Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_17_2019

MONDAY 17th JUNE, 2019

No.105671

No turning back – AFC says Ramjattan is prime ministerial candidate in accordance with Cummingsburg Accord

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Gay rights activist 04 assaulted by gang PAGE

Returning sugar to profitability is best tribute to Enmore Martyrs – Attorney-General PAGE

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Fatherly love: Seven-year-old Faraa Gaskin reads a book to President David Granger, her grandfather, as her mother, Mrs. Han Granger-Gaskin looks on (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

No turning back

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– AFC says Ramjattan is prime ministerial candidate in accordance with Cummingsburg Accord

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

By Svetlana Marshall THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) does not have the option, under the Cummingsburg Accord, of rejecting the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) nomination for the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Last Saturday, the AFC endorsed its leader Khemraj Ramjattan to be the prime ministerial candidate to run alongside APNU’s presidential candidate, and that, according to the AFC’s Gener-

al-Secretary David Patterson, would not change.

Under the Cummingsburg Accord, which brought the two political parties together as a coalition on February 14, 2015, the APNU would nominate a presidential candidate and the AFC, the prime ministerial candidate.

Addressing reporters at the close of the AFC’s National Conference and Elections at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre on Saturday, Patterson said Ramjattan as the prime ministerial candidate is a done deal.

“This is the Alliance For Change. The Alliance For Change is a political party in its own right. The Alliance For Change has made a recommendation, which the Alliance For Change would stick by,” he told reporters.

The AFC general-secretary said the Cummingsburg

Accord, which governs the coalition, is clear on what is required. It said, he reiterated, the AFC shall nominate a prime ministerial candidate.

“There is nowhere in that agreement that says nominate a prime ministerial candidate who the coalition accepts or not,” Patterson said.

He also dispelled the notion that the Cummingsburg Accord has expired.

“I am the author of the accord. It is 60 months, 60 months. Each party at the expiration of 36 months has an option to cancel it or not.

Therefore, we are duty bound to respect it from month zero to 36, and then from 36 to 60; both sides have the option if they would like to break it, they would indicate, neither party has done that,” Patterson explained. The Cummingsburg Accord will expire on February 14, 2020.

OVERWHELMING During the conference, which had 275 delegates and 40 observers in attendance, four motions were put to the floor for the AFC to appoint Ramjattan as the prime ministerial candidate for the next general elections – the response was overwhelming. The Guyana Chronicle understands that over 200 delegates, by show of hands, voted in favour of the consolidated motion.

On the sideline of the conference, shortly after he was recommended to be the prime ministerial candidate, Ramjattan told reporters it would appear that the delegates view him as “fit and proper” for the position. He committed to “doing a good job” and addressing issues of job creation and constitutional reform raised by AFC supporters.

Earlier in the conference, Ramjattan assured the delegates that the AFC will contest the upcoming elections alongside its coalition partner – the APNU – as was done in May 2015, which resulted in them being elected to government.

“We are going back as a coalition,” he told them, while underscoring the importance of facing the electorate as a united force that has their interest at heart.

“Make a personal commitment to see us through successfully in the next elections,” he further urged the delegates. He also committed to creating employment opportunities for the people of Guyana.

Several executive members of the APNU has endorsed President David Granger to run for a second term in office. “There is no

AFC General-Secretary David Patterson

question as to whether he is the candidate. He is competent, he is uncorrupted, he has integrity, his health is improving steadily and he has the interest of Guyana and Guyanese at heart.

He is a genuine leader,” a source had said. A poll conducted in February 2019 by the Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), shows a majority of Guyanese prefer Granger as the President of Guyana as opposed to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali.

‘Yoga Day’ session promotes holistic health

President Granger extends Father’s Day greetings

By Vishani Ragobeer

I HAVE no doubt in my mind that the happiest moment in my life is when I was 26 and my first daughter was born, all of 48 years ago. It is a sense of responsibility; there is a sense of joy, knowing that you participated in bringing a human life into this world.

It is a feeling that I feel all fathers should share as we celebrate Father’s Day. I urge fathers where ever they are to find a few minutes, a few hours, days and weeks to spend with their children.

This has been the policy of our government to encourage happy families by providing houses, by ensuring that there are enough schools for children to go to and by allowing the next generation to grow up in a happy country. Happy families, happy country. So that is my dream.

Father’s Day is not only 24 hours, it is really President David Granger admires his daughter, Mrs. Han a lifetime celebrated from one generation to the Granger- Gaskin and granddaughter, Faraa Gaskin, as they play a game at State House, Georgetown (Ministry next. of the Presidency photo)

SCORES of persons were encouraged to focus on achieving holistic health when the Indian High Commission hosted its fifth annual International Day of Yoga at the Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown, on Sunday.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness.

“Yoga connects the body, mind and spirit,” Yoga Instructor at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Agnela Patil explained to the Guyana Chronicle, adding: “It is about physical health, mental health and spiritual health.”

On Sunday, scores of persons, young and old, gathered at the Everest Cricket Club to participate in a yoga session, which included exercises and presentations on the art form.

Speaking with members following the session, the High Commissioner of India to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam said that yoga is a total workout of body and mind.

Combining the exercises done with breathing and meditation ultimately leads to relaxation, the ambassador said.

“Yoga is for all,” he affirmed, while confirming that “yoga is for young and old, men and women, sick and healthy and yoga is even there for pregnant women.”

Every year, June 21 is celebrated as International Day of Yoga, since being so declared by the United Nations (UN) in 2014.

In Guyana, however, the high commissioner noted that the High Commission uses the closest Sunday to observe the grand day, so as to attract wider participation.

Another International Day of Yoga will be held at the Indian Arrival Monument, Palmyra, Berbice, on June 23 at 10:00hrs.

Iran’s insistence it had no involvement with the attacks on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.

Mr Trump cited footage that Washington says shows Iranian forces in a small boat taking an unexploded mine offsaid the hull of one of proved to be futile. director the response “Sometime after mid- left him “perplexed” and the ships. night as the crowd started to while of his General female UNsome Secretary grow, a group of men came friends began said to verAntoniothen Guterres the in and stood at the back bar bally respond to the group truth needed to be “clearly just behind us. Shortly after of individuals who threw the established”. their arrival, I felt beer being drinks, he discouraged them u s s i a h aconfronting s warned thrown on us. I thought it fromRphysically must have been a drunken the men.drawing “hasty conagainst spill, so I ignored it, but we clusions”.

In the social media post, then felt a second douse of Simpson explained the The blasts came that a month beer on us,” he recounted. trip to the night club was after four oil tankers were He added: “At this point, part of “a long-planned, damaged in an attack off we realised this was very de- bar-hopping excursion,” the coast of the United Arab liberate. I went to the bar and which saw them visiting asked who was the supervi- three other locations Emirates.

The US earlier. blamed sor on duty. I was directed to IranAfter the attack, experience at for that but did a man who wasn’t wearing the club, Simpson visited not produce evidence. Iran any uniform or badge to The Strip Restaurant & Bar also denied those accusaidentify him as staff. I report- at the Giftland Mall and later tions. the Bourda Market ed to him what happened and visited between the for US his response was, ‘we don’t at a Tensions popular shop owner want man wining pun man aand snack.

Iran have escalated sighere’.”

He toldsince his US friends and nificantly President The SASOD managing followers that this is when Donald Trump took office in 2017. He abandoned a nuclear deal that was brokered by the Obama administration and significantly tightened sanctions on Iran.

THREE persons, including bulky transparent What did Trump parcels say? a female, have been arrest- of cannabis weighing 28,148 Speaking to Fox News, ed after police found 29 grams and strapped in two he said Iran “did do it”.

“I guess one of the mines didn’t explode and it’s probably got essentially Iran written all over it. And you saw the boat at night trying to take the mine off and successfully took the mine off the boat, and that was exposed,” he said.

He also said it was unlikely that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz - a vital shipping lane through which a third of the world’s seaborne oil passes every year - but if it did, the strait would not remain closed “for long”.

Mr Trump’s intervention came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to carry out the attacks and, recent similar

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SASOD boss beaten HEAD of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, was beaten on Sunday morning by a group of individuals who have since been labelled “homophobic.”

Following the incident which left Simpson bruised mainly to his hands, knees and sides, the SASOD boss took to his social media page to detail what had occurred.

He first complained about a group of individuals who were intentionally throwing alcohol on himself and other friends while they were out at popular night club, Palm Court.

Simpson stated that at first, he and his friends assumed that the act was unintentional, but when it occurred again, they took action by reporting to the supervisor on duty which

to derail Iran’s relations with US Defence Secretary Monday, GUYANA CHRONICLE June 17, 2019 Patrick Shanahan said the US the international community. the same group of six men almost 20 years, There will likelythebeSASOD doubts would be sharing intelligence who their drinks earlier head statedasthat during that in Tehran to whether this to trythrew to “build international pounced had never experivideohe is genuine. consensusontohim. this internation- time “The same guys from PC enced “direct homophobia” What we know about the al problem”.

[Palm Court] were there. I while at the location. explosions has Iran responded? just How ignored them and orHowever, he did note US acIranian President dered my food.

WhileHassan I was thatAccording in 2018, toa the group of ordering, whole gang of trans-women experienced count of events, US naval Rouhani the on Friday accused them attacked me “a and beat transphobic forces in the discrimination region received the US of posing serious me up.

The sellers had to meted by afrom security offithe Northreat to stability in the Mid- distressoutcalls intervene. I am bruised and cer from the same night club wegian-owned Front Altair at dle sides East”,or without referring after my ribs are hurting,” they attempted to use 06:12 (02:12 GMT) directly to the attacks in the he detailed. the female rest room.and from Japanese-owned Kokuka Gulf Oman.

Heoflater told this news- the He now vows that he paper City Constabulary his friends will follownot be Courageous at 07:00, Hethat reiterated a call for in- and officers were nearby to the and night spot ing explosions, moved ternationalwho parties to the 2015 returning also intervened and were able until a public apology by nuclear deal to honour their towards the area. to record the licence plate of the requisite individuals is It said the USS Baincommitments, following one of the getaway cars. a offered and the club agrees bridge Iranian naval unilateral withdrawal by the Simpson was subsequent- to haveobserved its staff undergo Lesboats operating in the area Trump administration. ly taken to the hospital by a bian, Gay, Bisexual, Transfriend.

Transsexual, in the hours after the Queer exploForeign Minister Javad gender, One the men reportfriendly customsions, and later removing the Zarif on of Twitter accused the (LGBTQ+) edly involved been er service training. unexploded mine from the US of makinghas ansince allegation identified as Maverick De the matter sideMeanwhile, of the Kokuka Coura“withoutwho a shred of factual Abreu, is before the is being dealt with by the geous. or circumstantial evidence” court for wounding popu- police and the management The crews of has bothagreed vessels andTrinidadian attempting soca to “sabotage lar artiste, at Palm Court Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc at to examine the club’s secuwere evacuated to other ships diplomacy”. the very night club in 2017. rity footage for additional The footage released by nearby. Both Iran and the US thatisherather has information on whatshowhad later released pictures theHighlighting US on Thursday been visiting Palm Court for transpired. more convincing than the ing rescued crew members on circumstantial evidence it board their vessels.

BSM Ship Management, had provided earlier.

The small white patrol which manages the Kokuka craft in the video is typical of Courageous, said the ship’s the type used by Iran’s IRGC crew abandoned ship after on Saturday. a fire and an unex(Revolutionary Guards) observing According to remine.

Navy in the Gulf. In recent plodedports, ranks at the However Yutaka Katada, years, the IRGC Navy has Mabura Police Outof the steadily supplanted Iran’s the president post, acting on ship’s information received, carKokuka Sangyo, conventional Navy all along operator, ried out a search on Iran’s Gulf coast, from its said members of the crew hada minibus (Route “that the ship#72) was border with Kuwait in the reported which was destined by a flying object”. north all the way down to attacked for Mahdia and driven ThebyKokuka Courageous Pakistan and the Arabian a 42-year-old resi30km (20 miles) Sea. Its forces have built was about dent of Wismar, LinThere were twoit Iranian coast when up a formidable flotilla of off theden. female passengers. sent its emergency call. small, high-speed, hard-toUpon Altair searching The Front was detect attack craft armed with the vehicle, it was obnaphtha, a petrol mines, missiles, torpedoes carrying served that there were product, thestrapped United and drones. twofrom wheels to Taiwan.

IRGC commandos reg- Arab Emirates on top of the roof of the said bus.

A search Courageous ularly practise covert opera- The Kokuka of the wheels revealed methanol tions and simulated attacks. was carrying 29 bulky transparent Some of their craft have from Saudi Arabia to Sinof cannabis come in close proximity to gapore.parcels weighing 28,148 According US Navy warships in the grams. to global comGulf in recent years and there satellite monitoring Three persons, The parcels of cannabis foundpany including onedamage of the Iceye, the remains the risk of a clash in the two minibus wheels females, in custody to the Frontare Altair caused at sea. wheels on top of the roof of assisting police with some oil spill in the waters Iran has denied any ina minibus during a search their investigation. volvement in Thursday’s around the ship.

Three arrested for cannabis in wheels

Monday, June 17, 2019

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Wednesday June 12, 2019

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Friday June 14, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

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King crowned ‘Queen’ in Earth pageant

By Tamica Garnett BACKED by over 10 years’ experience in the business of pageantry and modelling, and three beauty titles already under her belt, it came as no surprise when 26-year-old Berbician beauty, Fadehya King took the crown in the Miss Earth Guyana 2019 pageant when the dust settled late Saturday night at the Natural Cultural Centre (NCC).

King’s vast pageant experience was evident throughout the night, and she was an instant crowd favourite, her rating only being boosted throughout the night by her flawless articulation when answering questions, and her lithe and graceful stride.

Finishing behind King was Cintiana Harry, 26, who was crowned ‘Miss Eco-Guyana’, with the first runner-up position then going to Amelia Bakhsh, while rounding out the top four was 19-year-old Annesa Van Sluytman.

The top four were narrowed down from a field of eight finalists after the young

ladies would have competed in a number of categories at the environment-focused pageant, among them talent, costume, recycle fashion, beauty with a cause project, questions, resort wear, and evening gown.

“I am feeling proud of myself. I knew that I could’ve done it; I just needed to put my mind to it, and that is exactly what I did, and I hope that I can represent Guyana to the fullest on the international stage,” a confident King said of her win.

Clad in a stunning Randy Madray long- sleeved number, featuring a long train, and a deep thigh-high split, King was crowned by outgoing queen, Xameira Kippins.

Harry, on the other hand, was crowned by Miss Earth Guyana 2018 runners-up Akisha Payne and Luann Pellew.

Aside from the crown, King also walked away with quite a number of the special prizes in the pageant, including ‘Best Evening Gown’, her ensemble being one of the few unique pieces on display for the night. She also

won ‘Best Resort Wear’ for yet another Randy Madray creation, as well as ‘Best Talent’.

As winner of the talent-piece segment, which was one of several prejudged segments of the pageant, King performed her talent piece during the night.

Besides being voted ‘Miss People’s Choice’ and ‘Miss Eco-Friendly’, Bakhsh also took the “Miss Beauty for a Cause” title, which guaranteed her automatic placement in the top four.

Aided by a creation from local designer Carl Peterkin, Delgate #6 Kataina Phillips won the “Recycled Fashion Wear” title, which was also pre-judged. Van Sluytman received her prize for “Best Costume”.

It was an interesting night at the NCC, with the pageant proving to be one of the better held ones that Guyana has seen in a while. The delegates, too, represented some of the best in beauty that we’ve seen in a long time.

But the girls were human, and pageants being what they are, the night was not

City mayor interested in parking lots, not parking meters

By Telesha Ramnarine GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine has said that the notorious parking meter project does not form part of his agenda at the moment; instead, he has major plans to install several parking lots across the City.

He is, however, not sure that this vision would become a reality during his tenure as mayor, but he has indicated that there are a number of investors on hand who are willing to invest in a 50/50 partnership with the City.

“But at this point, space is the problem,” he told the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of a recent statutory meeting at City Hall, adding, “I have a proposal for parking lots, maybe a five-storey or a four storey in the city. I am working on that proposal presently.” The moment space becomes available, the project will kick off, he offered.

In fact, he has already identified spaces that can serve the purpose. “I’m look-

ing at that space opposite the Bourda Market, the cemetery there; but I was told that space is a national monument and I ought to engage the ‘National Trust’ and it may even reach to Central Government. You need these spaces to make investments that will benefit the City.”

The idea of erecting parking lots is being pursued more aggressively than that of renegotiating with Smart City Solutions (SCS), the overseas company which was granted a concession to install parking meters in the City, he indicated.

“Parking meters are not on my agenda at this point in time. Before we go back to parking meters, we have to renegotiate with the overseas company in terms of a better price and all these things.

Mechanisms need to be put in place to have parking meters.

You can’t put the tail first, or the cart before the horse,” he commented.

At the moment, the mayor said he also has in mind removing all of the bus parks from their current stations.

“One of my visions is to re-

move all the bus parks completely and place them maybe at the head of the city, at Turkeyen perhaps, and have city buses to transport the passengers so that people can get free space to do their business.”

The mayor believes that the shopping areas of the city should be left clear for citizens’ convenience. “I believe that later on, Regent Street should be free and have free shopping flow without any vehicles parking along the shoulders of the road,” he said.

The Parking Meter Renegotiation Committee, a sub-committee of the City Council, was formed to renegotiate with SCS. A significant drop in the parking fee was arrived at, but even so, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), along with the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) and other stakeholders, continued to insist that the contract with SCS was illegal.

The project drew several protests outside of City Hall.

without it’s faux pas. For instance, quite a few members of the audience were not too pleased when a delegate got the national motto wrong.

Again, it was obvious that pageantry was not for at least one delegate, who looked painfully uncomfortable as she moved about the stage.

Patrons were nonetheless bowled over by the young lady’s confidence,

Miss Earth Guyana 2019, Fadehya King

and pretty soon she was able to win them over, thus becoming one of the night’s favourites. Another crowd

favourite proved to be Delegate #1, Phelicia Adams, but unfortunately, she did not place.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

The necessary presence of a father PARENTING is perhaps the most important responsibility that can ever be given to man. Though many times its occurrence may not have been planned, or seen to have taken place in the formal ideal setting of a family, it is a given that its possibility may take place at some time.

Whether planned or not, becoming a parent means an event that takes the immediate spotlight away from the parent(s), thus focusing on the child. The parents must now become the focal reason that guides and influences the actions of the child.

This means a new understanding of the individual role, or dual, since parenthood means both a moral and legal responsibility on any of the individual parent, or both as should be the ideal. For the male, the father figure, it is the significant milestone in his life and should be seen as such, because of the traditional expectation of him being responsible for the welfare of the child, or children that he has and may subsequently father, whether in the ideal framework of a family, or not. Even in the latter, he still bears the paternal responsibility, which is both

moral and legal.

The story of fathers is well known, for it has been chronicled from time immemorial, more so within modern times, for the dynamics of the challenges that have arisen from this critical social responsibility.

Of course, there are good fathers: those whom, through the challenges of family building, have made the great sacrifices that would have in many instances impacted their physical well-being, just to accord the children a comfortable life, such as a home and meals on the table. This extends to the critical aspect of imparting both moral and spiritual guidance and values, inclusive of an education that would give many an offspring, that perfect springboard to become not only worthy citizens and contributors towards society, but also to be good mothers and fathers themselves.

There is no question that fathers do play an important part in their children’s lives: the majority of studies affirm that an involved father can play a crucial role, particularly in the cognitive, behavioural, and general health and well-being areas of a child’s life.

Having a positive male role model helps an adolescent boy develop positive gender-role characteristics; adolescent girls are more likely to form positive opinions of men and are better able to relate to them when parented by an involved father; it is generally accepted, under most circumstances, that a father’s presence and involvement can be as crucial to a child’s healthy development as a mother’s; and experiencing validation of their importance in the general parenting literature has made fathers much more conscious of their value, which, in turn, leads to their greater desire to be involved.

This means that the role of fathers is always a critical essential in the input of the growth and development of their offspring. In fact, many of the latter have been known to be able to fulfil their educational career dreams, because of the absence of this vital support, for one reason or the other.

And many also, would have encountered very sad and unfortunate circumstances that have had very eventful consequences in their lives, because of an absent father.

But fathers must also be cognisant of the enduring

need, of being present, not just for a period, but for as long as it takes to shepherd their children on to life’s journey. It means that they are expected to go the extra mile towards the fulfilment of this role of being provider. And in this regard, the choices that they make towards this achievement are both pivotal and decisive in their mission of fatherhood.

There are many instances in which some fathers especially, are engaged in some form of unlawful act; or of varying risks that render them liable to either sudden physical harm, mostly death; or coming into conflict with the law, which will also have serious consequences such as incarceration. Perhaps, well meaning, since in their view it seems to satisfy their requirements of being providers; but it still cannot be, since it is illegal, against the law, and leads a distorted example of what a responsible parent ought to be. Moreover, the reality of that “good provider” is finally exposed when it suddenly comes to an end, which is always predictable.

It is recognised that we live in a world that has not been, and is not fair to many; this is because of the varying

circumstances/interventions which might have altered dreams, hopes, wishes and aspirations. This means for many, not being able to be materially comfortable as the more fortunate, because of missed and unavailable opportunities, deprived, to be specific. For this category, life’s expectations have not been for them, as hoped.

However, suffice that it has always been so, and will continue to be, parents, more so fathers, who are engaged in risky forms of “earning/employment,” that is unlawful, must understand what that means for the future prospects of their family, particularly their children. In both the short to long term, fathers must be of the serious realisation that even though there may be psychological pressure and urgency to bring material improvements to the lives of their children, and by extension their families, there are forever risk factors in their unorthodox measures/ endeavours. For not only are such untenable, in every way, but it is always their children who suffer from the fallout of any related untoward consequences. No father, who cares for, and loves his family, must consider

providing for them through such means.

Thus, it is incumbent upon fathers, those whose daily activities for a dollar fall outside the ambit of the law, to begin to take stock of the risks of their ‘’trade’’ that make dubious their responsibility as fathers, while rendering the risk to longevity of fatherhood to their children. Although it is said that the world owes us a living, it certainly must not mean by illegal means for anyone of the parental duo, particularly fathers; or any other relation. A father cannot be of any use to his children, if he is imprisoned, or dies prematurely.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of fathers. Studies have shown for example, that girls who have good relationships with their fathers tend to do better in math, and boys who have actively involved fathers tend to have better grades and perform better on achievement tests. And well-bonded boys develop securely with a stable and sustained sense of self. Who we are and who we are to be, we are becoming, and fathers are central to that outcome.

Bilateral ties that will benefit all Guyanese Dear Editor,

I AM certain that the saying “Short and sweet’’ is the apt description that can be applied to the just-concluded visit of the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Danka Akufo Addo to Guyana. But such a momentous and histori-

cal occasion, as it certainly was, has to be placed in its proper context, for the absolutely great satisfaction of finally having a visit to these shores of the leader of the West African country, Ghana, which descendants are numbered among African Guyanese.

It was a visit that has

served to re-kindle that very special Guyanese – Ghanaian connection that began over 300 years ago with the early Akan people arriving as slaves. This was the beginning of the bonds that has over the many decades been standing at the heart of the spiritual symbolism between the two countries.

It was unbelievable, listening to sister Penda Guyan, that indefatigable Africanist who publicly spoke of former presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo not only refusing to consider a visit from a Ghanaian president, but the reason given – that there were no benefits to be had.

Editor, if such a response does not reek of discrimination, then what does? It was a perception, I suspect, concluded from the fact of the general challenges that many African states were encountering; I suspect that it was due also to the PPP/C administration adopting a one-size-fits-all view, rather

than an objective appraisal as to the state of affairs of individual states, which has seen Ghana already reaping the benefits of democratic stability and socio-economic growth and development that eventually made her a blueprint for other African TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

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GAWU pays tribute to the Enmore Martyrs Dear Editor,

JUNE 16, 2019 brings us to seventy-one (71) years since the brutal killing of five (5) sugar workers at Plantation Enmore.

The massacring of Rambarran, Lall known as Pooran, Lallabagee Kissoon, Surujballi and Harry represented yet another tragic episode of domination by the sugar overlords who were dominant at the time. They have, in the course of time, received national recognition and today they are known as the Enmore Martyrs. Since 1976, they have been celebrated nationally in honour of their struggles, selfless sacrifice and the impact that the 1948 struggle of sugar workers have had on our fight for freedom, apart from its subsequent positive outcome for workers in the industry.

They occupy, and rightly so, a place in the revered hall of our national heroes.

The Martyrs and their colleagues were engaged in strike action which was fifty-one (51) days old when the fateful incident occurred. Senior Counsel Cde Ashton Chase in his renowned book – A History of Trade Unionism in Guyana: 1900 to 1960 – pointed out that the strike began on April 22, 1948 at Non Pareil over the arbitrary imposition by the planters of ‘cut and load’ over the ‘cut and drop’ system. He wrote:-“The origin of the strike was first of all general expression of dissatisfaction by the workers with their

miserable conditions of work and life, notwithstanding the existence of recognised unions. Secondly, the failure of the recognised unions (MPCA and BG Workers League) over the years to really alleviate the harsh conditions under which they worked, or to secure even a fair improvement in their real wages. Thirdly, dissatisfaction with the new system of work for cane cutters, to wit, cut and load. Fourthly, frustration with the machinery set up with the approval of the recognised unions for resolving differences at estate level. And last but not least, the demand for recognition of a new trade union under a militant leadership to represent their interests.”

The Enmore incident occurred against a backdrop of workers’ militancy which was erupting in several enterprises in that period. A strike lasting sixty-four (64) days by bauxite workers at Mackenzie and Ituni in April, 1947, took place and which highlighted the racial discrimination and segregation perpetrated by the owners and management of the Demerara Bauxite Company. In late February, 1948, the Transport Workers Union reacted to the arbitrary transfer of its leaders from Georgetown to different parts of Guyana with an effective strike. Not only were the transfers stayed, but Colonel Teare who dictatorially ordered the transfers was hurriedly recalled by the Colonial Office to London.

FROM PAGE 6

Bilateral ties that will... nations to follow. Not even promoting cultural ties with a country which people, because of slavery, had been forcibly brought to these shores, was considered.

Is it not ironic, editor, that this very African state, prospering, and whose leader has been “promoting economic security and stability on the Continent of Africa; “regionalism,” “the interests of developing states,’’ and whose ‘’continued leadership and stewardship to protect their gains and secure their future,” but which had been shunted into the column of states, deemed as “no benefit to Guyana” can now offer this country, an array of benefits through improved bilateral ties? Of course, these offers are welcomed, and are in keeping with President Granger’s vision of an economic foreign policy.

Surely, such an economic powerhouse, with a very high single-digit of economic growth, and with a visionary president giving leadership to his continent,

just did not occur overnight.

It would have been a gradual process, that began with the Jerry Rawlings presidency, and sustained by his successors onto this current Head of State.

As the sixth largest oil producer in Africa, with five to seven billion barrels of oil in reserve, and six trillion cubic feet of national gas reserves, Ghana is well placed to guide Guyana in the crucial establishing of its oil and gas industry. Its plan to send its experts to train Guyanese in this field, at its own expense, is indeed welcome, and will build much-needed human capacity. Further, it will help to shut the mouths of the numerous overnight gas experts who have mushroomed overnight.

There are tremendous benefits for Guyana, coming from a country that has almost 50 years of experience in this vital economic resource. And with a Memorandum of Understanding that has now placed relations on a very firm legal foot-

ing, particularly removing the visa requirement for travelling between the two countries, and establishing the parameters for trade and investment between the two countries.

As further proof of Ghana’s development of its human resource capacity, and sincerity towards helping developing countries, albeit a sister Commonwealth country, Ghana and Barbados are in the process of an agreement, whereby the former will send 400 nurses to plug this vital manpower shortage that has been plaguing the island’s health system.

And all this, coming from a country, against which the PPP/C administration had discriminated.

This is a diplomatic achievement for the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), which will benefit ALL of Guyana.

Regards, Earl Hamilton

The decade between the mid-40s and mid-50s was an eventful time in our past.

Apart from the direct workers’ struggles, there were also significant political developments. An influencing factor at the time was the formation of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) by Dr Cheddi Jagan and others in 1946. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was founded out of this Committee on January 01, 1950. It was a new political party that differed immensely from the traditional political parties. Immediately, it began to champion the cause of universal adult suffrage and boldly challenged the arbitrary rule of the colonial masters and their local handmaidens. Dr Jagan winning a seat in the Legislative Council in 1947 gave him an opportunity to advocate for many pro-people and particularly pro-worker measures, and thus he was able to lift people’s political awareness and class consciousness.

It turned out that the death of the Enmore Five was an awakening call in many quarters and especially to workers in other sectors.

Cde Cheddi saw to that. Cde Janet Jagan,

former President of Guyana, opined that the death of the five martyrs sent a “thunderbolt” through the society, invigorating the liberation struggle which followed.

The brutal repression of 1948 did not daunt the workers nor dampen their spirits. Indeed, militancy in the industry grew and political awareness and activities expanded. Sugar workers’ right to be represented by a union of their choice was won in 1976. Sugar workers, under the aegis of GAWU, have taken part, along with other working people in the struggles for political independence; they championed the nationalisation of the sugar industry; they stood up and fought for the restoration of democratic elections. These struggles took place side by side with other struggles to improve wages and working conditions throughout the industry and for other workers.

Regards, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

$40M soil-testing ‘lab’ set for July opening CONSTRUCTION of the $40M Nand Persaud soil-testing laboratory at the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus (John’s Science Centre) compound is 97 per cent completed, and will officially commence testing in early July.

The opening of such a laboratory, the construction of which is being funded by the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, is expected to drastically change the landscape of farming in the region

by providing soil and disease testing for farmers. Staffing for the facility is expected to be sourced from within the said Berbice.

Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mohindra Persaud, said all the major works have been completed, with the exception of the fencing. He noted that the facility is presently undergoing the final touches to accommodate the furniture and equipment.

Persaud told the Depart-

The near complete Nand Persaud soil-testing laboratory at the John’s Science Centre Ground, at Tain Campus

Nand Persaud Group of Companies CEO, Mohindra Persaud

ment of Public Information (DPI) that the facility would have been ready for opening in another week, except that the chemicals needed for the testing, which are being sourced from Trinidad, have not yet arrived in the country.

He expressed excitement for the facility to be up and running, since he has been doing research over the past few years on the benefits the facility is expected to bring the farmers, and hopes that it truly transforms the way farming is done here in Guyana.

“Most farmers,” he said, “have been doing farming based on traditional methods that were handed down from their foreparents, and often when you try to get them to adopt to new methods, they would say their grandfather has been doing that for years

and it worked for him, so why should they change?”

The facility will now help to make that change, by providing scientific information on the efficiency and deficiency of the soil, so they can know how to proceed, Persaud said.

Coming from a family of farmers before getting into rice milling and eventually branching off into almost every industry, Persaud is a farmer at heart, and strongly believes that Guyana, given its abundance of freshwater and flat lands, should be the world’s leader in agriculture, hence the decision to invest in the much-needed facility.

“From what we have found, about 30 per cent of the fertilisers applied is being wasted. This facility will allow for scientific and precise reports on what is needed. If

you look across the world, farmers are getting better yields than us, despite less favourable conditions. We are hoping this facility changes that,” the young businessman said, adding: “It will not only help to tell us why we have poor yields, but we can compare with fields that have good yields, and look to replicate across-the-board.”

Persaud posited that within 18 months, farmers will be able to move their average yield per acre of rice to 45 bags, as opposed to the current average of 37, ultimately helping them to get value for their investment. The construction of the laboratory is a collaborative effort of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies and the University of Guyana. (DPI)

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Conflict resolution specialist talks up civil society engagement – in prudent management of oil and gas sector

Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh (Delano Williams photo)

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA can benefit from an improved oil and gas sector if policy makers collaborate even more with the country’s active civil society, according to Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Specialist Lawrence Lachmansingh.

“Our experience with oil and gas, so far in Guyana, has encouraged us to think that collaboration across civil society and including key governmental partners can work,” Lachmansingh told the Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview, on the sidelines of an oil and gas event.

The consultant gave the example of the Natural Resources Fund, Act No. 12 of 2019, which was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President David Granger earlier this year.

“With the Natural Resource Fund legislation, we had a really good civil society based process where we (civil society bodies) invited government in and we think, in many ways, it has strengthened that legislation,” the man said.

What that experience has shown is that civil society

stakeholders can be effective “partners” with policy makers, according to Lachmansingh, who highlighted just how proud he was of that engagement; and as such, he stressed that collaboration with civil society would augur well for governance of the developing oil and gas sector.

“It [collaboration] can actually be beneficial without actually making any of us (government and civil society) become co-opted with the other,” he said.

Lachmansingh also opined that one of the deficiencies that Guyana has generally, not only with oil and gas, is that it needs to recognise that “one one dutty gotta mek a dam.”

What he means by this, is that the country does not currently possess enough resources, technical resources and financial skills, and as a

Doctors edified at Woodlands CME seminar

Medical Professionals view some of the services and products available at the Woodlands Hospital (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

By Vishani Ragobeer HUNDREDS of doctors in the local medical field were edified in various areas of health as the Woodlands Hospital hosted a grand

Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar in observance of its 50th anniversary.

Managing Director (MD) of the Woodlands Hospital, Dr Neville Gobin, explained

that each year, registered doctors in Guyana must attend 12 CME lectures in order to continue practising medicine in the country.

TURN TO PAGE 10

result must focus on ‘pooling resources,’ whether among civil society and government, or even just among civil society.

“It is to the benefit of the oil and gas agenda,” he affirmed.

Recently, Local Content Consultant Oil and Gas

and Mining in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Canada, Rene Roger Tissot, told this newspaper that the strengthening of civil society at the local level to ensure it is a key variable in ensuring the success of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

Guyana was recently embarked upon.

Guyana submitted its first EITI report to the International Secretariat on April 25, 2019, with the aim of promoting the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

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LOVE SOME adults are unaware that one of the most important things that should be provided for children is love. Love and affection helps children to feel comfortable and secure, accepted and confident. You may be thinking, I love my child and he knows I love him. But have you ever told your child you love him? And do show your child affection? Do you hug your child and reassure him through your actions that you are there for him? Does your child know that your love is unconditional?

Adults have the power to affect a child’s entire outlook to life when they either give their love intermittently or sparsely, or by withholding love from a child all together.

Affection is something that is considered essential to the life of every human being, yet there are those who proclaim to have been raised without love and affection from their parents/carers. In turn, they say it is very hard for them to show affection to their children, which means the cycle of raising ‘unloved’ children then continues.

Whether your parents were affectionate towards you or not, it should not prevent you from sharing one of the most fundamental emotions with your child: if you do not tell your child that you love him/her and you do not show affection, how will your child know?

Children who feel loved and cherished tend to flourish and develop with a holistic sense of well-being. Therefore, even if a parent repeats the phrase over and over again, ‘Mummy loves you’ or ‘Daddy loves his little man,’ it does nothing for the child unless the child feels loved -- and the love needs to be unconditional. If the child does badly at school or disappoints his parents or caregivers, the child needs to know that the love remains the same; it is not only displayed or given when things are going well and adults are happy with the child.

Love is so important in a child’s life that it can even affect their adult decision-making. Girlchildren who are raised without a father’s love may end up looking for love in

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

all the wrong places. Some of them mistakenly get involved with older men: they are still looking for that missing father figure in their lives. They are unaware of the reason behind their inner yearning or longing for that crucial, but evasive element. A father’s love is the first love a girlchild will feel from a man, it is a special love, one that can make her feel appreciated and worthy or if negative, make her feel uncared for and worthless. These feelings can stay with a person for their entire lifetime.

A mother is usually the first woman that a boy cares about and loves completely.

She is a major and comforting force in his life from inception. When a mother does not show love and affection to her son, it can create problems later on in his life. One possible problem as a child could be attention-seeking and then as an adult, he may have a string of unsuccessful relationships with women. A motherless household can lack affection and balance. People may think that boys become manlier when they grow without a mother, but on the contrary, they just end up unable to relate properly to the opposite sex. A mother’s love actually aids boys in gaining confidence around women.

A simple thing such as love and how it is dispersed in our lives during childhood can affect how we subconsciously conduct ourselves as adults. It plays a significant role in the decisions we make for ourselves and our children. We seldom stop to reminisce

on, or analyse how, aspects of our past have such bearing on our present actions, but where love is concerned it certainly does.

Are you giving your children enough love and affection? A woman called Mary said, ‘As a child (6-7 years old) my parents migrated to America and left me in the care of my uncle and great grandmother whom we called ‘Miss Violet’; I lived with them for a number of years. When my uncle left to go to work he would tell Miss Violet, don’t give Mary any food. But she always fed me and I knew I was loved.’

Love from parents/carers and adults encourages self-love and loving one’s self does not have to be egotistic: it can be a healthy realisation that it is not necessary to be reliant on another person’s love to feel complete. You can love yourself from the inside out and have the confidence to get on with your life. It is evident that some men do not like to show love; they see it as a weakness, when in fact it is a sign of strength. You may not see the tangible evidence, but you can help your child become emotionally and independently balanced by sharing some genuine love and affection whenever possible.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION FROM PAGE 9

Doctors edified at Woodlands...

A CME is a critical feature in the development of medical professionals nationwide, as it assists them in maintaining competence and acquiring knowledge about new and developing areas of their fields.

Woodlands would have CMEs on a monthly basis at the hospital, according to Dr Gobin. This CME however aimed to get as many as 500 local doctors together in one space; a huge ‘step up’ from those usually organised.

In fact, he noted that the much larger CMEs would be organised by the Guyana Medical Council four times each year, but with the hospital observing its 50th anniversary, they opted to sponsor one of those large CMEs. “It’s our way of giving back to the professions where we have been receiving from through the years,” he highlighted.

The scores of doctors in attendance benefitted from: An overview of Bronchial Asthma from Dr Ghansham Singh; Catheter Ablations for Heart Rhythm Disorders and Device Management of Heart Failure, by Dr Mahendra Carpen; The Approach and Management of a patient with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) by Dr Chris Prashad; and Application of thoracic surgery for general practitioners, by Dr Cheetanand Mahadeo.

Aside from giving back to the medical community, Dr Gobin noted that the hospital is also conscious of its responsibility to the wider society at large.

It is for this reason that the private hospital offers services that have previously been unavailable in Guyana, and offer these at affordable rates.

“When you consider the volume of patients that utilise our services, I would say that people do trust us,” he affirmed.

“Woodlands has done a lot in promoting healthcare in this country.”

And in the coming years, the MD noted that the hospital hopes to continue bringing new medical technologies and advancement to Guyana. According to him, the aim is to always provide healthcare services that are “on par” with the “first world.”

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Returning sugar to profitability is best tribute to Enmore Martyrs – Williams

THE best tribute that stakeholders of Guyana’s sugar industry can pay the Enmore Martyrs is their collective effort towards restoring the industry to profitability.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams delivered the charge on Sunday at the site of the Enmore Martyrs Monument at Plantation Enmore for Enmore Martyrs Day. Attending were Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minster of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings; representatives of trade union bodies in Guyana and other specially invited guests.

Yesterday marked 71 years A representative of the Enmore Martyrs lays since the five Enmore Mara floral wreath at the base of the monument.

A GAWU representative honours the lives of the tyrs – Rambarran, Lall called (Adrian Narine photo) five slain sugar workers. (Adrian Narine photo) Pooran, Lallabagie Kissoon, Attorney General and Minister of Legal who gave their lives also for labagie Kissoon was is one of the many modern-day Surujballi called Dookie and shot in the back; Surujballi called struggles of the working class which Harry – lost their lives fighting Affairs Basil Williams pays his respects at improvement.

At the ceremony, comments Dookie was also shot in the back labour unions must work to address. for their rights and the rights of the Enmore Martyrs Monument to the five sugar workers who lost their lives in 1948 came too from Organising Offi- and Harry was shot in the spine.

During the ceremony, the atothers on June 16, 1948. in the fight for better wages and working cer at the Guyana Agricultural Yet, he noted that Enmore Mar- tendees acknowledged one minute Delivering the feature adconditions. (Adrian Narine photo) and General Workers’ Union tyrs did not die in vain. of silence in honour of the lives of dress, Minister Williams stated (GAWU), Poorandatt Narine, “Their contribution to the over- the five Enmore Martyrs. sugar industry and it changed our that the cause of the five sugar Floral wreaths were laid at the workers was “just” and was fuelled nation. Its impact on the nation- who highlighted that apart from all advancement of the working by the simple aim of changing the alistic struggle is without dispute. poor wages, the workers were class in Guyana is immeasurable,” base of the monument by Attorney Workers’ gains in subsequent years faced with potable water issues, he said, adding that it had a lasting General and Minister of Legal negatives of the sugar industry.

On April 22, 1948, cane-cutters, would not have been possible with- non-existent transportation facili- effect on numerous persons, includ- Affairs, Basil Williams; represenbacked by the Guyana Industrial out the sacrifice of the Enmore ties, poor sanitary conditions and ing leading personalities such as late tatives of the five Enmore Martyrs; vector-borne diseases. He noted President Cheddi Jagan. representatives of trade union bodWorkers Union (GIWU), went on Martyrs,” he said.

Speaking too, Executive Mem- ies in Guyana and the Critchlow Looking to sugar in 2019, the that following the strike action strike demanding abolition of the existing “cut and load” system in attorney general highlighted that which had spread to several planta- ber of the Guyana Trades Union Labour College.

The event also saw a poem the fields. This reaping system, the industry once again finds itself tions, five sugar workers lost their Congress (GTUC), Norris Witter introduced in 1945, forced cane-cut- in another challenge, but this time lives and 14 others were seriously told the audience that it is important from Ann’s Grove Secondary for Guyanese to know and remem- while musical renditions came ters to load the sugar punts with it is to restructure the industry to injured.

Narine detailed that Rambarran ber their history to be better guided from the Regional Choir of Rethe cane they cut as opposed to the become viable once again.

He pointed out that between sustained two bullet wounds in his into the future. gion Four (Demerara-Mahaica), “cut and drop” system, whereby He also highlighted the recent the Buxton Steel Orchestra and cane-cutters would cut the cane and 2009 to 2014, the Guyana Sugar legs; Lall called Pooran was shot in workers would load the cut cane Corporation (GuySuCo) racked his leg and sustained a gaping three- RUSAL issue, whereby some 91 the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into the punts for shipment to the up more than $50B in losses, over inch wound above his pelvis; Lal- workers were previously laid off, Band, MS. $82B in debt and its factory.

The “cut and load” system was cost of production far not popular among cane-cutters and outweighs its profits in from time to time they had gone on export markets.

However, he stated: strike to demand that it be changed.

Their efforts, Williams told the “The sugar industry is attendees, were not isolated but not on its death bed; it were a part of a greater rising up is in the recovery room of the working class in Guyana and and it is being nursed the Caribbean, who had discovered back to health through strike action as a “potent weapon.” the reforms and reorHe said that it eventually led to ganisation which commore favourable working conditions menced after May 2015. for Guyanese, the establishment President Granger has of a sugar welfare scheme, better assured workers that the housing and a decisive shift in the sugar industry is not being closed. It [is] being political momentum.

“Mere death, however, does right-sized, restructured not make one a martyr. Martyrdom and reformed in order to requires a just and noble cause done make it sustainable and not just for oneself, but for others. profitable.”

With this in mind, he The five sugar workers whose martyrdom we commemorate today reminded citizens that no did not seek death, glory, power achievement in human or fame. They pursued the simple history has ever been goal of struggling for betterment made possible without for themselves and for others,” sacrifice.

He further called on Williams said. He also reminded the audience that in paying homage all the industry’s staketo the Enmore Martyrs, citizens also holders to work towards acknowledge the contributions of improvement of the sugthe GIWU which was the master- ar industry in Guyana, as this would be the best mind behind the strike.

“Enmore 1948 changed the tribute to pay to the men

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

Voluntary blood donations essential to saving lives

– says chief medical officer, as dedicated blood donors honoured

By Vishani Ragobeer VOLUNTARY blood donations remain essential to the provision of live-saving health services, according to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who urged more persons to consider donating blood.

The CMO made these remarks at a simple ceremony held on Friday at the Herdmanston Lodge to honour dedicated blood donors. This ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and it’s National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), in observance of International Blood Donation Day 2019.

“Blood transfusions are a necessary part of any modern health care system,” Dr Persaud said, noting that these transfusions are not only

needed when treating patients of accidents and trauma, but also for a variety of health services.

For 23-year-old Francine Leitch, blood was needed to save her life -- 14 units of blood, to be exact. “In 2015, I was diagnosed with medicinal dysgerminoma, which is a rare, aggressive cancer,” she shared with the gathering.

Then, her haemoglobin level was just over three grammes per deciliter (g/dL) of blood; the normal level of haemoglobin in women is said to be about 12 g/dL. “This was critically low and I needed blood and I needed it urgently,” Leitch noted. And so, after her diagnosis, she required 12 units of blood which, when received, enabled her to have her first cycle of chemotherapy.

However, she noted that after the first cycle of che-

motherapy, she needed an additional two units of blood.

Only after receiving these, and with further treatment, was she able to fight off her ailment.

“Fourteen units [of blood] later, my life was saved,” Leitch said gleefully. And Francine’s need for blood is one which is shared by many Guyanese.

One of the active donors, who was awarded on Friday, Angelica Holder shared too that as a healthcare worker, she has seen persons or their family members in dire need of blood and received help from the NBTS. More personally, her father was once bitten by a venomous snake -- the labaria -- and required blood transfusions to save his life.

According to Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr Zulfikar Bux, the labaria is

Francine Leitch

a haemotoxic snake, which means that its venom prevents the blood from clotting, and victims are at risk of bleeding to death once bitten.

And this was the case of the elder Holder, who could have lost his life.

“He needed a lot of blood transfusions… it was pretty traumatic, I was a child, and I know that I could’ve lost my father at the time,” Angelica recounted.

And as she grew up, she endeavoured to give blood as much as possible, which is as often as every two months, providing that she is healthy.

She also donates with her family, and encourages her friends to do the same.

The CMO highlighted additionally that the “largest portion” of blood garnered by the NBTS is used by pregnant mothers. “You not only save the life of a mother, [but] you save the life of a child, and the whole family as a matter of fact, by your donation,” Dr Persaud said.

PRECIOUS Importantly, he also highlighted that generally one unit of blood, which is about one

pint or approximately 525 millilitres, can actually help up to three persons.

In Guyana, blood collection is done throughout most of the coastal regions, the CMO noted, adding that work has begun in initiating the collection of blood in hinterland areas too. Lethem, Region Nine, is one hinterland region where blood collection has been initiated.

Additionally, the public health ministry has been expanding its delivery of blood services, so that blood and blood products are now available at Bartica, Mabaruma, Lethem, Mahaicony, Fort Wellington and the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara. This means that there are more people, in more areas, who are able to access the critical substance necessary to sustain life, the CMO said.

Building on this, he disclosed that the ministry is now seeking to expand blood services to the Leonora Cottage Hospital; the Dr CC Nicholson Hospital in Nabaclis, which is a Maternal and Child Health hospital now; and to areas such as Port Kaituma and Mahdia, when those hospitals have been sufficiently developed.

“Pregnancies happen wherever people live, [there are] incidents and accidents and all other events that require blood transfusion services,” he explained. There are also people, who because of their genetic predispositions, might require blood transfusions from time to time.

But the services for blood transfusion -- which is the actual collection of blood-- are centralised (in Georgetown),

to allow for greater blood safety in all facets. Each time blood is donated, the NBTS checks that blood, using more than 11 ‘markers’ to ensure that the blood is safe from any diseases and so that 100 percent safety of the blood can be guaranteed, the CMO underscored.

Director of the NBTS, Dr Pedro Lewis, giving remarks too, sought to highlight that in the near future Guyana will boast a “trauma centre,” which will better manage emergency cases, including addressing patient flow, isolation and capacity Dealing with trauma cases however would require a large and constant supply of blood, according to the director.

“We have to realise that the Ministry of Public Health is moving towards building a trauma centre very soon, and when we talk [about] trauma, we are talking about a lot of blood needed,” Dr Lewis said. “We need approximately five percent of Guyana’s population to be voluntary donors, which is about 30,000 to 35,000 donors. “ Nevertheless, he boasted that there are more than 10,000 voluntary donors in Guyana who contribute to the country’s record of 100 percent voluntary donations.

These donations, which are expected to amount to about 12,000 units for this, are adequate to satisfy the requests of the private hospitals and the public facilities.

“There will come a time when we look into trauma and trauma situations and we will need a lot of blood and blood distributions,” he said however.

Motorist killed in Richmond accident A 20-year-old motorist has died after crashing into a culvert on School Street, Richmond, Essequibo Coast, Region Two on Saturday.

Dead is Kishan Sankar of Lot 320, Richmond Housing Scheme. The fatal accident reportedly occurred on June 15, around 21:20hrs. Information revealed that Sankar was riding motorcycle CJ 2467, proceeding south along the eastern side of School Street in Richmond Housing Scheme

at a fast rate when he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a culvert on the western side of the said street.

He received injuries to the head and other parts of his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state by a hire car driver and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body was later transported to the Suddie Mortuary and is awaiting a postmortem.

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Guyana hailed as ‘Emerging Destination’ in South America - featured on cover of travel magazine BUILDING on recent recognition achieved in the field of eco-tourism, Guyana has been featured on the cover of the June/July edition of the Travel Agent

Central magazine as an “Emerging Destination in South America.”

The world’s largest single-drop waterfall and Guyana’s gem, the Kaieteur Falls,

is sprawled over the cover of the magazine which features South America, with a special report on Guyana as its lead story.

“Guyana, a relatively un-

The June/July edition of the Travel Agent Central magazine, which features the Kaieteur Falls and hails Guyana as an ‘Emerging Destination’ in South America

discovered country in South America bordered by Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname, has been making moves to promote itself as an ecotourism destination in the North American market,” Travel Agent Journalist Adam Leposa wrote.

Leposa noted that in November 2018, the magazine deemed Guyana as one of the emerging destinations for that year. Building on that, Travel Agent representatives visited Guyana to experience the country for themselves.

Expectedly, the representatives visited Georgetown and touched base with a few of the city’s hotspots and visited a few monuments, landmarks and historical sites.

Subsequently, they travelled down south to the Rupununi region where they immersed themselves in the eco-tourism opportunities presented, such as roaming with the river otters or experiencing the traditional ‘vacquero’ lifestyle. As a plus, they got to see Mount Roraima, which isn’t always visible, due to massive cloud cover.

“We found a country with a unique, diverse natural environment that included rainforest, savannah and a coastal city, as well as a destination serious about developing a sustainable tourism product,” Leposa highlighted.

Travel Agent Central is an independent news organisation with journalists possessing deep expertise in vacation travel and business travel,

covering the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America.

Just this past week, Guyana received the Latin American Travel Association’s (LATA’s) “Best in Sustainable Tourism” award. The country was awarded for its impressive sustainable tourism practices and community-led tourism framework which promotes job creation, helps preserve local traditions and customs, promotes low-carbon lifestyles and provides livelihoods for indigenous communities.

Importantly, in March of this year, Guyana was also named the #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world, leading experienced ecotourism destinations such as Sierra Gorda, Mexico and Tmatboey in Cambodia.

“Guyana has expended considerable effort in recent years, not only to develop new and innovative eco-friendly tourism products as a part of the national Green State Development Strategy, but also to incorporate sustainable tourism best practice into all aspects of its strategy, planning and programming while educating the world about its deep commitment to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism,” Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Brian Mullis said when Guyana received this award.

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Emergency works undertaken on damaged Aishalton road The repaired roadway near Aishalton.

DIRECT vehicle access to the Deep South Rupununi village of Aishalton has been restored as a critical section of the roadway, which eroded recently, has been rehabilitated.

Toshao of Aishalton, Michael Thomas, noted on Saturday that emergency works were undertaken at the area, which eroded under flood waters a few weeks ago, by JR Construction. He said works were also done at other parts of the roadway.

Thomas expressed appreciation to the government for the timely response to the situation.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Public Infra-

structure said it was working alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources to assess the damage to the Aishalton main access road.

Heavy and persistent rainfall resulted in a section of the main access road in Aishalton being washed away, cutting off vehicular traffic to the key Deep-South Rupununi village.

“Residents of Aishalton are asked to remain patient as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Natural Resources work assiduously to assess and evaluate the damage caused by the flash flood in the area,” the Public Infrastructure Ministry said in a

statement after the situation worsened.

It said the ministries regional engineers were on the ground and were discussing the way forward with the Regional Administration.

“The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources, understands the importance of this access road to the livelihood of the residents in and around Aishalton and jointly, the ministries will ensure that the road becomes passable in a short while,” the Public Infrastructure Ministry said.

It was explained that while there are hundreds of culverts along the roadway

97 complete hinterland scholarship programme – graduates return to serve respective communities NINETY-SEVEN students from the Hinterland Scholarship Division in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs have successfully completed the Secondary Education Programme and will soon be pursuing bigger dreams.

The Scholarship Division held its annual graduation exercise Wednesday last at the Umana Yana, Kingston, where students received certificates and trophies for consistent academic performances.

Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Permanent Secretary Alfred King were among

other staff, relatives, friends and well-wishers present to congratulate the graduates.

During the feature address, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted: “It is very pleasing that we are sending skilled persons into the respective regions to better their communities… human capital development is a front burner subject of any government’s agenda. Our government is proud of the fact that we have been allocating much more resources towards this cause, and is evidenced in the way we approach development in Guyana.” The minister reminded the graduates that

Guyana is on the cusp of economic transformation and the role every citizen plays is paramount.

“We need more educators, health workers, professional agriculturists and business people. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been tirelessly doing its part and will continue to push harder for real-time development of our peoples.”

Over the past two years, Minister Garrido-Lowe has been championing several sustainable economic development projects in the various regions and she took the TURN TO PAGE 18

between Aishalton and Lethem, the area that has been washed away lies along a long stretch which is surrounded by swamp water.

There is, however, an alternative route which some villagers have been using to get to and from Aishalton, and that roadway connects the village with Awaranauwau. The one problem, how-

ever, Thomas said, is that going that route entails some 40 miles of travel, which means an additional four to five hours compared to what usually obtains along the original route.

Heavy and persistent rainfall has been the cause of flooding in many hinterland areas in recent weeks.

Recently, flash floods in

Mahdia forced residents living in low-lying areas to relocate as many counted their losses. The town council is working to relocate as many as 14 families to higher ground. Last week, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) had stated that it was monitoring the situation at both Mahdia and Aishalton.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

NIS payments now possible via Mobile Money MEMBERS of the public can now pay their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions via the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Mobile Money App. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the two entities launched the arrangement on Saturday at the Giftland Mall and it was noted that it will benefit self-employed persons throughout Guyana.

The scheme focuses on

two main activities which are the collection of contributions and the payment of benefits. General Manager, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Holly Greaves mentioned that many self- employed persons pay their contributions late.

“This new app will assist persons, such as miners, who work in the hinterland areas, to pay their contributions on time. Many times, late payment is due to not having access to a NIS Office. To-

day, the National Insurance is pleased to be collaborating with Mobile Money with this initiative,” Greaves said.

She added that the 15th of every month is ‘contribution day’ and the outreach exercise is not just ordained to launch the payment app but will be open for payments of contribution, provide medical check-ups, facilitate collection of NIS card and pension queries, among other services.

Chairman of NIS, John

Seeram, noted that the project was long overdue, stressing that the initiative is a step in the direction of efficiency.

“Cash resources will be received promptly by NIS; the customer no longer has to find his way to the Post Office and other organizations to remit money and, once we have our money promptly, our recoding process will be up to date,” Seeram explained.

He added that the NIS will soon observe best practices as other insurance

Mobile Money Guyana Manager, Nicola Dugan

National Insurance Scheme (NIS) General Manager, Holly Greaves

NIS Staff preparing to attend to the public

schemes across the world.

Seeram happily said the Money Mobile App will only take the NIS forward.

Mobile Money Guyana Manager, Nicola Dugan, said the collaboration with NIS will address a social need.

“GTT and NIS have a very long-standing relationship. All persons need to do is to download the Mobile Money App on the Smart phones from their App Store and as they top up credit, they can be able to pay their con-

tributions,” Dugun explained.

She added that persons can visit the Giftland Mall during the period 13:00hrs to 21:00hrs on Saturday to get registered or visit the MMG Mobile Money website at mmg.gtt.co.gy.

FROM PAGE 17

97 complete hinterland... opportunity to challenge the young people to pursue higher education.

“We need technical and qualified people to carry out these initiatives to the highest level.”

Quoting from the Nobel Prize winner for Physics, the renowned Albert Einstein who once said, “Education is not learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) and Ministerial Adviser Mervyn Williams challenged the graduates that “having achieved what you have achieved, I believe it is imperative that you pay keen attention to Einstein’s admonition; you are now at a stage where you must train the mind to think.”

He also reminded the graduates that “the world is an open space; the world is an open place and the opportunities are yours and your government will continue to support you as it has supported you through your secondary education.”

Reflecting on the years that are now behind them, Amisha Ramdin of St. Ignatius Secondary, said: “I am grateful for the scholarship that I was awarded, it came as a surprise to me… and now five years have

[sic] passed. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my success.”

Shanoya George, of Plaisance Secondary School said, “A big thank you to the government for its continuous support, both financially and for providing us with the things that were requested and for the things that were given to us, which were seen as convenience [sic] to us.”

The Hinterland Scholarship Department under the watchful eye of Senior Welfare Officer Rosamond Daly continues to play a meaningful role in students continuing to demonstrate marked performances. Resada Hack, of Bartica, attended Queens College in 2018 and earned 16 grade ones, three grade twos and one grade three.

In addition, Khadeeja Kissoon of Aranaputa Valley attended the J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School and earned 10 grade ones, six grade twos and one grade three; Vishal Narine from Bartica earned 13 grade ones and one grade two, having attended the Anna Regina Multilateral School.

Six hundred and eight students are currently enrolled in the programme across all 10 administrative regions. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

19

Everyone deserves an education a learning deficit can feel free to apply for their child to enter the facility. Granted that the application is approved, they will go through a thorough interview process, beginning the process for admission to the facility.

Since commencement of construction of the facility, there have been official visits from Cuba’s vice foreign minister in 2018 and most recently on his Guyana leg of his regional tour to the Caribbean, Foreign Minister

Facilities at the Regional Training Centre for Development and Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities.

EVERY child is entitled to a quality education; it is an inalienable right. However, not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. There are and have been cases of children who have special education needs and require a different approach to be able to grasp the concepts that their colleagues would catch in a heartbeat.

As such, in 2014, at the fifth CARICOM-Cuba Summit, a decision was made that Cuba would cooperate with CARICOM to create a training centre for the treatment of physical disabilities to assist physically challenged children and youths. This was one year after a high-level ministerial meeting in Haiti where the Petionville Declaration made recommendations for regional and national action to address the needs of people with disabilities.

At the signing ceremony, the CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, said, “this project emphasises the interest of all parties to address a very important social and humanitarian challenge facing the Region. It aims to use Cuba’s extensive experience in this area to assist CARICOM member states in improving the lives of a vulnerable sector of our population.”

With the establishment of such a centre, it is expected that there would be an improvement in teachers training for providing education to persons with disabilities, improved diagnosis quality and effectiveness and stimulation in the development of children, adolescents, youth and adults with disabilities, improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities in any context and model the validation of the regional training centre to

provide comprehensive educational attention to children, adolescents and youth with disabilities.

In 2016, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and then Cuba Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Gonsalez Marchante, signed a Tripartite Cooperation and Technical Assistance Agreement at a ceremony held at the CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana. The agreement led to the establishment of the “Regional Training Centre for Development and Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities.”

This centre would serve the entire Region, and would not only train the necessary persons to be able to better teach and interact with children with special needs, but would also diagnose and provide the best-tailored learning system for every child that needs its help.

Perhaps even more than this, is that the centre would not only serve its host country (Guyana), but would extend its services to the entire Caribbean.

The centre was completed in November 2018. The Cuban government provided the technical staff to train the staff members of the facility.

These technical staffers have proven invaluable to the facility, not only providing the necessary training for the staff there, but going all the way to assist in the process of imparting treatment.

The centre is open and available to any and everyone within the Region. What this basically means is that a parent or guardian who may feel as though their child has

Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.

For him, seeing the centre up and running was a moving experience.

“I am deeply moved, there is a special bond between Guyana and Cuba and it is a very special experience to see specialists from both countries working together for the sake of children, adolescents and youths with special needs. I hope that we can continue working to better explore new areas of interest and enhance bilateral

relationships.”

With the establishment of this centre and possibly others like it, a major step has been taken to ensure that every child can get the education to which they are entitled, regardless of whatever hurdles they may have to surmount. It also stands as a testament to the strong diplomatic ties shared not only between CARICOM and Cuba, but more importantly, Guyana and Cuba as a whole. (DPI)

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

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Fury TKO’s Schwarz (REUTERS) - BRITISH heavyweight Tyson Fury made quick work of German Tom Schwarz on Saturday as he danced and jabbed his way to a dominant second round TKO before finishing his evening in Las Vegas with a song.

The former world champion, who entered the fight as a heavy favourite, controlled the bout with his jab in the first round before ending it with a devastating combination in the second.

The 30-year-old landed several shots to the nose of Schwarz to bloody him, then sent him to the ropes where the German finally went down to one knee.

Schwarz returned to his feet but was powerless to evade a flurry of punches and his corner threw in the towel at about the same time the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

“The key to tonight was to enjoy myself,” said Fury, whose career record now reads 28-0-1.

“I used the jab, I was slipping and sliding with my hands down, switched

to southpaw and caught him with a straight left. It was a good shot, it would have put anybody away.”

in 2020.

First, though, the 6ft 9in (2.06m) fighter showed the MGM Grand Garden

landed the big punches that ended the fight.

The show, however, was not over yet.

Fury’s defeat of Schwarz was his 28th win in 29 fights

It was a first career loss for Schwarz (24-1) and an impressive statement from Fury in his first bout since his controversial draw with Deontay Wilder in December.

Fury said he would fight again this year in late September or early October, before a rematch with Wilder

Arena crowd his ability to entertain in his first performance on the Vegas Strip.

Fury switched to a south paw stance in the second round, then appeared to taunt Schwarz as he put his back to the ropes and eluded several punches with his hands down at this sides.

1Moments later, he

Fury had entered the ring wearing robe, trunks and hat designed in the American flag while the James Brown standard “Living in America” played.

He concluded the evening by grabbing a microphone and singing a rendition of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”.

US into World Cup Round of Sixteen (BBC) - The United States easily reached the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup as they produced another commanding display to beat Chile in Paris.

Having opened their campaign with a ruthless, record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand on Tuesday, the USA quickly got on top of Chile and led early on through veteran Carli Lloyd’s crisp finish.

Julie Ertz and Lloyd then both headed in from first-half corners, before Chile keeper Christiane Endler pulled off several stunning second-half saves to prevent the holders adding to their lead.

The world’s number-one side, who rested seven players, also hit the woodwork three times before Lloyd dragged wide from the penalty spot, missing the chance to become the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.

A draw with rivals Sweden in Le Havre on Thursday would be enough for this confident USA outfit to top the group on goal difference, following the Swedes’ 5-1 win over Thailand earlier on Sunday.

Chile, who are playing in their first World Cup and remain winless in 2019, must now beat Thailand to have any hope of progressing to the knockout stages as one of the four best thirdplaced sides.

The USA, who are bidding to win this competition for a record fourth time, have lost just once since 2017 and again outlined why there are the favourites to defend their title by winning the final in Lyon on 7 July.

Jill Ellis rotated her team significantly, but with such strength in depth, they were no less dominant over the 2018 Copa America runners-up and went in 3-0 up at half-time for the second game running.

Lloyd, who wrote herself into legend with a treble in

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the 2015 final, became the first player to score in six consecutive Women’s World Cup games but was unable to complete another historic hat-trick.

She had her chance late on, but placed wide with a penalty awarded controversially on a pitchside VAR review for a foul right on the edge of the area, when the offence appeared to start outside the box.

The USA spent almost the entire game playing in Chile’s half and hit the woodwork twice through Lloyd and once through substitute Jessica McDonald’s longrange effort, as they again impressed with a confident display of classy football.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday June 17, 2019)

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

Marquez wins in Spain Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team celebrates after winning the MotoGP race during the MotoGP Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 16, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain

(REUTERS) - MOTOGP world champion Marc Marquez won his home Grand Prix of Catalunya on Sunday after Honda team -mate Jorge Lorenzo took out the Spaniard’s main rivals in a mass crash

on the second lap.

French rider Fabio Quartararo finished second and 2.660 seconds behind, after starting on pole and dropping to eighth, for the Petronas Yamaha team with Italian Danilo Petrucci third for

Ducati.

Marquez’s closest rival Andrea Dovizioso and the Yamaha factory pairing of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales went down like skittles after Lorenzo lost control of his Honda at

turn 10.

The triple MotoGP champion was late on the brakes as he tried to pass Vinales on the inside, first colliding with Dovizioso before the sliding bikes swept up the two Yamaha riders.

Rossi stayed upright as he went wide onto the runoff before Lorenzo’s riderless Honda did for him as well.

“I feel really sorry for Maverick, Andrea and Valentino because they are fighting for the championship,” said Lorenzo, who had rocketed from 10th on the grid to fourth after the opening lap.

“It’s a big disaster and I feel sorry for them.”

The incident knocked the stuffing out of what had been shaping up as a thrilling battle at the front, with three podium contenders abruptly eliminated and Marquez enjoying an easier ride to the chequered flag.

Petrucci, winner of the previous race in Italy, was engaged in a lively battle with Spaniard Alex Rins for second before the Suzuki rider went wide with seven laps to go and fell to sixth before climbing back to fourth.

Quartararo made his

move a few corners later and slotted in to second place.

Marquez’s fourth win of the season means he now has a 37-point lead over Dovizioso after seven of 19 races.

The podium was a first for Quartararo in his rookie season and came less than two weeks after he had surgery on his arm in Barcelona.

“It feels incredible,” he said. “It was a really nice race, really tough at the end. Ten days ago we were in the hospital for surgery and now we are on the podium.”

India thump Pakistan

Rohit Sharma dives to make his ground © IDI via Getty Images

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Seven-nil. On its biggest stage, cricket’s most fraught rivalry really hasn’t lived up to its billing.

None of the six previous World Cup meetings between India and Pakistan produced anything approaching a tight finish, but most of them contained tense passages of play and moments of crackling electricity. Sunday at Old Trafford had none of that. There was plenty of quality cricket, but nearly all of it was from one side.

The other side was a shadow, not just of what it had been in the past, but even of what it had been two weeks ago.

Pakistan barely showed up, and the contest turned into an uninterrupted celebration of Indian excellence.

Rohit Sharma scored his second hundred in three games, a far breezier knock than his effort in a scrappy chase against South Africa, and at one stage he seemed set for a tilt at a fourth ODI double-hundred. KL Rahul, batting in his preferred position thanks to the enforced absence of Shikhar Dhawan, made a solid half-century in

an opening stand of 136. Virat Kohli came to the crease, occupied it like a favourite bit of lawn furniture, and made 77 at comfortably over a run a ball without ever seeming to stretch himself.

These efforts set Pakistan a target of 337. This was a flat pitch, and India lost one of their two main fast bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to hamstring stiffness after he had delivered just 1.4 overs, leaving the fifth and sixth bowlers 17.2 overs, rather than just 10, to handle. And yet, apart from a brief period during a 104-run second-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, Pakistan never threatened to make a chase of it.

The Fakhar-Babar partnership only rarely hit high gear, partly because of the discipline from India’s bowlers - even Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya - and partly because Pakistan were looking to keep wickets in hand, perhaps with an eye on staying close to the DLS par score, given that rain had already caused a couple of brief interruptions.

A series of authorita-

tive slog-sweeps from both batsmen brought Pakistan 26 runs from overs 21 to 23, one of them bringing up Fakhar’s half-century.

At the 23-over mark, Pakistan were 113 for 1, 11 behind the DLS par score of 124 for 1.

That was as close as they got, as Kuldeep Yadav put India firmly on top once more with the wickets of both set batsmen. They didn’t arrive out of the blue; Kuldeep was consistently challenging the batsmen in the air and off the pitch, and he had already come close to having Fakhar stumped, ripping one across his bat face and causing him to overbalance.

T h e b re a k t h ro u g h arrived in the 24th over, courtesy a cocktail of drift, dip and turn. Drift drew Babar into playing at a wider line as Kuldeep floated one across him from left-arm over, opening a gap between bat and pad.

Dip ensured the ball landed shorter than Babar wanted, causing him to push further out in front of his body than he would have wanted. Turn did the rest.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

Russell in limbo for Bangladesh game; Lewis expected back CMC – WHILE opener Evin Lewis is expected to be available for Monday’s crucial game against Bangladesh despite being bruised in the nets, Andre Russell’s selection will be a game-time decision.

That is the word from West Indies captain Jason Holder, who has disclosed that while Russell has been making progress in recovering from a knee injury, a final decision would be made just before the game.

“We’re keeping it cuttled until tomorrow. I saw him yesterday, saw him this morning as well, and he’s progressing quite nicely yes, you know. We’ll have a final answer with him tomorrow morning,” Holder said.

However, he gave his assurance that Lewis would be available after he was hit in the nets during a practice session.

“Yeah, quite a few people got struck in the nets, including myself, but he’s fine. Just a little bruise, should be fine,” he added.

There had been question marks over Russell’s fitness even before the start of the World Cup. He subsequently re-injured his knee against Australia in the Windies’ second game.

The injury has limited his movement and has especially hampered his bowling efforts. In the last game against

25

Andre Russell’s fitness has been a concern since the start of the World Cup

England on Friday, Russell bowled only two overs before eventually leaving the field.

He has taken just four wickets from 13 overs and scored 36 runs in three games.

Following that loss to England Holder said the team would continue to stick with Russell, who suffers from a chronic knee problem.

“Going forward, we have to persist. He is here for a reason. We think he can be a match-winner for us. We have just got to cope with him. Got to do everything we possibly can with him to keep him on the park,” Holder said during a post-match press conference.

Holder not fazed by record against Bangladesh

CMC – DESPITE having won just two of their last nine matches against Bangladesh, West Indies skipper Jason Holder is still backing his troops to come out victorious when the two sides clash in a crucial World Cup game on Monday.

West Indies and Bangladesh both have three points from their four games, with the regional side ahead due to a better net run rate.

In a Tri-Nations series prior to the start of the World Cup, Bangladesh defeated the West Indies in their three meetings, including a dominant win in the finals.

While Holder acknowledged that the West Indies

will be going into the game as underdogs, he said those statistics counted for nothing.

“If you want to put us in the underdog category, fair enough. We’ve played them quite a bit in the recent past and they’ve gotten the better of us in recent past. Like I said, different stage, lots at stake for this game. We’re all up for it.

“I guess if you win seven over the last nine, as you said, probably, yes [they are favourites]. Yeah, it’s the game of cricket, we’ve all seen how this World Cup has panned out. There are quite a few close games and there have been one or two upsets as well, too. Cricket is played on the day and we’re looking

to play some good cricket tomorrow [Monday],” Holder insisted.

Needing to win their remaining five matches to stand a good chance of qualifying for the next round, Holder said victory over Bangladesh would serve as a good momentum-booster.

“I think the ball’s in our court, we’ve just got to be consistent. We’ve got to play some consistent cricket going into the back half of this tournament.

“It’s quite a good stage to pick up momentum as well and we’re full of confidence that we can do it.

We’ve just got to take it game by game. Tomorrow is a challenge against Ban-

‘Mad Max’ aiming for dominance at Drag racing round two

Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes is aiming to continue his superbike dominance on the strip when the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Drag championship continues.

Set for the South Dakota drag strip on June 23rd, the event will feature both cars and bikes, taking the quarter mile for ultimate supremacy.

Menezes didn’t compete in 2018, but his return comes just after the club recently installed a launch pad which cost in excess of $20million.

Speaking on a radio program, Menezes said, “I’m looking forward to Sunday. I can’t wait to get back there [on the blacktop] again.”

In the past, ‘Mad Max’ on his CBR 600cc bike, has swept aside all challenges and had even offered to confront the powerful Toyota Caldina of Champion 8-second class driver, Shawn Persaud, but found out that he was no match for the S&D Performance vehicle.

Ticket prices for fans desirous of witnessing the action will cost $1000 for adults, $500 for children, while there is VIP seating available for $4000.

The sponsors of the event include Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Service Centre, Delco Ice Factory, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Services Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station and Super Bet, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Hand-in-Hand Insurance and Top Brandz Distributors.

gladesh, and we just want

to get over Bangladesh and

move forward,” Holder said.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football kicks off with a bang

THE second annual ExxonMobil U-14 schools Football tournament kicked off on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The tournament, which is also sponsored by the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under the Pepsi Brand and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) under the Chronic Diseases unit, saw boy’s action this weekend with the girl’s segment commencing next week.

The Richard Ishmael vs Lodge Secondary game did not play while on the other pitch, Plaisance drew with North Riumveldt 1-1, thanks to Winston Junior (30th minute) and Jevon Pluck (19th).

St Mary’s trashed Annandale 5-1, thanks to braces from Michael Oie (1st & 14th) and Jeremiah Frazer (3rd & 4th) while Saif Ali added the icing on the cake in the 18th. Annandale’s consolation came from an own goal.

New Campbellville also were winners via a 3-1 margin over Ann’s Grove, thanks to Ronaldo Gomes (22nd & 25th) and Jemaul December (3rd) while Ann’s Grove had Daniel Murray scoring (40th).

Carmel trashed Uitvlught 4-0 with Simion Allicock (9th &

22 ), Wayne Baptiste (11 ) and Joshua Cozier (23 ) making the score line.

Marian Academy were also winners over President’s College via a 2-1 margin, thanks to Daniel Lowe (21st) and Malik Barker (38th min). President’s College had Resean Barnwell (40th) on target.

Cummings Lodge won by walk-over from Golden Grove while St John’s College trashed Kingston 8-0, thanks to David Xavier (16th & 28th), Antwone Denny (32nd & 39th), John Simon (2nd), Jamel Richards (10th) and Joseph McIntosh (34th min).

Tutorial were 2-0 winners over East Ruimvdelt with Keron Adams (4th) and Julius Ross (31st) scoring, while Queenstown and St.Stanislaus College played to a goal-less stalemate.

Dolphin secondary secured its first win of the tournament with a 2- 1 scoreline over Tucville, thanks to Nicholas Tappin (4th) and Jaquan Cole (16th). Tucville Secondary had Ryan Greene (20th) on target.

Charlestown steamrolled Brickdam 5-1, thanks to Tyler Lyle (3rd, 14th & 38th) and Devon Fanfair (10th) while Brickdam had an own goal.

Matches continued yesterday. nd

th

rd

PC; Marian Academy into YBG Georgetown/East Coast Regional U-18 final A clinical performance from President’s College(PC) and an impressive showing by Marian Academy resulted in them winning their respective semi-finals in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Georgetown and East Coast Demerara Regionals on Saturday afternoon at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Marian Academy got past Bishops’ High by a score of 34-26 in the first U-18 semis.

Josiah Daniel led the winners with 13 points and five rebounds, while Tyrese James added eight points, Jether Harris seven points and nine rebounds and Akili Haynes four points and 13 rebounds.

Bishops’ were led by Daniel Benjamin, who kept his side in the game by pulling down a whopping 26 rebounds to go with his six points. Timothy Richmond added eight points and Keron Bacchus seven.

President’s College Royals played team basketball to get past the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the feature clash.

PC were ahead by five points (23-18) at the break, before a dominant second-half resulted in them

registering a 14-point win at 44-30.

The East Coast side was able to bounce back from a shooting drought early in the second period, by using their speed, quick hands and outstanding rebounding abilities to curtail their opponents’ run.

By seven minutes into

employing a full-court trap, but PC were just too good at passing the ball to fall prey.

Forward Rakin McDonald led the winners with 11 points and eight rebounds, while point guard, Jushawn Bayley, added nine points, two rebounds and two steals and Richard Semple seven points

winners with 13 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. PC were led by Kemol Mentore, who scored four points and pulled down 14 rebounds.

GIRLS DEVELOPMENTAL Marian Academy stormed their way into

Marian Academy females made light work of Bladen Hall in their semi-final

the half, PC, led by a vocal crowd support, were in cruise control. A constant rotation by their coach helped them to run hard on each play. It was not until the dying minutes of the game, that GTI began

Jether Harris (left) and Akili Haynes helped Marian Academy to victory in the U-18 clash

and six rebounds.

Israel Yaw led GTI with 15 points and a whopping 19 boards, while Kyle Petrie added seven points and seven rebounds.

Four other semi-finals for the regionals were played prior to the U-18 clashes.

U-14 MALE In the U-14 male division, St. Rose’s High made light work of Saint Stanislaus College (31-11).

Chris Perez led the attack with a double-double after firing 14 points and 13 rebounds to go with five steals. Carmelo Man-SonHing added nine points for the winners.

Daniel Bailey led Saint Stanislaus with seven points and 13 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Bishops’ High defeated President’s College in the other U-14 semis by a score of 27-12.

Jaden Howard led the

the female finals after they eased past Bladen Hall by a score of 21-3.

Kelliann Sauers continued her impressive performance for the Georgetown school after scoring 11 points to go with three rebounds. Aaliyah Singh added six points and four rebounds.

Queen’s College also advanced to the female final after they defeated Saint Stanislaus College 14-7.

Naiomi Barkoye led the winners with eight points and 11 rebounds, while Luanna Mohan added four points and six rebounds.

Madison Chichester scored all of Saints points, while she also pulled down four rebounds.

The teams will now battle in the GT/ECD Regional finals, which is billed for this Friday from 17:00h at the same venue.

Khalil siblings capture Squash Open titles THE 2019 KFC Senior National Squash Championships concluded today at the Georgetown Club Ltd squash courts when champions were crowned.

With four of the categories being contested , the Khalil siblings created history by winning the Men’s and Women’s Open titles.

In the Men’s Open, Jason Ray Khalil came from two sets down to eventually wear down former champion, Nyron Joseph, and capture his first Men’s National title.

After losing a close first game 11 - 9 and then surrendering the second game 11 – 8, Jason Ray dug into his reserves and started playing more shots. He won the third game 11 - 3 and hung on to win the fourth game 11 - 8.

At the end of the fourth game, it was obvious that Nyron was the more tired of the two players and Jason Ray easily won the fifth game 11 - 2 to the delight of his many friends and supporters.

To reach the finals, both players had dropped one game with No 1 seed, Jason Ray, executing his game plan to perfection when he outlasted Shomari Wiltshire 11 - 3, 9 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 5.

No 2 seed, Nyron Joseph, even though losing the third game 11 – 4, never seemed in danger of losing the match against Regan Pollard. His victory was achieved 11 - 6, 11 - 9, 4 - 11, 11 - 0.

Shomari Wiltshire finished third as he used his well-rounded game to win in straight games against Regan Pollard 11 - 6, 13 - 11, 11 - 5.

In the Women’s Open, Ashley Khalil was again crowned national champion as she won a hard- fought four-game victory over Taylor Fernandes.

Ashley won the crucial first game 14 - 12, but Taylor bounced back to win the second game 11 - 8.

In the third game, Ashley played the bigger points better and won the game 11 - 5. She would eventually win another National title with an 11 - 8 win in the fourth game.

In the semi-finals played the previous evening, Ashley had beaten Abosaide Cadogan 11 - 3, 11 - 4, 11 - 1 and Taylor defeated Gabby Fraser 11 - 4, 11 - 3, 11 - 2.

Gabby Fraser finished third as she moved Abosaide Cadogan all around the court with her delicate boasts and drops and hard cross-court drives to eventually win 11 - 7,11 - 5, 11 - 9.

In the Men’s Classic Plate, Robert Fernandes rolled back the years and secured a victory over Peter Michael De Groot, thereby claiming fifth place.

Scores were 13 - 11, 11 - 9, 11 - 7 . They both reached the finals of this category with semi-final wins on Saturday evening.

Robert had beaten Nicholas Naraine in four games with Nicholas conceding in the fourth game through an injury.

Scores were 9 - 11, 14 - 12, 12 - 10, 5 - 0 while Peter Michael had defeated Damien Da Silva 6 - 11, 14 - 12, 20 - 18, 11 - 3.

Kirsten Gomes won the Women’s Classic Plate when she defeated Lydia Fraser 11 - 9, 11 - 3, 11 - 4. Madison Fernandes finished third as she completely outclassed Teija Edwards, defeating her 11 - 2, 11 - 0, 11 - 0 Nicholas Verwey completed a fine tournament when he won the Men’s Plate with a comprehensive three game to love victory over Jonathan Antczak. Scores were 11 - 4, 11 - 8, 11 - 5. Nicholas had reached the finals when he beat Ian Mekdeci 11 - 6, 11 - 4, 11 – 4, while Jonathan had beaten Mohyryan Baksh 11 - 8, 11 8, 12 - 10. Ian Mekdeci finished third in the plate as he defeated Mohyryan Baksh 11 - 3, 11 - 2, 11 - 7.

In the Men’s Veterans Over- 50 matches played on Saturday evening , Garfield Wiltshire defeated Joe Mekdeci 11 - 4, 11 - 8, 11 – 6, while Medhi Ramdhani beat Tony Farnum 11 - 3, 11 - 5, 11 - 3.

End-of-School-Year ‘Edward Cobenna Memorial’ Primary School Windball continues today THE AL Sport & Tour Promotions, National Sports Commission 22nd Annual End-of-School-Year “Edward Cobenna Memorial” Primary Schools Windball Cricket Champions Trophy, Region Four semi-finals and third place matches are scheduled to continue today at the National Gymnasium.

In the boys’ division, Hauraruni, Supply, Saint Anne’s and Cloonbrook will be in action, while in the female division, Timehri, Saint Mary’s, Supply, Mahaica and New Diamond will battle.

Play starts at 9:30h.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, has been postponed until further notice. Teachers are asked to contact the organisers for more information.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 17, 2019

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Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Mighty Ruler, Beacons highlight night two of Bartica Zone MIGHTY Ruler will oppose Police while Beacons will engage Walking Boys in the semi-final round of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Championship at the Bartica Community Centre Tarmac.

Mighty Ruler emerged as the group-A winner following two wins in as many matches.

The veteran outfit brushed aside Prison Service 2-0 in their first match, before hammering Potaro United 6-0.

Their opponent was made to work for their berth in the semi-final round. Police upset Rivers View 2-1 in their opening match.

The lawmen then suffered an unlikely loss in their second fixture, as they went down 3-1 to Goal-Raiders.

Action at the Bartica Community Centre tarmac on night two of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Challenge

On the other hand, Beacons stormed into the semi-final stage following victories over Goal-Raiders and Rivers View respectively.

Beacons mauled Goal-Raiders 6-2 in their opening match, before returning to dismantle former champion Rivers View 3-0.

Meanwhile, Walking Boyz got off to the worst possible start, losing 2-0 to Potaro United in their first match-up.

The newcomer would then rebound in their second fixture, defeating Prison Service 1-0 to seal their place.

Up to press time, the semi-final round and grand finale were underway.

Meanwhile, the four teams that failed to qualify from the group round will compete in the

Guinness Plate Championship.

The victor of the Guinness Plate Championship will receive $60,000.

Winner of the zone will collect $400,000 and the respective trophy. They will also earn an automatic place in the National Championship, which is pegged to start in August.

Meanwhile, the losing finalist will receive $150,000 and a trophy.

On the other hand, the third and fourth place finishers will pocket $100,000 and $75,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

The other major sponsor of the event is Colours Boutique. In attendance at the venue was Banks DIH Guinness Brand Executive, Lee Baptiste.

Khan, Shaw and Bhagwandin take Survival Supermarket Pre-Fathers’ Day Golf Classic

Winners and Club President Aleem Hussain proudly display their hampers. From left: William Walker, Balgobin Ragnauth, Kassim Khan, Aleem Hussain, Aasrodeen Shaw, Patrick Prashad, Mahindra Bhagwandin and Joaan Deo

KASSIM ‘Sugar’ Khan, Mahendra ‘Rommel’ Bhagwandin, and Aasrodeen ‘Tackie’ Shaw defied the opposition to emerge winners in the various flights of the Survival Supermarket Chain Pre-Fathers’ Day Golf Classic.

In the 20 – 28 Flight, ‘Rommel’ who has not been in the Winners Row for a few months, commented “From Tee to Green, my game was solid; I ensured that I didn’t get in the rough, because that would have been very detrimental under these weather conditions; that was the success of my game today [Saturday].”

He placed way ahead of all the other golfers, returning the best net score for his Flight and the whole tournament. Winners were: Rom-

mel Bhagwandin (66/21) – 1st; Apostle Balgobin Ragnauth (74/21) – 2nd. Dr Philbert London (Pope Emmanuel) came in 3rd with 79/24.

In the 11 – 19 Flight, veteran Club Treasurer ‘Tackie’ Shaw outdid former PRO, William Walker, to emerge champ in the Flight. Tackie indicated that he “chipped and putted very well today”, while William, who has been shy of winning for several months, gleefully stated “every dog has his day!”

Winners were Tackie Shaw (67/16) – 1 st, and William Walker (68/13) – 2nd. Other notable scores were offered by Satrohan Tiwari (72/15), Shanella Webster-London (73/15), and Mahendranauth Tewari (77/14).

In the 0 – 10 Flight, reg-

ular winners-- ‘Sugar’ Khan and ‘Pat’ Prashad-- tied for 1st place but Kassim, who contended that “Quality performance, which I normally deliver, made me stand out today” pipped Pat on the countback of the back nine.

Winners were ‘Sugar’ Khan (73/9) – 1st and ‘Pat’ Prashad (73/9) – 2nd. Close contention came from Alfred Mentore (74/10), Mike Mangal (76/10), and Club President Aleem Hussain (77/9).

The Nearest-to-the-pin prize was won by Troy Cadogan, while amusingly, the Longest Drive was won by Dr Joaan Deo, who, while her drive was not the biggest, she managed to keep her ball on the Fairway, while the other better drives sent their balls into the Rough.

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Holder not fazed by 25

Captain Jason Holder stands next to plaques of West Indies greats-- Sir Vivian Richards and Joel Garner

record against Bangladesh

‘Mad Max’ aiming for Khalil siblings capture Squash Open titles dominance at Drag 26 racing round two Page

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KFC Operations Manager Gregory DeGanes is flanked by women’s open winner, Ashley Khalil and Men’s Open Winner, Jason Ray Khalil and the prize winners at the Georgetown Club yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

ExxonMobil

Superbike racer, Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes poses on his 600cc CBR during a previous meet

U-14 Schools Football kicks off with a bang

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Action got off to a hot start at the 2019 edition of the ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament (Adrian Narine photo)

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MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2019