonial mindset. So we must now ask the pivotal question – should not those who offend, and have been made to serve their time or pardoned, not be given a second chance on their return to society?

To view pardons with suspicion, as antithetical and even threatening to society, is to adopt a shortsighted and parochial attitude to a programme even as we urge that such acts be seen as a way to recognise the redemptive power of the justice system.

Lewis accuses Freddie of illegally taping persons

Dear Editor Reference is being made to Frederick Kissoon’s letter, “Ludicrous for Lewis to say that I am behind industrial dispute at UG” (SN, June 4, 2019).

Freddie is right that there is an industrial dispute at the University of Guyana (UG). What there is also is a “confusion” created by his machinations and interference which he denies by claiming not to be in touch with the trade union leaders on campus. But it is this same Freddie, while making these claims, in another writing of his on the UG declared that, “last year [he] facilitated a meeting with the two UG unions” and a “senior Cabinet Minister” (KN: May 21, 2019).

Kissoon has no locus standi in the UG but even the deaf is aware that he has intimate interest not of a journalistic knowledge, but as an aggrieved worker kind in the institution, its management and affairs. Whilst this interest may appear to be covered by him in writing as a columnist, no one with an iota of analytical reasoning, even those who didn’t

read Gramsci, can deny the destructive, self-serving nature of it.

He is still bearing the angst of his services being terminated. After all, this man thinks a lot about himself, as an academic and intellectual, and feels that he has a right to remain in the employ of the UG for as long as he desires, and perform, as he desires, without interruption or sanction. It is a pity he didn’t stop to study the rules of performance and deliver, with an unblemished record, to the UG what he was being paid for. He who claims to know what everybody must be doing, what principles they are not following, what rules they must follow or are breaking is never interested in understanding what rules he must follow and what he must do. Had he done so he might have still been employed at the university.

Like everything else, misery likes company. So Freddie seeks to inform readers about performance issues he claims to have been told about me. I challenge him now to put every single issue that he heard about my performance in the public right now. Let us talk.

Let him expose everything

he said he has been told including my undemocratic behaviour that he speaks about. His manner of adding names, left, right and centre in his responses are no validation of any of his claim and as an academic he should know this. I noticed whilst he sought in his usual divisive manner to be referencing names of associates at the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Vice-President Eon Andrews, he has not said what Andrews said. If it was of consequence he would not have missed the opportunity to extol.

I have chosen to respond to Kissoon not because I have nothing else to do or nothing better to do, but enough is enough, and I am not prepared to sacrifice my years of work and reputation or the GTUC’s, for a bitter and disgruntled worker who seems to have refused to move on from the UG and out of the limelight on this issue. This is a person with a fixation who is compelled to create and engage in destructive, often nasty little writings and gossips, as an esteem-booster and validation of academic prowess.

This is a person who demon-

strates very little professionalism and ethics, unknowingly, possibly illegally, taping persons in innocent conversations. In the day-to-day village parlance, we have a saying, suggesting that there are some people who, if you are having a private elimination, when you see them coming you have to stop and cover the spot, because even matters of nature, that they are not excused from, will become gossip.

In his desperation to prove that the no-confidence vote (NCV), which I addressed, making it very clear of my and the GTUC’s response to the matter which can easily be proven by releases to the media and a scripted speech from which I spoke on Labour Day, did not serve him well. In his retort, he claimed that he was there at the rally and heard me “proclaiming that 44 votes should be required to pass an NCV.” Such a claim represents the desperation he must be feeling from my responses or to label me by any means necessary.

The position taken by me, that was translated in the Demerara Waves, May 1, 2019 head-

line, “Oil money must fund free education, healthcare; no-confidence passage must require 44 lawmakers – GTUC General Secretary” must have fooled Freddie into believing what he wants to believe. Said headline represents an interpretation of my address that stated, “We of the Guyana Trades Union Congress calls for immediate amendment to Article 106(6) of the Guyana Constitution to allow for at least two-thirds or 60 per cent votes of all members of the National Assembly for a no-confidence vote to be passed. This is important to circumvent the risk of one vote in the National Assembly swaying the will of the people.”

The record of the GTUC and I on matters surrounding the confidence motion are public and thank God for electronic archival data the world can see. This is the behaviour of dishonest analyst or propagandist who seeks to influence the minds of others in a distorted way. This is the behaviour that makes our nation venerable for it is used against leaders, institutions and people not to advance Guyana’s devel-

opment but to create division.

The distortion is not academic but represents a warp mindset, driven to create division, tension and chaos.

My wife is Mrs. Minette Bacchus Lewis. Freddie conjured a lie to put her name in the public domain that I claimed he “insulted” her. I reassure him had this been done she is quite capable of responding to him appropriately.

In his own writing convolution, in the last sentence of paragraph four he claimed, “I have not engaged her” but revealed his dishonesty or amnesia in the first line of paragraph five where he stated, “I can remember only once engaging her….” It is clear that this academic sees, hears and believes what he wants to, whenever he wants to. In closing, I anticipate his response and it will not be spared, and hopefully he is not thinking that he will be given an unfair advantage in the media, which he was not allowed in another media, because he first attacked me.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

A bright star has been eclipsed Dear Editor A BRIGHT star has been eclipsed. When a comrade falls in the struggle, whether it is as the result of natural causes or otherwise, it is an unwelcome moment, and one for deep reflection, particularly when that comrade has had a profound influence on shaping one’s individual politics and life.

Sister Andaiye is such a person. In many ways, she had contributed significantly to shaping my politics and life. I am indebted to her for deepening my understanding of the application of theory and practice relative to the struggle for political and social liberation.

Her emphasis on the need to pay special attention to gender and child rights created an indelible impression on me.

My activism in ASCRIA in my youthful days had engendered in me “love” and appreciation for the historical African woman, and women in general. This activism had informed my world view on the important role women in Guyana, the Caribbean, Africa and the wider world played in humanising mankind.

However, it was in my many formal and informal discussions and debates with Sister Andaiye, in and out of the party’s organs, that I achieved new levels of consciousness on the marginalisation of women in the economic, social and political processes. On the issue of child rights, her advocacy broke new ground in Guyana and contributed to the WPA’s political world view on this issue.

There have been many excellent tributes paid to Andaiye’s activism by her contemporaries that have and will continue to highlight her multi-talented contributions to the nation, the Caribbean and beyond.

Her life, work and struggle have, deservedly, been well chronicled. Therefore, I will restrict my reflections to matters that will not readily be found in the public records.

I recall that about two years after the assassination of Walter Rodney, Andaiye forced a debate in the WPA executive, on the issue of “whether the Party is stronger now than during the period of Walter’s activism”. For readers to appreciate the significance of this debate, I am forced to offer the context. The high

point of WPA’s and Walter Rodney’s struggles against the then, Burnham dictatorial regime, was located in a three months period of intense daily protests, public meetings and mass demonstrations, mainly in Georgetown and the lower east coast of Demerara, which almost toppled the regime. This period became known as the “Civil Rebellion”.

During this period, the WPA started the process of transition to a political party which was completed after the assassination of Walter Rodney. In the post-Rodney phase, the party was better organised structurally, had developed many groups across the country and had organised many protests and notably, two nationwide days of rest that saw the economic and social life in Guyana come to a standstill. It is against this background that discussions in the party on the way forward were taking place. It is in this context that Andaiye forced the debate in the executive on whether the party at that time was stronger than during Rodney’s activism.

She was the leading advocate that the party, in spite of its significant or-

ganisational development, was not stronger, but was in fact weaker. I was strongly opposed to her position and argued that the party was now stronger. Years later when events demonstrated the correctness of Andaiye’s position, in the spirit of WPA’s political culture I conceded, both privately and publicly, to her superior understanding of the party situation in the debate. Readers will, I hope, forgive this necessary digression.

The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry occasioned the opening of WPA’s archive. I pointed to the importance the party’s leadership, at the time, placed on relying on a public defence for its security as against a military defence. I mentioned the important role played by Sister Andaiye and WPA women, under the stewardship of Andaiye, who had the responsibility for party propaganda, locally and internationally. It is our considered judgement that the efficient and effective manner in which this most important task was executed was responsible for the party not suffering more casualties.

Sister Bonita Harris,

Not a blade of grass or drop of oil

Dear Editor, Just one day before our 53rd Independence Anniversary, Kaieteur News carried a report that suggested giving up territory to Venezuela is no big deal. Apparently, University of Houston Instructor, Tom (not Tim) Mitro, felt qualified enough to deem our territorial dispute with Venezuela “not as large as it is being portrayed to be by some.” Even bolder, Mitro suggested that in an “extreme case” Guyana might yield 20 per cent of our discovered oil reserves to Venezuela to quell their complaints.

I’m unsure what strikes me more — the arrogance to minimise over 100 years of history or the gall to suggest that Guyana yielding its sovereign land would be an appropriate solution. Perhaps I’ll start with the most offensive detail: the

timing of it all. Mr. Mitro’s remarks came just one day before we celebrated 53 years of independence from colonial rule. To witlessly propose such an out of touch idea on the eve of a sacred holiday is a blatant slap in the face to all those who laboured, rallied and lobbied for our self-government.

Since he seems in need of it – allow me to dispense a history lesson and wisdom for Mr. Mitro, free of charge.

In 1899 there was an arbitral tribunal that clarified the borders between Guyana and Venezuela. Guyanese opinion that the award of Essequibo was full and final has remained since then; Venezuelan opinion challenging the award has also remained since then. With neither side budging – and for Guyana, rightfully so – the prolonged Guyana-Venezu-

ela border issue has festered.

However, amid its festering, the issue has remained between Venezuela and Guyana, with occasional ad hoc intervention from the International Court of Justice. As the University of Houston professor is neither of those parties, he has no business speaking on this issue.

While Mr. Mitro may be a self-ascribed industry consultant, his presumptions fail to consider the historical context, local sentiment, national sovereignty and, frankly, the appropriateness of inserting himself in this dialogue. Perhaps he felt emboldened by his close professional relationship with former Petroleum Adviser, Jan Mangal. It may not be well known, but Mr. Mitro spent over three decades of his professional career at Chev-

ron and that time overlapped with Mr. Mangal’s tenure at Chevron. To me, this is not a coincidence. Suddenly, a random professor from Texas has an opinion on how we should handle our sovereign land and approach production sharing agreements that are already signed, sealed and delivered?

This smacks of Mr. Mangal and their existing comradery makes it all the more obvious.

My advice for Mr. Mitro is to leave the matters of national security and sovereignty to the people of Guyana and mind the business that pays him because the people of Guyana are not, and we don’t need him butting in with out of touch opinions.

Regards Clement Smith

for many years, held at her residence, an annual New Year social attended by her relatives, friends and WPA comrades. At one of those events, to my surprise, one of the guests was a daughter of President Burnham.

I remember sometime later raising the issue with Andaiye and what it meant in light of the accusations being made about who was responsible for the assassination of Walter Rodney.

Andaiye pondered for a brief moment and made a gesture that indicated neither agreement nor disapproval. I did not press the issue. From my knowledge of how WPA women operated whether in or out of the party, the decision to invite the daughter of Burham to Bonita’s social was not by accident. It was an indication that the women were reaching across party lines. My judgement is this had the blessings or at least the non-objection of Andaiye.

In the run-up to the Walter Rodney CoI, Andaiye and I began to discuss how to deal with the inquiry to ensure the outcome we all wanted. Later Mr. Chris Ram, after volunteering his service as counsel, joined the discussions. It

was under Andaiye’s guidance that we worked out the strategy and tactics which led to a successful outcome at the inquiry.

In concluding this tribute to our beloved Sister, Comrade and “Mother” of the WPA, Co-founder of Red Thread, Founder of the Guyana Cancer Society etc. etc. etc. we collectively and individually mourn the irreplaceable loss of an iconic figure who led by example.

To all of us in the WPA, Red Thread and all the members of the other organisations whose lives she touched and affected by her humanity, I want to say to you Andaiye’s passing, difficult as it is to endure, is something which we must all accept as an inevitable moment and to use her examples as the cornerstone of our own efforts at improving the lives of people, particularly the most downtrodden in societies.

ANDAIYE LIVES! As long we continue the struggle. Farewell comrade.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

Dumping rubbish in the Essequibo River Dear Editor, I am on the Essequibo River almost every weekend on my boat between Parika and Bartica, visiting my Resort near to Bartica. On every journey without fail, within about eight miles downriver of Bartica, I encounter an increasing amount of rubbish dumped in the river by the Bartica community, including plastic boxes, plastic bottles, and, worst of all, paper wrapping, which, if caught it a boat’s propeller, can do extensive damage and even cause an accident.

Our President has recently made much of the ‘Green State Development Strategy’ and we celebrate World Ocean Day 2019 which the GTA will be marking by planned cleanup on the Georgetown Seawall. When, may I ask, are we going to apply these admirable and high sounding strategies in the simplest and most practical terms by cleaning up our act as a people and in our communities?

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

CDB predicts economic growth for the Caribbean

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jun 5, CMC –The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says despite forecast of deceleration in global economic activity, the 2019 economic outlook for its borrowing member countries (BMCs) is positive, predicting economic growth of more than two per cent.

In its 2018 Annual Report released at the start of the bank’s 49th Annual Board of Governors Meeting, the CDB said the world gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to decline to 3.5 per cent this year, from 3.7 per cent in 2018, and blamed various situations like Britain’s continued efforts to leave the European Union and the economic slowdown in China.

The CDB, the region’s premier financial institution, said that the Caribbean’s exposure to these risks is high as is its vulnerability to weather-related events.

It said in addition, some institutional weaknesses need to be addressed to improve delivery of critical economic and social projects. “Nevertheless, GDP is projected to rise by 2.1 per cent as construction, tourism, and the extractive industries, such as gold and oil, expand.”

The CDB said that Bar-

bados is the only BMC in which economic activity is not expected to increase in 2019 and that ongoing fiscal retrenchment is expected to cancel out strong tourism performance. “There is upside risk, the realisation of which will depend on the timing of planned private sector projects and increased demand for financial services resulting from strengthening investor confidence.”

It said in the case of Grenada, the island is projected to grow the fastest, with increases in all of its main sectors, especially construction and tourism. These two sectors will also continue to be significant contributors to performance elsewhere.

Hotel capacity in Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands should be closer to the levels before the 2017 hurricanes. Improved project implementation will help the reconstruction effort in Dominica. In these and other BMCs, ongoing public and private reconstruction will be complemented by new developments, including a medical facility in St. Kitts and Nevis, and expansion of the Cayman Enterprise City in the Cayman Islands,” the CDB said.

It said in Jamaica, productivity-enhancing reforms and public investments un-

dertaken as part of the government’s reform programme are expected to contribute to rising domestic demand. At the same time, improvements in agricultural productivity will boost incomes.

In Haiti, additional investment and a more competitive exchange rate will raise the level of activity in the textile industry. Private consumption should be buoyed by a consistent and high level of workers’ remittances from abroad. Expansion in construction is projected for Guyana, as the country continues to prepare for 2020.

The CDB said commercial oil production will potentially lead to double-digit rates of growth in the medium term, and to significant hikes in government revenue.

“It could also have negative effects, such as marginalising other productive industries. Careful stewardship of the oil revenues will be necessary to ensure that Guyana’s development priorities can be addressed.

Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund is designed to ensure that such stewardship takes place.”

The CDB is predicting that the elevated activity in Guyana will push up demand for diesel from nearby Suriname, where prospects for further investment in that

country’s own oil industry are favourable. However, oil production will temporarily be negatively impacted by maintenance operations.

In Trinidad and Tobago, natural gas production will increase as the new Angelin project comes on stream.

Overall, the CDB said that in 2018, economic performance in the Caribbean was set against a background of slowing global activity.

Regional GDP increased by 1.9 per cent compared with 0.5 per cent in 2017. Fiscal performance varied, and public debt as a percentage of GDP fell in over half of the BMCs. The region is expected to grow by 2.1 per cent in 2019 as traditional industries expand; but in many BMCs the balance of risks is tilted to the downside. Mitigating these risks will continue to require improved resilience on many levels in order to ensure sustainable and inclusive development, the bank noted.

Last year, many Caribbean countries continued the process of rebuilding infrastructure, following the extreme weather events of 2017. Hurricanes Irma and Maria had affected 10 BMCs to differing extents. Significant hotel damage in Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands meant fall-offs in tourist arrivals of almost 40 and 50 per cent, respectively.

As a result, the Anguillian economy contracted, while expansion in the Virgin Islands was mainly on account of buoyant business and financial services activity. The other eight BMCs affected by these hurricanes also recorded higher levels of GDP, as reconstruction activity complemented improved tourism performance.

The fastest growing economy in 2018 was Grenada, which also achieved a fiveyear average annual GDP increase of at least five per cent, due to sustained strong performance in construction, tourism, private education and agriculture. In tourism, overnight visitor arrivals were up by more than 10 per cent compared to 2017. This was also the case in Belize (14.6 per cent) and Cayman Islands (10.7 per cent).

Tourism performance also improved in The Bahamas, where the delayed Baha Mar resort was at full capacity for the first full calendar year,; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

The CDB said that these

BMCs also recorded increased construction activity, mostly in the form of investment in public infrastructure, but also new tourist developments. Anguilla and Barbados were the only two countries to experience a fall in real GDP in 2018.

Anguilla’s performance was linked directly to the adverse effects of the 2017 hurricane. Despite modest gains in its tourism sector, Barbados also reported a decline in output. This contraction was attributed to a fall in construction output, and to the implementation of fiscal austerity measures related to the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan, the Government’s fiscal consolidation programme. Among the commodity exporting countries, rising oil prices drove growth in Suriname and in Trinidad and Tobago.

In Suriname there was also increased investment in the oil sector, predominantly in pre-exploration activity.

In Trinidad and Tobago, manufacturing of petroleum and chemical products rose. Buoyant gold prices also benefitted Suriname, although there was little change in production. Economic expansion in Guyana was linked mainly to construction activity, in advance of the start of commercial oil production in 2020. However, gold extraction fell, due to declining declarations by small and medium-scale miners who faced higher fuel and operational costs. Agricultural output also dropped, reflecting a significant fall in sugar production as restructuring of the industry continued.

Agricultural production expanded in Belize, Haiti and Jamaica. In Belize, fisheries production was lower than the previous year, due to ongoing problems in the disease-affected shrimp industry. Manufacturing contracted in Belize with notable falls in production of juices and soft drinks. A more stable industrial climate helped manufacturing to grow by 1.2 per cent in Haiti.

Fiscal performance varied across the region. Debt as a percentage of GDP decreased in 13 BMCs, but the ratio exceeded the international benchmark of 60 per cent in 11 countries. Public finances in some BMCs continued to be affected by the fallout from the 2017 hurricanes. Tax revenues fell in Anguilla, while expenditure, much of it related

to recovery, rose. In Antigua and Barbuda, rising public expenditure was accompanied by lower non-tax revenues, especially from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme. Indeed, it was only in St. Kitts and Nevis that CBI revenues rose, following the launch of a new fund in late 2017, the CDB noted. In Grenada, the fiscal position continued to improve, reflecting strengthened expenditure management and tax compliance.

Sustained economic growth contributed to better fiscal performance in Suriname and in Trinidad and Tobago. A tax amnesty in Guyana raised additional revenues amounting to one per cent of GDP. As part of the first stage of Barbados’ economic recovery programme, debt restructuring and fiscal restraint contributed to a higher primary surplus. Debt interest payments were lower, and there were reductions in transfers and subsidies, particularly to state-owned enterprises. Corporate tax receipts were up; and new taxes were introduced. Belize also recorded a primary surplus, attributable to revenue enhancement measures taken to meet the targets agreed with creditors as part of its 2017 debt restructuring programme. Most of these measures were amendments to excise duties and to general sales tax to reduce avoidance and improve compliance.

External positions improved in most BMCs, as did the level of foreign reserves.

The current account situation strengthened in Suriname and in Trinidad and Tobago due to higher oil and gas prices. Suriname’s external position also benefitted from rising gold prices. The CDB said that these developments helped the external reserves position to rise above the international benchmark of three months of imports.

External loan disbursements improved the reserves position in Barbados.

There were current account deficits in Belize, Guyana and Jamaica, on account of increasing imports, particularly fuel.

The deficits were partly funded by foreign direct investment. Notwithstanding, there was a drawdown on foreign reserves in these three BMCs. “While still comfortably above the three months benchmark in Jamaica, foreign reserves were closer to this threshold than in the other two BMCs,” the CDB reported.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

Use natural resources to propel GSDS  former BP President urges Guyana

By Vishani Ragobeer

FORMER President of BP Asia-Pacific and China and Professor at the Arizona State University, Gary Dirks, has opined that Guyana should exploit its abundant natural resources to propel its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

According to Dirks, the energy sector globally is under tremendous pressure to evolve due to multitude of new technologies, new entrants and new expectations.

“Climate change is an ex-

First Lady’s mother dies

traordinary driver of change,” he said, adding that there is no doubt that climate change is a real phenomenon.

The occurrence of higher rates of climate change, particularly in warming the earth, has led to governments considering alternative and renewable pathways of energy, such as hydropower and solar energy.

Soon enough, he opined that the energy system will have to be pushed to net zero emissions, instead of the 100 per cent renewable energy.

“We will be required to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which will come with a price tag,” Dirks

9

Lucky break

Former President of BP Asia-Pacific, and China and Professor at the Arizona State University, Gary Dirks

posited, adding: “Carbon taxes are coming and anybody that is thinking and planning for energy, needs to take that into account.”

Currently, in the Development Strategy: Vision 2040, of the GSDS, infrastructural development encompasses power generation from renewable energy sources, as a key driver of the economic transformation.

“Energy is the lifeblood of any economy, no matter how big or how small it is, but you don’t produce energy for its own sake, you produce it for what it can do,” he said, noting that the energy sector must be affordable, reliable

and accessible.

According to him, because of the wealth of natural resources available, beyond oil and gas, Guyana can use these resources to push its “green development strategy”.

“There is an extraordinary opportunity for the country to use the [natural] resources that you have to stimulate a broader growth in the economy, and the economy of Guyana must grow and the economy of the world must grow,” Dirks said.

With oil revenues coming on stream, he said the country will be in a better position to propel the GSDS, which will in turn drive the economy.

THE Ministry of the Presidency has announced the death of Mrs. Edith Cecily ChanA-Sue nee Pierre, the mother of First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger.

Mrs. Chan-A-Sue died Wednesday morning at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital. She was 94 years old.

The Ministry of the Presidency mourns with the First Lady, President David Granger, their relatives and friends, a brief release stated.

Ashaka King

PROPRIETOR of Pieces & Things Boutique, Ashaka King, who was charged with stealing a quantity of Brazilian hair and other items had the $300,000 simple larceny charge against her dismissed on Wednesday.

King, 28, was before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the matter was dismissed owing to the virtual complainant’s refusal to offer evidence.

The charge alleged that King, on March 16,2018 at North Road, Lacytown, stole 20 packs of Brazilian hair and three hair caps along with cash totalling $349,000, the property of Allan Lewis.

On April 5,2019, King was charged and released on $50,000 bail after pleading not guilty to the charge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

MMA/ADA four-door sluice at D’Edward 60% complete WORKS are moving apace on the $414M four-door sluice at D’Edward Village on the West Bank of Berbice, Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice).

Works on the critical drainage infrastructure are almost 60 per cent completed.

The contractor for the four-door sea sluice for the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited (CBCSL), which is being supervised

by E&A Consultants Incorporated in the execution of the works.

Manager for Drainage and Irrigation Services at MMA/ADA, Mahendranath Ramjit, said earlier this week

that the contractor had completed the floor with installation of the concrete slabs and piles and other elements of the base and is currently constructing the walls of the sluice bringing it to about 60 per cent complete.

He said that casting of the walls and the revetments, as well as the construction of the gantry beams, are the major works that are required to complete the project for the November deadline. The four-door sluice is being constructed not far from the three-door sluice, which has been in existence for over fifty years and will replace that ageing structure.

General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Aubrey

Works are moving apace on the $414M four-door sluice at D’Edward Village

Charles, recently explained that the new sluice would enhance drainage of all residential areas and agricultural lands along the coast between the Abary and Berbice Rivers, known as the Abary/ Berbice Sub-Region of Region 5.

The construction will provide enhanced drainage for more than 10,000 acres of land in the Abary/ Berbice during inclement weather. “The completion and operations of this sluice will boost farmers’ confidence in the drainage system and encourage them to be more productive; Agri production will greatly benefit in Region 5,” Charles said.

DDL urges US to reallocate sugar quotas …USTR 2019 allocation targeted non-producing Caribbean states

WITH Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis closing down its sugar industry, Chairman of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo, is urging the United States to reallocate the tariff rate quota it announced for these countries this year to states to Caribbean states that are still producing sugar.

The tariff rate quota announced by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for 2019 for individual countries included 7,371 tonnes for Trinidad & Tobago and 7,258 tonnes for St Kitts & Nevis.

“Interestingly, these countries have ceased sugar production quite some time ago. A case could be made to reallocate these quotas to countries in the Region, which are still producing sugar,” Samaroo told a gathering at Capitol Hill during a forum to celebrate Caribbean Legislative Week on Wednesday.

Samaroo said this is particularly relevant in light of the movement towards a CARICOM Single Market and Economy that will eventually allow for free movement of people within the Region. “Today, I take this opportunity to urge the United States, through its Members of Congress and officials of the Executive Branch, to work with the CARICOM Region to have these country-specific tariff quotas transferred into a regional quota,” he told the forum.

Earlier this week, the Sugar Association of the Caribbean stated in a press release

that presently, more than twothirds of sugar consumed in CARICOM comes from extra-regional sources, duty free, displacing market opportunity for over 200 thousand metric tonnes of CARICOM sugar, which is forced onto the low value global market.

The association urged policy changes, noting that these are required to secure the integration of the sugar market within the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME).

“A failure to achieve this threatens a major agricultural sector of the Region’s economy, hundreds of thousands of Caribbean jobs and questions the effectiveness of the single market in meeting its stated objectives.” The regional body said CARICOM industries investments are set to deliver to market nearly 300,000 metric tonnes of food grade sugar within the next 18 months, matching the Region’s demand. According to SAC Chairman, R. Karl James, “SAC Directors are squarely focused on how regional integration can benefit industrial users and consumers of sugar through competitive longer-term pricing strategies, which are not directly impacted by cyclical global sugar price surges.” James continued, “Utilisation of our sugar in most of our products would reduce this risk alongside the processing and import costs associated with importing sugar from outside the Region. This would bring CARICOM in line with other regional sugar markets.”

END OF SUGAR PROTOCOL Meanwhile, giving a background of the crisis in the

rum was served as part of a daily ration to the men who served on the British Royal Navy, until that practice end-

Congressman Anthony Brown (left) in conversation with DDL Chairman, Komal Samaroo and Wesley Kirton

industry, Samaroo noted that in recognition of its importance to the Region, sugar was the subject of special trade arrangements until just over a decade ago (2006) when the EU Sugar Protocol ended. He told the gathering that the USA imports sugar on a duty-free basis from the Caribbean countries under the tariff-rate quotas established in 1990 by the Farm Bill.

RUM INDUSTRY Samaroo said the most lasting impact of the sugar industry in the Caribbean was the creation of the regional Rum Industry. He said that for over three centuries the Region has been producing rum from the molasses by-product of sugar production, shipping bulk rum to Europe where it was bottled branded and sold.

From 1745, for 225 years,

ed on July 31, 1970.

According to him, from 1975 to 2000, the Caribbean exported rum to the EU under the Rum Protocol of the Lome’ Convention, a trade and aid agreement between the European Union and the African Caribbean and Pacific States. In addition, from January 1, 1984, under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), rum from the Region benefitted from duty-free access to the US market. “We support the extension of CBERA. It enabled our initial market access into the US and continues to provide a valuable preference against third country low-value products, which often originate in countries where the raw material inputs are subsidised, leading to artificially low product pricing,” Samaroo told the forum. He

said the US Rum Market is dominated by supplies from USVI and Puerto Rico to the extent of about 80 per cent of total market as these territories benefit from the Rum Excise Tax Cover-Over that provided for generous support and subsidies.

CHALLENGING OUTLOOK Noting that the outlook of Caribbean rum brands in the US market remains challenging, Samaroo said the region’s strategy is directed at the premium and super premium segment of the market and this is where there has been some success. “But these segments are small and still developing requiring significant investment to keep it growing. As a whole, however, our total branded volume has not grown substantially over the past decade and our bulk rum business, so important in financing our brand building, has plummeted in the face of tremendously subsidised products.”

In addition, he said there is a plethora of new brands entering the market, some with very dubious provenance. “We also see a dramatic increase in the trade of ethyl alcohol and worry that this is finding its way into rum in violation of international trade rules. Our response to these challenges has been to present ourselves as quality premium products. Our products have authentic provenance, they are fermented and distilled in the country of origin, and we follow common rules and

regulations as to what can be called rum. Rum has become the Region’s largest agriculture-based export earner, in the face of significant reduction in earnings from sugar which has been facing major marketing and production challenges. For example, in Guyana, based on information in the 2018 Central Bank report, while in 2016 export earnings from sugar was two times that of rum, in 2018 sugar earned only 56 per cent of what the rum industry earned from exports.“ Touching the Region’s economy, Samaroo said there is need to broaden the base on the regional economy, noting that the agriculture potential must be fully exploited, and investments made in agro-processing so as to move higher up the value chain. He said similar strategies must be pursued in the forestry and mineral sectors. “The newly emerging oil and gas industry in Guyana would most certainly provide an increased revenue stream, which, once well managed, can help to create a competitive environment for the other sectors of the economy to develop in a sustainable manner, becoming globally competitive, and contributing to growth and improvement in the quality of life of its people.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

‘Exercise Rattrap’ to address internal threats

A mock raid and arrest carried out during Exercise Rattrap

THE cadets currently undergoing training on the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Standard Officer Course, Number 51, suc-

cessfully completed “EXERCISE RATTRAP” at Watooka, Linden.

Exercise Rattrap is an internal security training

exercise designed to prepare troops for any internal threat. The exercise culminated with a cordon and search drill.

11

The procedures of arrest done during the training

Inspector General, Colonel Trevor Bowman, was on hand for the exercise. At the conclusion, he told the troops that their training was essen-

tial as the Force always needs to be ready to respond to any internal threat at short notice.

He urged them to remain professional and

congratulated them on their successful completion of this final exercise before their promotion to ensigncy.

Exxon, others investing at Wales Estate

By Tamica Garnett OIL giant ExxonMobil has been leased lands at the Wales Estate to build a wharf and to establish a manufacturing plant at West Bank Demerara, being one of a number of investors set to do projects at the former sugar estate.

Over 200 acres of land of the 8,352 acres of lands at the Wales Estate has been set aside for an “industrial park”, of which Exxon has already surveyed some 50 acres for their project.

Another company is also scheduled to set up a juice processing plant while another will be setting up a coconut farm and processing plant.

The projects are being done as part of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU) diversification of the former sugar estate, which closed in December 2016.

Exxon will be setting up the wharf on the eastern side of the public road, which is expected to stretch along the Demerara river shoreline from as far as the estate’s former wharf, all the way to the Wales Community Centre Ground.

The Exxon project could get off

Oil giant Exxon Mobil has been leased lands at the Wales Estate to build a wharf (Delano Williams photo)

the ground within a few months.

This was confirmed by Officer-in-Charge of the Wales Estate, Charles Browne.

“It’s basically a done deal. Exxon, in partnership with a local business, is setting up a factory for the fabrication of pipes and valves, and other components to use out in the ocean. They will be doing that right here. With them being here setting this up, they don’t want to use the bridge so that’s why they had to get a wharf. It will stretch a long way,” Browne explained.

He added: “The preparations are in place, they visited three times. I

know the surveyor has already surveyed the industrial plot for them, 50 acres of it. And on their last visit two or three weeks ago, they were examining where they would enter with these big container trucks and I also know they already have a drawing for the wharf.”

Works at the plant is expected to begin in the not-too-distant future.

“They didn’t give a finishing period but they gave starting information. As soon as they sign the lease they would bring contractors to start land clearing and come with specialised machinery to level and compact the land, which could hap-

pen at the end of June, but it would be weather dependent.”

The diversification of the Wales Estate is currently being conducted by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) under their Special Purpose Unit (SPU) Under the ‘Sugar Industry Privatisation and Diversification’, NICIL invited expression of interest for lands at the Wales Estate, which closed in December 2016.

A number of companies, both local and overseas, have come forward and submitted proposals.

“You can practically say all

of the land has been provisionally allocated, which means that some of the people are not yet on stream but persons have sent in their expression of interest and it has been approved. There have been applications from many people both local and overseas,” Browne noted.

“Normally, they come in, they have the land surveyed. They pay the surveying fees and then they take possession of the land, signing their agreement. There are some overseas people that still need to come in and finalise, but they were here several times already so we know they’re serious but some have already begun.”

Aside from Exxon Mobil, most of the industrial park lands are being leased to companies that have already leased lands in the estates. At least one such company has already shipped a number of components for their plant to Guyana.

“For the juice processing plant that will be set up, some of the equipment are already here at Wales but just haven’t been set up. One container has already reached and four more arrived last Monday. They’re trying to set up the factory and get going by the time the next dry weather comes around which is around September-October,” Browne explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

GPL working around the clock to solve electricity woes …Giftland, Banks DIH being courted for power THE damaged submarine cable linking the Vreed-enHoop and Kingston power stations, hampered by two generators which are being repaired at the latter unit and the absence of an adequate back-up system, are the main causes of power

problems in recent days in the city and its environs.

At the same time, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is working around the clock to cushion the effects of these factors with a number of interventions.

Also, the power company

is engaging two local companies-- Banks DIH Limited and Gift Land- to source additional power for the national grid, mainly for the peak time at evening hours.

GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, flanked by senior officials of

From left: Bharat Harjohn, the company’s Divisional Director –Operations; CEO Albert Gordon and Divisional Director –Projects, Ryan Ross at Wednesday’s press briefing.

the power company, told the media on Tuesday at a press briefing at the company’s Duke Street offices, that GPL recognizes the shortfalls and apologizes to the public.

At the moment, there is a shortfall of 10MW of power. “As of now, on the East Demerara side, we have about 90 megawatts of power available to us and we have to satisfy a demand of 100 megawatts, so there is a shortfall of about 10 megawatts. With that shortfall, we have introduced some load-shedding activities and we have the schedule being done on a daily basis,” said Bharat Harjohn, the company’s Divisional Director –Operations.

The power company sources power predominantly from the Vreed-en-Hoop substation which has a capacity to provide 26MW of power. Of this figure, 12MW is utilized in the West Demerara area while the additional 14MW is distributed on the East Demerara via Kingston.

As an immediate fix, Gordon said that GPL is working around the clock to fix one of the two generators at the Kingston Power Station; one has been down for scheduled maintenance while another needs a spare which is being sourced from overseas.

The power boss stated that within a week when the generator is fixed, it will be able to supply some 7.8MW of power to Kingston.

In addition, using a lower voltage cable, the company is hoping to source another 6MW of power from Vreeden-Hoop to boost its capac-

ity on the East Demerara.

Gordon said too that two additional generators from Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast are also expected to be brought down to boost the power capacity here.

“We are really pushing to get things in place,” an optimistic Gordon related.

Another alternative the power company is pursuing is the sourcing of power from the two local companies.

The two significant potential suppliers-- Banks DIH and Giftland-- use heavy fuel oil and have the capacity to boost the power grid, Gordon informed the media.

Banks DIH installed a 10MW to boost their operations and Gordon said discussions were held with the company to provide GPL with power. He said while the beverage giant were not too enthusiastic, the power company is still hopeful. He said the power from Banks DIH would be required mostly for the evening. That is also the case with power from Giftland and he added that there are legal constraints regarding the sourcing of power from the latter. ”There are some legal constraints which the government is assisting us to work through,” Gordon said regarding Gitland, noting that there is also a price issue to be ironed out.

The price paid for fuel by the two companies is higher than what GPL pays, nevertheless, Gordon said negotiations are ongoing and at this point, an arrangement has been reached with Giftland, subject to an agreement. “We do intend to inter-connect,”

he said of the arrangement with the latter entity.

As regards fixing the submarine cable, the CEO said aside from ensuring the cable is fixed in the shortest time possible, the company has reached out to the contractor who laid the cable. He noted it would take a few weeks to rectify the problem there.

Ryan Ross, Divisional Director of Projects, said that the cable was expected to be raised from below the Demerara River yesterday, Wednesday, and he noted that divers have been exploring the cables length to determine the extremity of the problem.

He said that it would not be conclusive to cast blame on ships’ anchors for damaging the cable, but he noted that the channel is usually very busy and this may have been one of the contributing factors.

Meanwhile, GPL is working to curb electricity theft, another factor affecting its operations. Gordon said that losses have been reducing--30% to 28 % are the most recent figures-- and he noted that in addition to small areas, there are larger customers who may be robbing the company of power.

“We are lining our metering systems with our transformers,” he said, noting that this measure can help the company identify where it is losing power.

The CEO said GPL is still in a process of restructuring, since the company’s current structure remains ineffective and inefficient, to ensure the company really moves forward.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

Kwebanna Cassava Processing Factory completed THE wait for Moruca’s first Cassava Processing Factory is finally over now that the construction of the facility is completed.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and a team from the ministry, toured the facility recently.

Residents of Kwebanna, Moruca in the Barima-Waini Region will now benefit from this project since the initiative is slated to provide many opportunities for persons living in the district.

With the establishment of this new facility, more residents will get access to employment opportunities, while cassava farmers will have the advantage of being the suppliers of the factory.

The factory will produce cassava flour as the main

Cassava Processing Factory in Kwebanna, Moruca

product. After a thorough study conducted by the Kwebanna Farmers’ Cooperative, it was determined that the production of cassava flour would provide a great source

of income for farmers and vendors in the local markets.

In addition to the cassava flour, the factory will supply cassareep, starch and other cassava by-products.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe with residents at the recently completed factory

Persons working in the factory will be specially trained by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which will provide training

in processing. The Ministry of Business will provide training in packaging. The factory is a $26M investment by the government that catered to the clearing

and preparation of 30 acres of land, the purchasing of cassava sticks for planting and the construction of the factory. (DPI)

High Court dismisses petition for ownership of Mahaicony land LAND Court Judge Pricilla Chandra-Haniff dismissed Mohamed Kayum Hoosein’s petition to be granted a Declaration of Title for a property in West Mahaicony.

The property is said to be owned by the Alli siblings, who proved that they inherited the land from their parents.

The siblings; Zariena Alli, Mazum Alli Kudwah, Nasrat Alli, Faizul Alli, Rafeek Ally and Hassan Ali, were listed as the opposers on the court document.

According to the document seen by this newspaper, in September 2014, Hoosein filed the petition at the High Court, which outlined that he has been recognised as the absolute

The plot of land that was in dispute

and sole owner of the land and has been occupying it since 2001.

Since his occupation of the land, he has cleared it of weeds and bushes, fenced it, and planted several coconut

trees. In addition, Hoosein claimed he had been using the land to park his machines, hymac, bulldozers, tractors and other spares.

Hoosein even provided two sworn affidavits in sup-

port of his petition; however, the opposers filed notice saying that they are beneficiaries of the estate which belonged to Cecil Kudwah.

They alleged that Zariena Alli is the executrix of the estate of Cecil Kudwah who died on February 20, 2000, and was the owner of the piece of land for which Hoosein is claiming ownership.

The opposing affidavits also contended that the contents of Hoosein’s petition were false and that he knowingly and intentionally swore

falsely to deceive the court.

The siblings had several sworn affidavits to prove their case against Hoosein’s petition.

In dismissing Hoosein’s petition, Justice Chandra-Haniff noted that the court accepts as a finding of fact, that the petitioner’s trespass on the disputed land commenced in 2014 and not 2001 as alleged. This is supported by the trespass action filed by the opposers against the petitioner in 2014.

The judge said that the testimonies of the siblings

and their witnesses, were unshaken in cross-examination and they all maintained that Hoosein was not in occupation before 2014, and that there was no new fence; nor was there any machinery on the disputed property.

After hearing the petitioner’s evidence, the opposers’ evidence, the evidence of witnesses in support of the petition and opposition, the court found that the petitioner failed in making out his claim.

As such, the petition was accordingly dismissed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

More youths to join oil sector

…as TOTALTEC launches new round of recruitment programme

By Lisa Hamilton SOME 120 Guyanese youths will soon be inducted into the local oil and gas sector following another launch of the TOTALTEC Oilfield Services recruitment and training programme.

This time around, TOTALTEC is working along with the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) which will see a majority of the individuals, following the training, beginning the early part of their careers at GYSBI. On Wednesday, the first batch of individuals was introduced to the media at a press conference at TOTALTEC’s Oilfield Academy in Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Attending the briefing was TOTALTEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lars Mangal; TOTALTEC Manager, Joseph Singh; Petroleum Geologist at the Department of Energy, Marissa Foster and Minister of Natural Resources and patron of the programme, Raphael Trotman.

Among the batch embarking on the 6-8 weeks programme were two females, former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers, former bauxite mining workers and others.

Singh told the media that the company has received

Seated (from left) amongst the first batch of students for TOTALTEC’s most recent oil and gas training programme are: TOTALTEC Manager Joseph Singh; Minster of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Petroleum Geologist at the Department of Energy, Marissa Foster and TOTALTEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lars Mangal. (Samuel Maughn photos)

almost 1,000 applications for the training in the last two weeks.

However, there is a very rigorous but fair selection process out of which individuals are chosen from various industries, ethnicities and parts of the country.

Reflecting on the academy’s launching in 2018, Mangal said that the journey thus far has been challenging

but necessary to build capacity for the local oil and gas industry. “We have, over the last year, recruited, trained and found gainful employment for more than 100 Guyanese through his academy,” he said. He noted that the 120 students will all complete their training within the next four months.

Meanwhile, representing Head of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, Foster stated: “The Government of Guyana will continue to promote the participation and training of Guyanese at all stages of the value chain from the operating companies to their sub-contractors to the service providers as well. It is very important that persons develop skills that will not only support the sector but support our national development.”

Later, addressing the students directly, Trotman said that he is extremely happy and proud of the individuals who decided to be a part of the programme which has the potential to positively impact their lives.

“Some of you would have come out of sugar, some out of mining, some out of places that had nothing to do with oil and gas.

This is new to all of us but the fact that you stepping out as pioneers, we’ll be looking to you and you will set the standards for the decades and many, many years to come,” he said.

He also urged them to take the opportunity seriously as they have been spe-

Former teacher Savitree Melville

cially chosen out many others who would have applied.

Mangal reminded the students that the companies involved in the programme hold in high regard safety, quality and professional ethics. He urged them to go forward with the right attitude and determination throughout the training which will enable them to become professionals in the industry.

Speaking with the newspaper, Savitree Melville, one of the two females who are part of the programme, said that she saw a Facebook ad promoting the training which led her to take up the challenge.

Melville, 36 years old, was previously a teacher and a clerical worker but now she looks forward to a long career in Guyana’s newest sector.

“I’m waiting to embrace the opportunity,” she said.

“Growing up, I always had a passion for field work. Prior to this, there wasn’t anything

Former GuySuCo workers Santkumar Singh from the East Demerara Estate and Desmond Anderson from the Rose Hall Estate.

that caught my interest but this one definitely did because it’s a new industry.”

She also encouraged more women to apply for the programme, pointing out that the oil sector is not only geared towards men.

Nyima Jemmott said that she was once an aeronautical student but was unable to complete her studies due to financial challenges. She then saw an ad for the programme in the newspaper which led her to grab hold of the opportunity as a new path for her life. “I feel very grateful to be one of the women chosen and I do advise that other women come on board because we can do the same thing men do. I don’t know anything much about the sector but since it’s new to all Guyanese, I would love to be one of the pioneers on board,” the 28-year-old said.

Former GuySuCo workers, Desmond Anderson from

the Rose Hall Estate and Santkumar Singh from the East Demerara Estate, told this newspaper that they are excited to begin training in the new field.

“I want to better myself as an individual to be productive in society,” Singh said. “The oil and gas field is different compared to GuySuCo. It’s going to be challenging but it’s something that we’re willing to take on.”

Anderson stated: “This is all new to me; I am all eager about the training. I don’t know what it might entail but I’m willing and determined to learn something new.” The training programme is free and pays a “healthy” stipend, according to Joseph Singh, which is higher than salaries previously received by some of the individuals.

Any person of eligible age can apply to be a part of the training programme through TOTALTEC’s career website.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

Construction of Rupununi all-weather road network imminent …working group formed A ROAD which is expected to link several villages in the Rupununi is expected to come on stream soon, as a working group has been established to undertake discussion on the road’s fruition.

According to a release from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the road will ensure connectivity between Nappi and Yupukari and their respective satellite villages, and the second round of consultations with key stakeholders were held at the Amerindian Hostel in Lethem on Monday.

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, and Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker, engaged leaders from the respective villages and other key stakeholders as efforts intensify to ensure the more than three thousand residents living there, have access to improved road connectivity.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is funding the project with a budget of approximately $200M. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs stated that the group is scheduled to meet this coming weekend to agree on and finalise the route so work can commence from Nappi to Yupukari.

Minister Allicock, during Monday’s consultations, stressed the importance of cooperation among stakeholders since access to alternative roads can lend to a range of benefits for residents.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, as he addressed the gathering

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, as he addressed the gathering

A section of the gathering at the forum

“We have been supporting villages to have cottage industries, create products, do agriculture, it is for your own good, for the economic growth of your community so you need proper infrastructure in place, roads, bridges, drains,” he said.

Minister Trotman noted that there should be immediate movement with such an investment. “Things need to get done we could end up talking about this for another

five years or 10 years, so I am committed to working with not just Vice-President Allicock, but his brother, Chairman Allicock; Toshao’s, Councillors and all of you to get this project done. Let us not wait another three or four years, something may happen, the will may pass, so let’s get it done,” he said.

Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, commended the government on the project. He said the government gained

a plus, “for explaining to its people who are going to benefit from such an activity, for them to know how, when and whose doing it. So consultations are necessary and you heard from the chair that the people were happy.”

Nicholas Fredericks, Chair of the National Toshao’s Council, commended the initiative by the government.”We as Indigenous Peoples, in the past, have never had the opportunity to have

an input into developments like these and this shows that government and Indigenous Peoples can work together and especially at the national level. As the chairman this is what we want to see across the country,” he said.

The village of Toka is expected to be linked via the road and councilor, Eugene Isaacs, stated that “I don’t think we have much problem there because I was trying to push a road through to

Kwaimatta which was reasonably successful, we didn’t have a scraper and we were able to lift that road and make it almost accessible throughout the rainy season except the part that wasn’t completed and that is to show that with a little more lifting and with some gravel, definitely, a road can go through there at a cheaper cost.”

Nappi’s Toshao, Guy Fredericks, said getting the people involved in the discussion is a means forward. Karanambo’s Melanie Mc Turk, who supports the project idea, also held some reservations about the project including its passage through the Three Mile bush area.

Mc Turk explained that, “the Three Mile bush is our critical area, which is the largest bush in the entire Rupununi. When we talk about jaguars, agouti, capybara, the giant ant eater – all of which our tourism is dependent on – [even] our food supply, this area is a refuge and regeneration point for those species”.

The road network is expected to pass through the villages of Toka, Kwaimatta, Yupukari, Quatata, Kaicumbay, Fly Hill, Parishara, Hiawa and Karanambo. The Nappi to Lethem stretch has already been completed.

Engineer in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Gregory Williams, explained that the aim is not to just undertake the construction of the roads, but also protect the natural habitat, the aesthetic, agriculture and more so, avoiding encroaching on villages.

Nine senior NCOs, WOs complete drill instructors course Nine senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and warrant officers (WOs) who successfully completed Drill Instructors Course 2019-1 graduated on Tuesday at Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

According to a recent Facebook post, Staff Sergeant Glendon Aaron was adjudged Best Graduating Student, while the runner-up was

Graduates from Drill Course 2019-01

Sergeant Tyshon Bentick; Sergeant Kwame Reid received the Chief Instructor’s Prize for the Most Improved Student.

The course was intended to develop the technical competence of WOs and senior NCOs to enable them to plan, instruct and supervise all aspects of drill at all levels, in accordance with the Guyana Defence Force Drill Manual.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 6, 2019

NGOs distribute 1000 hampers in Berbice

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Saving Hands Emergency Aid, Inc. (SHEA) in collaboration with SDM Global Humanitarian Foundation (SDM GHFI) distributed 1000 food hampers to families, including displaced sugar estate workers throughout Berbice.

According to the organisation in a Facebook post, SHEA purchased 300 of the 1000 hampers, of which they personally distributed 115 in Edinburgh Scheme, East Bank Berbice, and 35 in Skeldon.

The Edinburgh batch included persons from New Amsterdam to Edinburgh and the Skeldon batch included persons from Savannah, Number 19 Village, and Skeldon. The remaining 150 of their 300 hampers were donated to SDM GHF for distribution in Canje.

“Sincere thanks to everyone who donated to this mission. Special thanks are also extended to all the on-ground volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this a successful event,” said SHEA. The organisation said it was approached by many persons who expressed their gratitude for the donation.

“There is a genuine need for charity in Guyana. We know there are some individuals who take advantage of charity services, but there is a need for assistance and if you’re in a position to help even one family, please help. Feed a family; sponsor education for a child; donate feminine hygiene products,” said SHEA. During the recent humanitarian trip to Berbice, the organisation was made aware of four children (all between the ages of five and nine years) who have been facing incredible struggles

Persons receiving hampers in Berbice (SHEA photo)

after a recent separation of their mother and father.

“We were told that the mother and four children were sleeping in cardboard boxes in a cemetery,” said

SHEA. The children’s mother begged for a piece of land in the cemetery and was able to put together a small wooden frame box to shelter her young family. The family has no food, clothes, running water, bathroom, and other basic necessities.

“When our volunteers visited, they were brought to tears and immediately got to work in assisting with meals and basic needs,” the organisation said.

SHEA made a commitment to assist the family. They pledged to find them a better home and to help sustain them for a few months until they can do better for themselves.

Teen gets six months for escaping lawful custody TROY Gasper was on Wednesday sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for escaping lawful custody while at the Ruimveldt Police Station.

Gasper,19, was sentenced by Magistrate Rhondel Weaver at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, where he was found guilty of the offence.

The court heard that on December 11, 2018, Gasper while being in custody at the Ruimveldt Police Sta-

Troy Gasper

tion pending a robbery-under-arms charge, escaped police custody.

According to reports, on the day in question Gasper was handcuffed and being prepared for arraignment at the city Magistrate's Court, when it is alleged that he “picked” the lock on the handcuffs and escaped.

The police however managed to re-arrest Gasper and charged him for the offence. The previous robbery charge was dismissed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

Saipem opens branch in Guyana

SAIPEM America’s Guyana branch will assist in shaping the future of the energy industry in Guyana as the company sees great potential here.

This is according to Chief Operations Officer (COO), Stefano Porcari, who unveiled the company’s Lot 225, New Market Street, Georgetown office on Wednesday.

Porcari thanked ExxonMobil for being part of the incredible journey.

“In my humble opinion, there are great opportunities for Guyana; there is a huge potential for growth. Saipem has been working around the world in many countries for more than 50 years,” the

COO said.

He said the company has brought its knowledge, resources, competencies, infrastructure skills and a developed supply chain to benefit Guyana.

“I know if we are working with competence, with courage, with passion as we have always done; we will succeed, and together with the community, partners, employees and stakeholders, I am sure we will build the future of the energy industry in this country,” Porcari said.

Saipem operates in more than 60 countries and has a presence in almost every oil and gas market around the world.

The company is decen-

Chief Operations Officer, Stefano Porcari

tralised, which allows it to better respond to local needs and sustainability challenges.

Wherever it works, Saipem contributes to the socio-economic development of the communities in which it operates.

Staff of Saipem America in front of the company’s new location at New Market Street, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

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170 co-op societies active THE Co-operatives Department has supported the revitalisation of 170 coops, and registered 68 new ones from 2016 to date as government pushes for the revitalisation of co-operative movement in Guyana Government sees co-ops as the third pillar of economic development. Some of the 170 societies were active but were not in compliance with the laws while some were dormant.

Head of the Co-operatives Department, Ministry of Social Protection, Perlina Gifth said non-compliant societies were guided towards becoming compliant while the dormant societies were resuscitated.

She added that there are various newly registered co-op societies.

“We have credit unions, manufacturing societies and different forms of agricultural societies such as chicken and sheep rearing, fish processing, block making, catering and baking among others,” Gifth said.

The Co-operatives Department is now pushing for the formation of the worker type co-op, which will significantly

Co-operatives Department Head, Perlina Gifth

contribute to employment.

Gifth noted that the worker type co-op is not a new initiative but one that has been non-existent for a number of years. When on stream, all employees who are part of worker type co-ops must be paid.

“With the worker type co-ops we’re asking that the co-op societies be the employers and the members be the employees. So the societies will be providing employment for members. We’re aiming to aid in the reduction of unemployment. The act of free labour has passed and we’re promoting decent labour and with that, every society must ensure that once persons are employed they must be remunerated,” Gifth said.

Meanwhile, the Co-oper-

atives Department is currently hosting training sessions on Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) with co-op societies, in an effort to bolster compliance with this law.

The training is mandatory and was stipulated by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

If societies are not trained within a certain time, their registrations will be cancelled, Gifth noted.

She said the formal part of the co-op movement began in 1948, when the department was established with a commissioner and a staff of five field workers.

It was registered and enacted under the British colony.

Today, the Co-operative Movement is seen as the third pillar of promoting growth in Guyana. An effective part of the programme is its integration with the Sustainable Livelihood Development (SLED) project, which is an avenue to assist community groups in creating profitable start-up businesses. SLED continues to provide micro-financing assistance to over 40 co-operatives across the country.

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12th Historical Research Conference scheduled for June 29

THE Guyana Institute of Historical Research (GIHR), a network of local and diaspora-based historians, will host its 12th Research Conference on Saturday, June 29, at the Critchlow Labour College.

The focus for this year’s event will be on Labour, Military History and Migration.

According to Registrar of the institute, Ms Hazel Woolford, this year’s participants are being invited to submit abstracts and papers, which is

expected to be done between June 14- 22, 2019.

The director added that abstracts submitted will be included in a Book of Abstracts which will be prepared by a committee.

The committee will consider proposals on all aspects of the history of labour, the military and migration and especially encourages submissions that reflect on this year’s theme; however, submissions that focus on other topics will also be entertained. Submissions

of pre-organised panels and roundtables are strongly encouraged.

Panel, roundtable, and poster proposals will include the following information: a panel title and 300-word abstract summarizing the theme of the panel; title of paper and a 300-word abstract for each paper proposed; and a one-page professional curriculum vitae for each panellist (including the chair and commentator).

Roundtable proposals must include the roundtable’s

title; a 300-word abstract summarising the roundtable’s themes and points of discussion; and a one-page curriculum vitae for each participant (including the moderator, if any).

Individual paper proposals are also welcome and must include the title of the paper ; a 300-word abstract of the paper and a one-page curriculum vitae with contact information and email address.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 6, 2019

Man says he stole to pay for medical treatment …jailed for six months SENIOR Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday sentenced 45-yearold Shawn Roberts to six months jail, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of simple larceny.

Roberts appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that on June 2, 2019, at the Stabroek Market Ferry Stelling, he stole a quantity of salted fish, provisions and carrots to the value of $59,000, the property of Janelle Jupiter. “ I take all and sold them for

Shawn Roberts

medical treatment,” Roberts told the magistrate as he explained that he had received “petty cash” for the items when he sold them. Additionally, he explained that he was recently discharged from hospital and needed the money.

Fined $10,000 for threatening behaviour DOODNAUTH Sundar, 44, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, on Wednesday found himself before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on a charge of threatening behaviour.

The court was told that on April 6, 2019, Sundar committed the offence against Michael Spouse of the same address.

Sundar, an employee of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, pleaded guilty to the charge; he however told the magistrate that excepting a problem over land, he and Spouse have never had an issue.

Magistrate Latchman fined Sundar $10 000 or, alternatively, six months in prison.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

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Patient Rohit ton, Chahal’s 4-51 give India winning start SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - Opener Rohit Sharma scored a composed unbeaten century as India got their Cricket World Cup campaign off to a solid start with a six-wicket victory over a sloppy South African side at a vibrant Rose Bowl yesterday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa posted a below-par 227 for nine in their 50 overs as wily wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returned figures of 4-51, following a superb opening burst from seamer Jasprit Bumrah (2-35).

India were cautious in their reply and the game was in the balance when Virat Kohli (18) was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock with the score on 54 for two in the 16th over.

But Rohit (122 not out from 144 balls) punished the South African bowlers after being dropped on one and scored his 23rd ODI century.

He attacked South Africa’s leg-spinners Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi as India

reached 230 for four from 47.3 overs, condemning the ailing Proteas to a third successive loss to leave their World Cup hopes in disarray.

“There was something in it for the bowlers throughout and I could not play my natural game,” Sharma said at the post-match presentation.

“I had to play close to my body and try and leave as many balls as possible. It was a small target, but we had to build partnerships as there was always something in it for the bowlers.

“I had to play out the overs to make sure the job got done.”

Rohit rode some early luck when he was dropped from a difficult chance by Faf du Plessis off the bowling of the unfortunate Kagiso Rabada (2-39).

South Africa created opportunities in the field, but, as has been the case throughout the World Cup so far, were uncharacteristically sloppy.

India were able to milk singles through the middle part of the innings, which held the run-rate steady and kept them on course for vic-

tory with few alarms.

“It was important to start on the right note,” India captain Kohli said. “If you look at how the pitch played, it was challenging, so hats off to Rohit. It was a special innings.”

Chahal had earlier restricted South Africa’s total with four wickets, continuing his excellent form against the Proteas in recent years.

Seamer Bumrah found prodigious movement in both directions to remove openers Hashim Amla (6) and Quinton de Kock (10) inside the first six overs. du Plessis (38) and Rassie van der Dussen (22) put on a patient 54 in 80 balls in a bid to rebuild the innings, but after the latter was bowled trying a reverse-sweep off Chahal, wickets fell at regular intervals.

Chris Morris (42) and Rabada (31 not out) put on 66 for the eighth wicket to ensure the side posted a score that at least gave them a chance.

“I thought India were magnificent on a tough pitch.

They have spinners through the middle who always get wickets,” South Africa captain du Plessis said.

“Rohit did what we didn’t do; he got a hundred

and saw his team through.

“It is a changing room that is hurting. We are trying to make sure we are still fighting, but we keep making mistakes.

SCORECARD SOUTH AFRICA innings H. Amla c Sharma b Bumrah 6 Q. de Kock c Kohli b Bumrah 10 F. du Plessis b Chahal 38 H. van der Dussen b Chahal 22 D. Miller c & b Chahal 31 J. Duminy lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 3 A. Phehlukwayo stp. Dhoni b Chahal 34 C. Morris c Kohli b Kumar 42 K. Rabada not out 31 Imran Tahir c Jadhav b Kumar 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-6) 10 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 227 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-24, 3-78, 4-80, 5-89, 6-135, 7-158, 8-224, 9-227.

Bowling: B. Kumar 10-0-44-2, J. Bumrah 10-1-35-2, H. Pandya 6-0-31-0, Kuldeep Yadav 10-0-46-1, Y. Chahal 10-0-51- 4, K. Jadhav 4-0-16-0.

INDIA innings (target: 228 runs from 50 overs) S. Dhawan c de Kock b Rabada 8 R. Sharma not out 122 V. Kohli (c) c †de Kock b Phehlukwayo 18 K. Rahul c du Plessis b Rabada 26 MS Dhoni † c & b Morrisn 34 H. Pandya not out Extras: (lb-3, w-4) 7 Total: (4wkts, 47.3 overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-54, 3-139, 4-213.

Bowling: Imran Tahir 10-0-58-0, K. Rabada 10-1-39-2, C. Morris 10-3-36-1, A. Phehlukwayo 8.3-0-40-1, T. Shamsi 9-0-54-0.

Guyana, Bermuda ready... FROM BACK PAGE Reggae Boyz as a player in 2010, noted that Guyana would not be showing much from a strategic standpoint as opposing teams would be on the hunt for infor-

mation.

“Are we going to go out and show our formation, our personnel and the players that are going to start, absolutely not; we would be wrong to do that, knowing that the likelihood is that US, Panama and Trinidad would all be looking at this game,” Johnson said..

“What we want to do is make sure we are moving and progressing in the right way. The players are looking as sharp and physically ready within the formation that we are going and play,” Johnson said.

Johnson reminded that it is not about Guyana’s strongest team or starting eleven as of yet, as this would come for the opening CONCACAF

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Gold Cup match: “A lot of it is just individual units, just making sure that things are clicking and all the players are in good nick.”

Meanwhile, Lightbourne, in sharing his thoughts on his aim for the Gold Cup, said “We’re new to the competition; we’re a nation that’s growing so we are looking for a good performance from our players. If we play to our ability that we know we can play; don’t be afraid of the occasion, enjoy it and maybe put a couple teams on the back foot, that’s what we are looking for at this stage.”

Commenting directly on today’s friendly, Lightbourne noted that they are expecting South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Emily Hobhouse 08:55 hrs Skiminac 09:30 hrs Lighthearted 10:05 hrs Now You See Me 10:45 hrs Movie Magic English Racing Tips Hamilton 09:00 hrs Makyon 09:30 hrs I Could Do Better 10:00 hrs Battle Of Issus 10:30 hrs Sands Of Mali

to see what they have been working on during training being executed in offence and defence.

Golden Jaguars captain Cox said that he is looking forward to the match and is expecting a tough challenge from Bermuda but suggested that the encounter would be used to build relationships, “see what we are like in and out of possession, and build towards the Gold Cup but we know it’s going to be a competitive fixture and one that we are all looking forward to. Players have all got their heads on it. The focus is on the next two to three weeks but today is going to be a brilliant exercise for both sides for sure.”

Bermuda skipper Le-

verock said there is a good buzz around his team, sharing that the majority of the players have been training for the past month and putting in hard work.

Leverock, who plays in Ireland with Sligo Rovers FC, said the players believe they can beat anyone on the day. “We are excited and we are ready to go now.”

Both coaches agreed that the main business starts on June 16 in the case of Bermuda and June 18 for Guyana.

The last time the two nations met, the match ended in a 1-1 draw and while a win would be accepted, the leading tacticians on both teams also agreed that that would not be the primary focus of the match.

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

Global T20 Canada shifts to City of Brampton … last year’s runners-up West Indies B pull out

Cotton Field win to reach Central Essequibo T20 semi-final tourney ... Playoffs scheduled for this weekend THE final round of the Central Essequibo-sponsored T20 tournament was contested last Sunday at Imam Bacchus ground with Cotton Field Strikers gaining a hard-fought victory to earn a semi-final spot.

By Frederick Halley

Essequibo senior inter-county batsman Latchmikhant Narine ensured that their admirable effort in the field was not in vain, as Strikers reached 57-8 in 12 overs to win by 3 wickets.

Meanwhile, Cotton Field will now join Bacchus Bulls, Reliance Hustlers and Ravens in the semi-finals, to be played this Sunday at Imam Bacchus ground.

FLASHBACK: Fans at last year’s Global T20 Canada tournament

TORONTO, Canada – The inaugural runners-up in last year’s Global T20 Canada will be a no-show when this year’s tournament bowls off here on July 25.

According to a release from the organisers, West Indies B, who lost to the Chris Gayle-led Vancouver Knights in last year’s final played at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club (MLCC) ground, will not be participating in the annual showpiece.

Tournament director Jason Harper did not give any reason for the non-participation of West Indies B but told reporters that an unnamed franchise will replace the regional side.

West Indies B’s withdrawal can be seen as a major surprise after Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Canada “agreed to generate a new expanded partnership in the forthcoming months that will see more collaboration and participation of players and administrators in cricket, at CWI and Cricket Canada events,” a recent joint release from the two bodies pointed out.

The release followed a visit by Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini to Antigua where he was hosted at a dinner meeting by CWI president Ricky Skerritt then met with Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave to update the existing Memorandum of Understanding, “designed to strengthen partnerships between both cricket organisations.”

The organisers also announced that the tournament has been shifted from the MLCC ground in Mississauga to a new venue in the city of Brampton but the exact location is still to be determined.

The release pointed out that ‘after completing its inaugural season in King City in 2018, Bombay Sports Company Ltd formally Mercuri Canada, the league organisers evaluated the impact of hosting the event in a more central location and listened to the feedback of the cricket fans.”

The organisers further disclosed that “in collaboration with

the City of Brampton and Mayor Patrick Brown the decision was taken to move the 2019 edition to west of Toronto and into the heart of the cricket-loving community from July 25 to August 11, 2019.”

A staunch cricket fan, Brampton’s mayor Patrick Brown was delighted that his city will be playing host to the mega event. “As a healthy and safe city where cricket is especially popular, Brampton is an ideal location for this renowned event. We invite local, national and international audiences to attend what is sure to be a thrilling tournament this summer.”

According to Mayor Brown, “Brampton has the biggest cricket fans in Canada. Just a few weeks ago we saw the Indian Premier League final and fans in Brampton stayed up to the early hours to watch the final. That’s how passionate our fans are.”

Mayor Brown further added, “The City of Brampton has committed to more cricket infrastructure development.

Currently two existing venues are getting lights and we are in discussions on the feasibility of a multi-purpose complex that includes a cricket stadium.”

Tournament director Harper disclosed that “to date almost 1 100 cricketers from across the globe have registered for our player draft. This shows that Canada is a preferred location for the world’s best players and is a sought-after destination.”

Toronto Nationals, Montreal Tigers, Edmonton Royals, Winnipeg Hawks and Vancouver Knights are the teams confirmed to date and they will be battling for US$500 000 first prize.

GT20 Canada also announced the launch of a mascot contest. The contest is open to the general public and will be on its social media and website until June 30. The winner of the contest will receive a flight for two to Europe with a three-night stay at a hotel.

Joshua’s promoter says he has triggered Ruiz rematch clause LONDON, England (Reuters) - Anthony Joshua will try to regain his lost heavyweight titles in a rematch with Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in November or December at a location to be decided, promoter Eddie Hearn said on Tuesday.

Ruiz produced one of boxing’s biggest upsets by beating the 29-year-old Briton with a seventh-round stoppage at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Joshua, previously undefeated, and fighting for the first time in the United States, was defending h i s I B F, WBA and WBO titles but was knocked down four times in the fight.

“We have today triggered the contracted rematch clause with Andy Ruiz Jr” Hearn said on Twitter.

“The fight will take place in November/December at a venue to be confirmed shortly.”

Hearn told reporters after the fight that a rematch was a ‘must-win’ for the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion.

Parmesh Parsotam

Playing on a pitch that generated much early morning moisture; Queenstown Sports Club, after being inserted to bat, found themselves struggling throughout their innings.

They never recovered after losing their first wicket without a run on the board in the first over. In the end, they perished for a paltry 57 in 14 overs with extras top-scoring with 20.

Penetrative medium-fast bowling by Carlos Yapp with 4-12 and Rajendra Benni 3-10 proved unplayable. In reply, Cotton Field Strikers found themselves equally vulnerable as the pitch began to wear and encourage spin.

Former national youth spinners Herry Green 3-9 and Akeel Wallace 3-14 combined to torment Strikers with bounce and flight. They struck crucial blows and were in with a chance until a match-saving unbeaten 25 (3x4) from former

Nathan Persaud

In the first semi-final Bacchus Bulls will rely on a star-studded line-up of former national youth players Yogeshwar Lall, Latchman Rohit, Parmesh Parsotam, Wayne Osbourne and Nathan Persaud.

They will battle against Ravens who will depend on the consistent Sugrim Ahiram, Jamal Wilson, Safraz Ally and Marvin Pearson to stage an upset.

The other semi-final on the same day will see Reliance Hustlers, with Rovendra Parasram, Narendra Mandolall, Anthony Ifill and Pavindra Persaud in their armoury, try to unsettle Cotton Field Strikers, whose confidence will be boosted following their entrance to the final four.

Starting-time is 10:00hrs with Wazeer Dhanraj and Deva Dass calling play.

(Elroy Stephney)

YBG basketball championship to bounce off tomorrow at MHS hard court

THE Linden Regional Conference Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) basketball championship, organised by the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), is set for bounce off tomorrow afternoon at the Mackenzie High School (MHS) hard court in Linden.

The tournament will be staged June 7 through to June 22, when the final will be played, Mackenzie High School will host game one of the opening double-header when they face Linden Foundation Secondary at 14:00hrs and the second brings together Linden Technical Institute and Wisburg Secondary from 16:00hrs.

The tournament has attracted six schools. They are Mackenzie High, Wisburg Secondary, Christianburg/Wismar ‘Multi’ Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary and Linden Technical Institute.

LABA has planned the tournament in conjunction with YBG to ensure that Linden is represented again this year and this qualification tournament is being played on a round-robin basis to determine the final four then the finalists will be determined to play the championship game.

The competition continues on Saturday with a triple-header at Mackenzie High School hard court. Matches start at 13:00hrs when Mackenzie High face Wisburg Secondary. At 14:30hrs New Silvercity Secondary take on Linden Technical Institute and from 16.00hrs Christianburg Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’ will tackle Linden Foundation Secondary.

At stake in this competition, apart from the winner representing Linden in the Youth Basketball National Basketball Festival, there are trophies and medals for the top three placers in this tournament.

Players must be born on January 1, 2000 or after to be eligible to play in this Under-19 tournament. Teams who play any overaged player will automatically lose that game and gain no points.

For a win the team gets two points and a loss one point. Protests must be written and sent to the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) within 24 hours of the completed game in question.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

Infantino re-elected FIFA president unopposed at Paris congress

FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivers a speech at the world body’s congress in Paris, France, yesterday. (EPA PIC)

PARIS, France (Reuters) - Gianni Infantino was re-elected FIFA president unopposed at the congress of world football’s governing body in Paris yesterday as he claimed to have turned the organisation from being “toxic and almost criminal” back to its core values.

Infantino’s re-election was marked by a round of applause from the congress after the statutes were changed earlier in the day to no longer require a vote if there was only one candidate for the position.

The 49-year-old Swiss-Italian lawyer now has a four-year mandate to try and accomplish his grandiose plans for football which were partly frustrated in his first term.

He has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016, after succeeding Sepp Blatter in the wake of a damaging corruption scandal that Infantino claimed the body had now shaken off.

“Nobody talks about crisis at FIFA anymore or rebuilding it from scratch. Nobody talks about scandals or corruption; we talk about football. We can say that we’ve turned the situation around,” he told the congress in a lengthy speech at Paris Expo.

“This organisation has gone from being toxic, almost criminal, to being what it should be - an organisation that develops football and is now synonymous with transparency, integrity.”

“Today everything is open and transparent. It is not possible at FIFA to make hidden payments or do anything unethical with our money. There is no more place for corruption,” he

claimed.

Infantino said FIFA’s previously precarious financial situation was now looking rosy with the organisation’s budget increased from $5 billion to $6.4bn and reserves up from $1bn to $2.75bn.

This was despite increased spending on development projects in FIFA’s 211-member associations. FIFA spent $1.1bn in the period 2015-18 and will increase the sum to $1.75bn from 2019 to 2022, he added.

Infantino claimed 11 areas of progress during his tenure, from financial health, women’s development, the fight against racism and a scandal-free 2026 World Cup bidding process.

However, he said the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system had been his major triumph.

“It’s the biggest success story. It has become an integral part of football inside one year. It doesn’t change the game, but it helps and cleans the game. It brings justice to the game. It’s not perfect but it’s very close to perfection,” he said.

Infantino also used the opportunity to promote the newlook 24-team Club World Cup, which starts in two years’ time but is under threat of a boycott from Europe’s top clubs due to concerns over fixture congestion.

“We know that clubs are the heartbeat of the game, they train the players. We need to offer clubs a chance to shine on a world stage and to challenge for a World Cup,” he added.

Konta’s semi-final moved to tomorrow after washout yesterday JOHANNA Konta’s maiden French Open semi-final has been pushed back to tomorrow after rain washed out yesterday’s play in Paris.

The British number one, 28, was set to meet Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova in the last four today.

But downpours yesterday meant the remaining women’s singles quarterfinals could not be played.

They will take place today instead, with both semi-finals now tomorrow.

The weather in Paris is forecast to be brighter on todayy with a chance of a brief shower in the afternoon.

However, more rain is forecast for tomorrow which has led tournament director Guy Forget to “study worstcase scenarios”.

One of the women’s semi-finals could be moved to Court Simonne Mathieu if a decision is made to use Roland Garros’ third show court alongside Chatrier and Lenglen in a bid to com-

plete the matches.

Forget added it was possible the women’s final could be pushed back to Sunday, with the men’s final switching to Monday.

“It’s not what we hope, but if we have no other

choice, then that’s what we will do,” he said.

Konta, seeded 26th, is bidding to become the first British woman to reach the French Open final since Sue Barker in 1976.

Romania’s defending

Johanna Konta beat Sloane Stephens in straight sets in the quarter-final

champion Simona Halep was due to play American teenager Amanda Anisimova in their quarter-final yesterday, while Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty was scheduled to meet American 14th seed Madison Keys.

The rain also saw the two remaining men’s quarterfinals cancelled, meaning all four matches will be played from 11:00hrs BST today.

World number one Novak Djokovic plays German fifth seed Alexander Zverev, while Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem meets Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov.

British pair Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid are also set to begin their French Open wheelchair campaigns today, with the singles and doubles draws taking place later yesterday.

Hewett won the singles title in 2017, while Reid has twice won the doubles at Roland Garros. (BBC Sport)

25

African Champions League final to be replayed

PARIS (Reuters) - The second leg of the African Champions League final will be replayed after the original fixture was abandoned and the match awarded to Esperance after opponents Wydad Casablanca left the pitch following a disputed decision.

The Confederation of African Football’s executive committee, meeting in Paris on the fringes of the FIFA congress, decided on Wednesday to re-stage the match at a neutral ground in a decision that could spark an immediate legal challenge.

Wydad Casablanca refused to play on after having a 59th-minute effort disallowed in the return leg of the final in Tunis last Friday.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was not working and after a delay of almost two hours the match was awarded to home side Esperance, who were handed the trophy and winners’ medals.

The first leg in Casablanca on May 25 ended 1-1 and Esperance were 1-0 up in the return a week later when Wydad thought they had equalised only for the referee to signal for offside.

That sparked protests that continued for around 90 minutes before the game was eventually called off in scenes that bordered on the farcical, with even the CAF president Ahmad coming down to the side of the pitch to try and resolve the matter without success.

No official announcement, or explanation behind the decision, was immediately made by CAF. However, committee members and the two clubs confirmed the decision.

Esperance are expected to appeal against the ruling, club officials said on Wednesday.

The Moroccan Football Federation, whose president Fouzi Lekjaa is a powerful figure within the CAF executive committee, said that the players had not been informed about the VAR technology being faulty.

Rules set by the game’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, state that a match cannot be invalidated because of VAR technology malfunctioning or if there is a wrong decision involving VAR. Any replay would have to be staged after the Africa Cup of Nations finals, which are being hosted in Egypt from June 21-July 19.

Macorp’s annual golf extravaganza on Saturday THE MACORP - Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited will host its annual Golf Extravaganza on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) course.

Saturday’s tournament tees off at 12:30hrs and keen competition is expected, especially since the tournament is one of the largest tournaments on the LGC calendar.

Up for grabs are prizes for the first and second best net scores in each of four flights, handicaps 0 to 9, 10 to 18 and 19 to 28 for men, plus a distinct ladies flight.

In addition, Best Net overall, Best Gross, Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin specialty prizes will be given.

Head of Macorp, Guillermo Escarraga, has continued the support to the development of the Lusignan Golf Club and in fact has initiated a complete driving range with lighting facilities will soon to be opened to golfers.

Escarraga contends that Club president Aleem Hussain’s vision is in sync with Macorp’s vision in making the LGC the undisputed solution for great golfing in the Caribbean.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, June 6, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Roy Fredericks & Deryck Murray (WI vs SL, Old Trafford, 1975) (2) Glen McGrath-71 wickets TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) How many times the WI have appeared in World Cup finals

to date? When?

(2) How many Guyanese played in the WI very first World Cup match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

New Zealand hold nerve to sink Bangladesh in thriller

By Ed Osmond

LONDON, England (Reuters) - New Zealand held their nerve under the floodlights to beat Bangladesh by two wickets in a dramatic low-scoring Cricket World Cup match at The Oval yesterday.

The Black Caps looked to be cruising to a modest target of 245, as Ross Taylor (82) and captain Kane Williamson (40) led them to 160-2, but they lost six wickets in quick succession to give Bangladesh the scent of a famous win.

When Matt Henry was eighth man out, New Zealand still needed seven runs for victory but Mitchell Santner stayed calm to secure their second win of the tournament with 17 balls to spare.

“It’s very nice to get across the line. We still knew that 250 could be quite challenging,” Williamson said.

“It wasn’t our most clinical effort with the bat. There were a few soft dismissals that we’d want to address. But it’s a great experience to have in tournament cricket.”

New Zealand bowled tightly and fielded with high intensity after winning the toss to restrict Bangladesh to 244 all out.

Ta m i m I q b a l a n d Soumya Sarkar shared an opening partnership of 45 before Sarkar was bowled

by Henry for 25 and Tamim, on 24, skied a simple catch to mid-wicket.

Shakib Al Hasan and

Mushfiqur Rahim added 50 for the third wicket but the stand ended when Mushfiqur was run-out for 19 following a mix-up.

Shakib reached his fifty off 54 balls before, on 64, he edged medium-pacer Colin de Grandhomme to wicketkeeper Tom Latham and Mohammad Mithun went for 26.

Williamson was caught at deep mid-wicket by Mosaddek Hossain off Mehedi Hasan.

Latham fell for nought and when Taylor was caught down the leg-side New Zealand nerves were jangling.

The target was still comfortably within range, but de Grandhomme (15) and Jimmy Neesham (25) also fell as

Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson celebrate after New Zealand win by two wickets

(Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images) Needing to accelerate to rapidly on to 55-2. the tension mounted. get close to 300, a par score on Williamson should have Henry was bowled by Sauthe usual batting-friendly Oval been dismissed for eight, but fuddin with seven required but wicket, Bangladesh boundaries wicketkeeper Mushfiqur dis- Santner drove the first ball of were in short supply. lodged the bails with his arm the 48th over to the extra cover to waste the opportunity. boundary to get New Zealand BOISTEROUS FANS Williamson and Taylor over the line.

Mohammad Saifuddin added 105 to put New Zealand Bangladesh captain struck the only six of the in- in a dominant position before Mashrafe Mortaza, who led

GFF’s pre-season transfer window now open THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) pre-season transfer window is open to accommodate player transfers, both locally and internationally.

The two-month transfer window opened on June 1 and will conclude on July 31, 2019 and players are asked to maximise the opportunity in a timely manner.

A Domestic Transfer, in order to be considered procedurally correct, must involve the Former Club, the Player, the Former Regional Member Association (RMA), the New Club, and the New RMA (in the case of a transfer out of the Former Association).

Unless all of these entities are informed and involved, and provided that none of these raises any legitimate concerns with the attempted transfer and refuses to concur or approve the transfer, the transfer is incomplete.

The New Club has the recourse of seeking the intervention of the relevant RMA, or subsequently the GFF, if it is of the view that the transfer is being unjustly hindered by the Former Club or the relevant RMA. In the case of international transfers, the process begins at the new club, which requests

nings in the 45th over but it was a rare joyful moment for the boisterous Bangladesh fans and Henry bowled him for 29 in the final over to claim his fourth wicket and end the innings.

New Zealand started their chase confidently as Martin Guptill made a breezy 25 and Colin Munro 24 to move them

and initiates the process via the International Transfer Matching System (ITMS) following discussions with the former clubs.

The process for the Domestic Transfer is as follows: 1. The new club confirms the player has an interest in the transfer and, if so, the new club makes contact with the former club to negotiate the transfer agreement 2. If it’s agreed, the new club collects the transfer document from the relevant RMA 3. Each entity involved fills and signs its allocated part of the form; namely, the player, the former club, and the new club.

4. The form is then submitted to the relevant RMA, which confirms the authenticity of the involvement of each party 5. Everything being in order, the RMA approves the transfer and gives a copy to the new club 6. If the player is being transferred across RMA, the new club takes its copy of the form to the new RMA so that the player can be registered within that RMA and cleared for participation as a player of that club.

It is important to note that the GFF is the RMA for Elite Clubs. The GFF is open from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs, Monday to Friday.

his team to an upset win over South Africa in their first match of the tournament, said they were 20-30 runs short with the bat.

“It was a good wicket.

The outfield was slow,” Mor-

taza said. “We got set and then got out too often; we couldn’t make a good partnership in the middle.

“At the end it was a tight match. They closed it professionally - credit to them.”

SCORECARD

BANGLADESH innings Tamim Iqbal c Boult b Ferguson 24 Soumya Sarkar b Henry 25 Shakib Al Hasan c Latham b de Grandhomme 64 Mushfiqur Rahim run-out (Guptill/†Latham) 19 Mohammad Mithun c de Grandhomme b Henry 26 Mahmudullah c Williamson b Santner 20 Mosaddek Hossain c Guptill b Boult 11 Mohammad Saifuddin b Henry 29 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Latham b Boult 7 Mashrafe Mortaza c Boult b Henry 1 Mustafizur Rahman not out 0 Extras: (b-1, lb-8, w-9) 18 Total: (all out, 49.2 overs) 244 Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-60, 3-110, 4-151, 5-179, 6-197, 7-224, 8-235, 9-244.

Bowling: Henry 9.2-0-474, Boult 10-0-44-2, Ferguson 10-0-40-1, de Grandhomme 8-0-39-1, Neesham 2-0-24-0, Santner 10-1-41-1.

NEW ZEALAND innings (target: 245 runs from 50 overs) M. Guptill c Tamim Iqbal b Shakib Al Hasan 25 C. Munro c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Shakib Al Hasan 24 K. Williamson c Mosaddek Hossain b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 40 L. Taylor c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mosaddek Hossain 82 T. Latham c Mohammad Saifuddin b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 J. Neesham c Soumya Sarkar b Mosaddek Hossain 25 C. de Grandhomme c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mohammad Saifuddin 15 M. Santner not out 17 M Henry b Mohammad Saifuddin 6 L. Ferguson not out 4 Extras: (nb-1, w-9) 10 Total: (8 wkts, 47.1 overs) 248 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-55, 3-160, 4-162, 5-191, 6-218, 7-218, 8-238.

Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 5-0-32-0, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 10-0-47-2, Mustafizur Rahman 7.1-0-48-0, Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-47-2, Mohammad Saifuddin 7-0-41-2, Mosaddek Hossain 8-0-33-2.

Ronaldo hat-trick puts Portugal in Nations League final

CRISTIANO Ronaldo scored a superb hat-trick as Portugal reached the Nations League final with victory over Switzerland at the Estadio do Dragao.

Ronaldo 34, had given the hosts the lead with a stunning first-half free-kick that flew into the bottom-right corner, wrong-footing Swiss keeper Yann Sommer.

Switzerland levelled in the second period when Ricardo Rodriguez tucked away a video assistant referee-awarded penalty moments after referee Felix Brych had initially signalled for a penalty at the other end.

But after consulting his pitch-side monitor, the decision was expunged and he instead gave a spot-kick for Nelson Semedo’s foul on Switzerland’s Steven Zuber.

Incensed by the decision, the hosts struggled to build any rhythm as the game appeared to drift towards extra-time.

However, Ronaldo made the crucial difference late on, sweeping Bernardo Silva’s cross into the bottom-right corner, before firing into the same spot 102 seconds later.

Portugal play the winners of today’s semi-final between England and the Netherlands (19:45hrs BST), with the final

in Porto on Sunday.

RONALDO UNDERLINES ENDURING CLASS Prior to this match, Ronaldo had featured just twice in Portugal’s past eight international games, playing no part at all in their qualification for the semi-finals of this tournament.

the international arena.

He may no longer be at the peak of his powers, but 350 days after scoring his last international goal he added to his 85-goal tally by winning and scoring from a free-kick.

In trademark fashion he dipped the ball over the Swit-

Daei (109) ahead of him.

And his importance as the scorer of great goals came to the fore with Fernando Santos’ team struggling to find answers against a resourceful and purposeful Swiss side.

A darting run moved him onto Silva’s cross and a stepover and shimmy gave him

Ronaldo scores with three of his five shots on goal

After drawing blanks in the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Serbia and Ukraine in March, and in Portugal’s final two games of the World Cup last summer, he once again demonstrated his enduring quality in

zerland wall and it was past Sommer in a flash with the goalkeeper unable to readjust.

He sits second on the alltime international top scorers chart with 88 goals in 157 matches with only Iran’s Ali

the space to dispatch another clinical strike to make the game safe for the European champions.

It brought up his 53rd hat-trick for club and country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 6, 2019

27

Holder downplays rivalry as Windies square off with Aussies today

Batsman Darren Bravo (right) chats with Chris Gayle during a training session ahead of today’s clash with Australia at Trent Bridge (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

NOTTINGHAM, England (CMC) – An upbeat and fully-fit West Indies will face a stern test in pursuit of their World Cup dream when they take on reigning World champions Australia in a hotly anticipated contest at Trent Bridge here today.

After entering the tournament as rank outsiders, West Indies have seen their odds increase quickly especially after they amassed a mammoth 421 against New Zealand in their last official warm-up match in Bristol, and then crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in their tournament opener here five days ago.

However, Australia are expected to provide their toughest opposition yet, and the fact veteran batsman Chris Gayle and explosive all-rounder Andre Russell have both been passed fit for the encounter after picking up niggles against Pakistan has provided a massive boost for the Caribbean side.

Despite the long history of rivalry between the two teams, captain Jason Holder downplayed the meeting, stressing they would treat the encounter just like any other.

“It’s always been a great rivalry between West Indies and Australia. I think everybody is expecting a really good contest,” Holder told media here yesterday.

“We’re up for the challenge. I think they’re up for the challenge, as well. I wouldn’t really get too deep into rivalries, but we expect a really good contest from the Australians.”

He continued: “We’re just taking it game by game. Tomorrow is our country versus Australia. We’ve got a hurdle to overcome. I think when we overcome that hurdle then we’ll move deeper into the tournament.

“But I just don’t want to single out teams particularly. I think all teams are evenly matched and well-balanced, so it’s just a matter of playing good cricket on any given day. That’s our rule.

We want to execute in all three departments.”

Ever since their performance against the Black Caps, pundits have been raving about the West Indies’ powerful

batting line-up. And with Gayle and Russell fit, Australia can expect to face all the firepower the Windies have to offer.

Classy right-hander Shai Hope, with two hundreds and two half-centuries in his last six One-Day Internationals, will line up alongside the likes of opener Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Carlos Brathwaite, presenting a formidable batting order against any opposition.

Holder said it was important his side executed their batting plans properly regardless of if they batted first or chased.

“When we bat we just want to execute our batting plans.

We’ve all seen the way the world cricket has gone the last couple months – well, last two years – and there have been some high totals and there have been some aggressive stroke play,” he pointed out.

“We just want to be as positive as we possibly can be. I think whether we bat first or if we chase, we’ve got to show intent. Intent is something that we spoke about in the dressing room, and it’s something that we want to go about our goal with when we go into our innings.

“I don’t want to get too caught up with the conditions, but at the end of the day I just want the guys to show intent and be fearless.”

Trent Bridge has been notorious for large totals in recent times. Pakistan piled up 348 against England there two days ago to beat the hosts by 14 runs and three weeks ago, England chased down 340 to topple the same Pakistan.

Most notably last year June, England piled up a mammoth 481 as they crushed Australia by 242 runs.

Holder said having played their opening game of the tournament at the venue had given the Windies an excellent gauge of what to expect.

“I made a remark to one or two of the guys, I felt like the ground was a little bigger than people think. There’s obviously a massive wind factor, as well, which tends to play

GMR&SC, Windjammer link up for second round of Drag Racing LOCAL Hotel and Restaurant Windjammer International Cuisine and Comfort Inn has joined the sponsorship team for the upcoming round of the National Drag Racing Championship.

The second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC)-organised championship is set for June 23 at the South Dakota Circuit.

During a handing-over yesterday, Windjammer’s managing director Carey Griffith told the media, “We are really happy to be back on board with motorsport.”

“We’ve sponsored circuit racing and endurance racing before and while this isn’t our first drag racing venture, we believe that this event is going to be huge,” Griffith said.

The business, in the past, has housed foreign racers that have ventured here for various events under the GMR&SC including the last international drag race.

“Why are we on board with this? We just love racing especially motorcycles and, like I said before, we feel that it is time we show a little bit more support to racing.”

He spoke of the buildup to the international Drag Racing meet billed for later

this year, indicating that the company is already putting together packages for those International competitors out of Suriname.

doubtedly a huge part of racing locally.”

“We have always enjoyed a great partnership with them and this time it’s no different.”

Shannon Stevenson (left) hands over Windjammer’s sponsorship to the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Cheryl Gonsalves

Giving a brief comment, Executive Committee member Motilal Deodass welcomed back Windjammer into the fold, saying, “They are un-

Admission to the June 23 event stands at $500 for kids and $1 000 for adults with action beginning at 10:00hrs.

on your mind, and obviously you have to account for it into your plans,” he pointed out.

“We’ve played on a number of grounds with this short side, and this is something you’ve just got to cope with. I always back the guys to go with their strengths first, no matter the dimensions of the ground.

“I think we’ve just got to hone in on our skills. The ground will be one way for both teams; that’s one thing guaranteed. That’s just our plan.”

He added: “We’ve got a little bit of knowledge about the ground, how the wicket plays. But having said that, there are quite a few strips on this square. I’m not sure which one we’re on tomorrow.

“I just think it’s a situation whether we bat or bowl first, we need to assess the conditions as early as possible and then play to suit.”

West Indies have won just three of 14 ODIs against Australia since 2010 and lost their last World Cup encounter against them back in 2007, when the tournament was staged in the Caribbean.

Australia won their opening match of the World Cup when they beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in Bristol four days ago.

SQUADS: AUSTRALIA – Aaron Finch (captain), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.

Finch says Aussies bracing for Windies pace assault NOTTINGHAM, England (CMC) – West Indies’ hostile fast bowling salvo against Pakistan in their successful World Cup opener last week has not gone unnoticed by Australia.

“We have prepared for it.

It’s something, we played them in a warm-up game down at Southampton on the Nursery Ground there, and they bowled very similarly,” captain Aaron Finch told media here yesterday ahead of today’s World Cup clash at Trent Bridge here.

“Also had a lot of success with it last game and got off to a really good start, so I expect that they will come with a similar-type plan.”

Rookie fast bowler Oshane Thomas stunned Pakistan with a four-wicket haul at Trent Bridge here, sending the Asian side tumbling for a paltry 105.

Andre Russell also produced a lovely spell to take two for four while captain Jason Holder and fellow seamer Carlos Brathwaite provided excellent support.

However, Finch warned that while attacking bowling could be effective, it could also become predictable of there was no variation.

“The follow-up from bouncers in short bowling is the key, I think, at the end of the day,” he pointed out.

“I think if you just stick to one plan, then teams get on

top of you pretty quickly or they adjust quickly enough.

So I think it’s important you follow-up deliveries, and that goes for us, as well. If you do go with a short plan, keep them on the hook, keep them guessing with good bowling.

“I think if you over-attack

ODI meetings and losing just three.

However, with the twotime World Cup champions brandishing a powerful batting lineup and incisive attack, Finch said his side would be taking nothing for granted.

Two of West Indies speedsters, Oshane Thomas (left) and Shannon Gabriel

and continue to go too short or you continue to go too full, whatever it might be it’s about your follow-ups from those balls. But we’re well and truly prepared, no doubt.”

Reigning World champions Australia got the better of West Indies in an unofficial warm-up in Southampton last month and are confident they will continue their recent winning trend against the Caribbean side.

They have dominated the Windies over the last seven years, winning 10 of the 14

“They’re a very dangerous side, and I think whichever team comes out and executes it from the start of the game, (will do well),” Finch said.

“I think it’s important that you start really well.

Whether you bat or bowl first the first 10-over periods are going to be really crucial, because we know how damaging West Indies can be during that period. But also, equally, I think if we get off to a good start, then we can start to try and to get into our work a bit.

Patient Rohit ton, Chahal’s 4-51 give India winning start

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India’s Rohit Sharma celebrates after reaching his century during the ICC World Cup match against South Africa at the Rose Bowl in Southampton yesterday (AFP)

Guyana, Bermuda ready for tonight’s encounter CONCACAF Gold Cup debutants Guyana and Bermuda will meet for the first time since October 11, 2011, when they square off tonight in an International Friendly at Bermuda National Sports Center from 21:00hrs.

At a joint press conference hosted yesterday, the respective head coaches expressed that the match is about getting it right, ahead of their showing at the Confederation’s showpiece next week.

The two nations have a lot in common as they continue their walk into history - the first time they have both qualified for the highest possible tournament in the Confederation.

Guyana have been drawn in Group D along with the USA, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago while Bermuda are in Group B alongside Haiti, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Speaking to the local media were the respective head coaches and captains: Guyana’s Michael Johnson and Sam Cox and Bermuda’s Kyle Lightbourne and Dante Leverock.

Johnson explained that Guyana would not be leaving its fate up to another country, adding that his side “just want to look after business ourselves. We can’t start looking and focussing on other teams and what they do and how they do.

We’ve just got to go about our business and make sure we are mentally prepared, physically prepared and when we go out there, to perform at the standards that we know we are capable of doing. If we do that, where that takes us, we are more than happy.”

Johnson, who would be making his debut as a coach at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, having represented Jamaica’s

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U.S. captain Rapinoe says France are the World Cup favourites

From right: Guyana’s captain Sam Cox, head coach Michael Johnson, Bermuda’s coach Kyle Lightbourne and captain Dante Leverock

By Alan Baldwin LONDON, England (Reuters) - If champions United States are most people’s tip to win the women’s World Cup, then hosts France are the favourites’ favourites.

U.S. co-captain Megan Rapinoe told reporters at the Tottenham Hotspur training facility in North London yesterday that France now held that tag, and head coach Jill Ellis could only agree.

“I think they (France) are, in my opinion, the favourites for sure,” said former Olympique Lyonnais player Rapinoe, who is now with Seattle Reign as she heads to her third World Cup. “And I don’t say that to play mind games.

“They are a fantastic team, they’re home, they’re going to have obviously a home crowd with them every time and we felt that in the last World Cup even though it was in Canada,” added the attacking midfielder.

“I feel like all the pressure is on them and we’re

just here to play and enjoy ourselves and try to do as well as we can.”

Rapinoe made the distinction, however, between the favourites and whom she would back to win, which was naturally her own side.

“I still back us over anyone,” she added.

The tournament starts on Saturday with the semi-finals and July 7 final to be staged in Lyon, whose home club are historically the country’s most successful female side.

The United States, in 1999, are still the only team to have won the Cup as hosts.

Ellis, who led the team to their third success in 2015, said this would be the hardest because the women’s game had moved on to another level.

She said it would all come down to who had the most belief and hunger, and France - whose men’s team won the 2018 World Cup in Russia have plenty of that.

“I would agree (with Rapinoe),” said the British-born coach. “France is a very good team, we’ve

purposely played over there in January and when you get a home crowd behind you that is a big advantage.

“But with that comes also the pressure of delivering. I think there’s a lot of good teams in this tournament that are capable of finding their way to the podium.”

Versatile defender Crystal Dunn, whose husband Pierre is French, said England had shown notable gains in fitness, pace and athleticism but Spain were the team to have grabbed her attention.

“I’m a huge fan of Spain, she said. “Spain is the team to really shock a lot of people in this World Cup. “I say this because their youths have been incredible and I am a big advocate for youth development ... I’ve watched a lot of U-20 World Cups and they are something to watch.

“Their youths look like they can beat top full international teams.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019