Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_19_2019

WEDNESDAY 19th June, 2019

No.105673 No.105670

CRUCIAL CHOICE

–– President urges Guyanese to support coalition at next polls … says gov’t on right path after 23 years of stagnation under PPP administration

… declares respect for CCJ ruling; but maintains no-confidence vote was invalid

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High Five! President David Granger greets pupils of the St. John the Baptist Primary School Tuesday morning during his visit to Bartica. Also in photo is Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry

CCJ upholds

no-confidence vote

… quashes appointment of GECOM chair

PAGES

02&09

‘Track record solid’

...Ministers confident coalition will win next elections

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CH&PA looking into 19 new lands for Bartica housing development PAGE

… de

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Process to appoint GECOM chair flawed … CCJ orders prior consultation between President, Jagdeo before submission of names

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on Tuesday, overruled the courts here that the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, by President David Granger, as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), was unconstitutional on the basis that the process was flawed.

The judgment, in the case of Zulfikar Mustapha v the Attorney General, was handed down by President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders. It effectively overturns the decisions of the High Court and Court of Appeal, both of which had validated the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) Patterson.

In arriving at the decision, the CCJ analysed the Constitution of Guyana with specific focus on the evolution of Article 161 (2), which

was characterised by a significant shift from exclusivity and unilateralism, on the part of the President, to inclusion and consensualism between the President and the Leader of the Opposition.

Article 161 (2) not only addresses issues of eligibility of candidates for the position of Chairman of the Elections Commission, but mandates

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

that the Leader of the Opposition submits to the President the names of six persons who satisfy the eligibility criteria, and, are not unacceptable to the President.

“Provided that if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of

the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court of who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge,” another section of Article 161(2) states, placing in the hands of the President, the power to appoint a Chairman of GECOM outside of the list provided by the Opposition Leader, once that list is unacceptable.

Justice Saunders said while the Article clearly underlined the importance of “consultation,” a clearly defined process for consensus between the President and the Leader of the Opposition was not stated. President Granger on October 19, 2017 activated the proviso in Article 161 (2), and appointed Justice (Ret’d) Patterson Chairman of GECOM, after he found that three lists of a total of 18 names, submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, were not acceptable. In an effort to arrive at an acceptable list, the President, at one stage, provided a Statement of the ‘Qualities of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission,’ but the lists that followed were, according to him, still unacceptable.

The CCJ, however, ruled that the President and the Opposition Leader ought to have met prior to the submission of the list, and consulted on names.

“The court decided that the most sensible approach to operationalising the article was for the Leader of the Opposition and the President to communicate with each other in good

faith and perhaps even meet and discuss eligible candidates for the position of Chairman before a list is formally submitted,” Justice Saunders said CONSENSUS He explained that consultation between the President and the opposition leader would have allowed for consensus and submission of a list of six persons who would have reached the eligibility requirements.

“In this regard, the Constitution anticipates that the Leader of the Opposition and the President will conduct themselves in a reasonable and responsible manner, eschew partisanship and seek the best interests of the Republic and the Guyanese people,” the CCJ President added.

He said use of the double negative sent a clear message on how the President ought to have viewed the nominees or list provided.

“In our view, employment of the double negative, ‘not unacceptable’, signals that an onus is placed on the President not to find a nominee unacceptable merely because the nominee is not a choice the President would have himself made. By a majority, the court found, the President should only find a nominee unacceptable for some good reason on objective ground,” Justice Saunders told the parties in the matter.

He explained: “If a President were permitted, ca-

Saunders said it is evident

priciously or whimsically, without proffering a good reason, to reject eligible nominees, this would frustrate the proper working of the Constitution, defeat the intention behind the amendment to Article 161(2) and pave the way for unilateral presidential appointment.”

He said the court found that once the President and the Leader of the Opposition

President David Granger tion of the six names, but it obviates the possibility that, after the formal presentation of the list, the President could suggest that one or more of the names, or indeed the entire list, is ‘unacceptable’.

In those circumstances a unilateral appointment by the President in keeping with the proviso to Article 161(2) can hardly be an option if Chairman of GECOM the Leader of the Opposition Justice (Ret’d) James demonstrates a willingness to Patterson engage in good faith the process outline,” Justice Saunhave hammered out a list of ders explained.

Based on the court’s names not unacceptable to assessment of the events the President, the list, comthat transpired between prising the six persons, must then formally be submitted to November 22, 2016, when the President by the Leader of the President invited the the Opposition. This would Opposition Leader to subautomatically be followed by mit a ‘list of six persons, the President’s selection of not unacceptable, and Noa chairman from among the vember 19, 2017 when the President rejected the third names provided.

“In the court’s view, such list and appointed Justice an approach gives the PresiSee page 8 dent a role in the identifica-

eclares respect for CCJ ruling; but maintains no confidence vote was invalid GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

CRUCIAL CHOICE

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–– President urges support for coalition at next polls

… says gov’t’ on right path after 23 years of stagnation under PPP administration … declares respect for CCJ ruling; but maintains no-confidence vote was invalid PRESIDENT David Granger has urged Guyanese to support him and the APNU+AFC Coalition at the next elections, even as he declared his respect for Tuesday’s Caribbean Court of Justice rulings on the no confidence motion against his government and his earlier appointment of Justice James Patterson as the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

In a televised address to the nation President Granger said: “Guyana, since my election in 2015, has been moving in the right direction after 23 years of stagnation under successive PPP administrations. Significant progress has been made. But real change is neither quick nor easy to come by. There is still a lot more to do.”

He said he would de-

vote his time serve all citizens. “I will devote all my energies until the forthcoming election to serve our people and our country and deliver good governance. Guyanese can confidently expect to live in a country that is moving forward; with communities that are safer; in a society that is more cohesive; with better infrastructure, greater access to quality education and an economy that is more resilient – providing better jobs.”

Noting that his administration is on the right path the Guyanese leader said,” when the election comes, I urge all our people, of whatever background, to support me and the APNU+AFC coalition to give us the opportunity to secure the best future for Guyana. I call on all Guyanese to remain calm and I assure you that the Government

will abide by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, on the no-confidence motion, President Granger said the December 21, 2018 vote and the independent legal processes in the courts that followed it, have been of utmost importance to me and the Government. “We respect the legal process and the decision of Caribbean Court of Justice as well as the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. We did not believe that the no-confidence vote was valid and neither did we believe it reflected the will of Parliament or the Guyanese people. We will however accept, and abide by, the Court’s decision.”

He said it is now clear that the Guyanese people need certainty about the future and a way forward.

“I want to outline a clear path. It is essential that we hold fair, free and credible elections. We cannot proceed on the current list of voters. It is outdated and corrupted.

It may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect entries.

What’s more, those who have reached the age of 18 years since the last election are not on it.”

ALL MUST VOTE According to the President, the Constitution entitles all citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote.

“It is a democratic imperative that houseto-house registration be completed swiftly so we can have an election at the earliest opportunity. The Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Patterson, has previously informed me that the Commission will

be ready to hold elections in November 2019.

This will be after the completion of house-tohouse registration. I now await a recommendation for a specific date from GECOM and I will then issue a proclamation.”

He noted that the country will be heading to the polls and there is going to be a crucial choice for our citizens.

“A choice to decide the future of our country and, most importantly, the future with regard to jobs, living standards, and education for our children,” President Granger said.

He alluded to the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Guyana in which the fund indicated that the government was on the right path in respect to management of Guyana’s oil resources.

“Guyanese will be given the choice to elect

President David Granger a government they trust to continue on this path, to keep Guyana moving forward, to secure a better life for every family with the united APNU+AFC coalition, or risk our future by returning to the past,” the Guyanese leader said in his address.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Address to the nation

By President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana GUYANESE: The no-confidence motion

in December 2018, and the independent legal pro-

cesses in the courts that followed it, have been of

utmost importance to me and the Government.

We respect the legal process and the decision of Caribbean Court of Justice as well as the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. We did not believe that the no-confidence vote was valid and neither did we believe it reflected the will of Parliament or the Guyanese people. We will however accept, and abide by, the Court’s decision.

It is now clear that the Guyanese people need certainty about the future and a way forward. I want to outline a clear path. It is essential that we hold fair, free and credible elections. We cannot proceed on the current list of voters. It is outdated and corrupted. It may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect entries. What’s more, those who have reached the age of 18 years since the last election are not on it.

The Constitution entitles all citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote. It is a democratic imperative that house-to-house registration be completed swiftly so we can have an election at the earliest opportunity. The Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Patterson, has previously informed me that the Commission will be ready to hold elections in November 2019. This will be after the completion of houseto-house registration. I now await a recommendation for a specific date from GECOM and I will then issue a proclamation.

We will be heading to the polls and there’s going to be a crucial choice for our citizens.

A choice to decide the fu-

President David Granger

ture of our country and, most importantly, the future with regard to jobs, living standards, and education for our children. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently indicated that Guyana is on the right path in respect to our management of Guyana’s oil resources.

Guyanese will be given the choice to elect a government they trust to continue on this path, to keep Guyana moving forward, to secure a better life for every family with the united APNU+AFC coalition, or risk our future by returning to the past.

Guyana, since my election in 2015, has been moving in the right direction after 23 years of stagnation under successive PPP administrations. Significant progress has been made. But real change is neither quick nor easy to come by.

There is still a lot more to do.

I will devote all my energies until the forthcoming election to serve our people and our country and deliver good governance. Guyanese can confidently expect to live in a country that is moving forward; with communities that are safer; in a society that is more cohesive; with better infrastructure, greater access to quality education and an economy that is more resilient - providing better jobs. We are on the right path.

When the election comes, I urge all our people, of whatever background, to support me and the APNU+AFC coalition to give us the opportunity to secure the best future for Guyana. I call on all Guyanese to remain calm and I assure you that the Government will abide by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Saturday 15, June 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

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Lawyers react to CCJ rulings …AG says gov’t will respect decisions ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said the Government will abide by the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in Tuesday’s landmark cases.

The court ruled that the No-Confidence Motion against the Government last December was validly passed, and also, that the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM, a breach of the Constitution.

The Attorney General assured reporters that Government will abide by the decisions of the Trinidad-based CCJ. “It is the ruling of the final court, and as we said previously, we accept the ruling.” Williams told reporters while standing outside of the Court of Appeal.

A majority of lawyers in the two cases had gathered at the Court of Appeal to witness, via a webcam, the delivery of the judgments. The Attorney General noted that he

was scheduled to meet with President David Granger to discuss the outcome of the cases.

Senior Counsel Neil Boston, who is among attorneys representing Compton Reid in the No-Confidence Motion case, expressed his disappointment in the decision of the CCJ. “I thought that we had winnable arguments,” Boston told reporters. He noted that the CCJ ruled that it lack the jurisdiction to hear and rule on issues relating to Charrandass Persaud’s perceived disqualification from the Parliament of Guyana. Persaud, who before being recalled from Parliament voted to bring down its own Government, is a dual citizen. Reid, through his lawyers, had argued that Persaud was a usurper, and was in clear breach of the Constitution on the night of December 21, 2018, but the CCJ ruled that the matter ought to have been placed before the court within 28

days of Persaud’s election to the House in keeping with the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act. Roysdale Forde, the attorney representing Joseph Harmon, also expressed his disappointment. “We felt that our arguments were sound and ought to have been upheld by the court but that is the position of the court, and we have to return on the 24th (June),” Forde said.

Christopher Ram’s Attorney, Kamal Ramkarran, upon exiting the Court of Appeal, suggested that General Elections should be held within 28 days but Forde shot down this proposal, saying parties in the matter must put forward practicable proposals on the way forward. “If we are talking about practicality and what is reasonable, I can’t see how that could ever be possible, having regard to the system and what needs to be done,” Forde said.

Attorney-at-Law Anil

Attorney General Basil Williams

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

Nandlall, who is representing the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, said he was pleased with the ruling, and appreciative of the opportunity given by the court to the parties involved.

“Fortunately, the court in its wisdom has seen it fit to fix a date and time for us to at least try and come back and work out some kind of arrangements in terms of the consequential orders. I think the court has made a clear hint of where it is going in the absence of an agreement in that respect,” Nandlall told reporters.

He noted that in the absence of an agreement, the Court will have to make the

consequential orders as it sees fit.

Persaud’s Attorney, Sanjeev Datadin said his client is pleased with the decisions of the CCJ. “We have been saying all along, I think everybody in Prep ‘B’ knows that 33 is the lowest minimum of 65. Reason has been restored to its throne. We had also argued that if you want to challenge my client Mr. Charrandass’ appointment in the Parliament, you had 28 days which to do,” Datadin said.

He said hopefully, the parties can agree on a new chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to facilitate ear-

Senior Counsel Neil Boston

Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin

ly elections. He said Persaud, who fled to Canada after voting to bring down the government, will one day return ‘home’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Mutual respect THERE is no denying that given our diverse experiences, pleasant and unpleasant, and the environment within which groups here have had to share the same space, our history has been marked with conflicts, both violent and non-violent.

At the same time, Guyanese can be held captive to negative experiences of history only at their choosing.

Opportunities always present themselves to use historical experiences, lived or told, to learn from mistakes of the past and build on accomplishments.

This nation seems caught in a vortex somewhere between these two options.

Where there continues to be a decided preference to not learn from mistakes and

move on, but rather engage in the continual game of ‘proving’ who was bad or good. How such serves this nation’s interest is anyone’s guess. Pursuing conversations, calls and actions to dismantle structures and conduct universally accepted practices places the nation on a tightrope, and utilises the energies of the people in a non-futuristic direction, which is detrimental to the people and society.

A nation cannot be forged with continued efforts to deny the contributions of persons and organisations to society because they are considered bad; neither is it acceptable that those perceived to be good should be attributed the prominence of sole contributor, end-all and be-all for everything. The

marking of time, divisive and distasteful features of our politics, have to end, regardless of who practises them.

Forging a nation whose frame our national anthem acknowledges is that of a “Land of Six Peoples”. To get to the stage where we are truly “united and free” requires integrity, civility and respect for self, others, and the nation’s established mores and institutions. For too long have public discourse and the treatment of others been poisoned or praised, primarily because of the person’s politics or ethnicity. The only place sanity reigns for those refusing to be caught up in the morass is reliance on history through the perspectives of timeline, context and events.

In looking at forging na-

tionhood, there are some home truths that need to be faced and accepted. Guyana is a diverse society. Diversity is not a curse; it is a blessing, in that it offers different cultural experiences, perspectives on life, skills, interests, solutions, and problem-solving techniques that can work for all. What is required but keeps escaping attention, is that where there is respect for this and everyone is treated equally and with dignity, such can reduce and eliminate the irascible approach to politics and things political.

There is no need to feel that a person has to be liked to be treated with respect and civility. Such treatment should flow from recognition and appreciation of sharing the same space, which that person is entitled to share

equally as having access to the nation’s resources, opportunities, and the protection of its laws. There is no need to prove any point to anyone outside of being civil and treating that person the way you would want to be treated. It requires character to be civil and understand that such is not displayed when engaging in tit-for-tat.

When one knows better, it is expected that one would do better. And when others had engaged in unbecoming conduct when the shoe was on the other foot, civility dictates that one rises above the boorishness. A person cannot be embarrassed by treating them in the crude manner in which they had treated others. Neither can a society grow and unite or cohere when persons are caught in this display of misconduct to the other.

The challenges this nation faces at the social and political levels will not be fixed overnight. No one is delusional. However, what

is expected is for Guyanese to now stop and take stock of the manner in which we treat each other, and start to address the decline in social grace, etiquette, protocol and civility. A heterogeneous society, by its very nature, brings with it conflicts, given competing interests, scarce resources, and diverse cultural outlook and preferences.

Conflict, while it creates the space for animosity and intolerance, also allows for opportunities for bringing together diverse forces to find, arrive at, and work through, consensus. This continues to present a challenge to Guyana, but it is not that Guyanese lack the ability to do so. What is evident is the absence of will to make consensus the guiding principle for engagement, which is important for forging nationhood.

Guyanese have to learn to respect and treat self and each other with dignity, or we would perish together as fools.

TIGI pushing transparency, accountability and anti-corruption agenda Dear Editor,

MR. Donald Singh’s letter in the June 16, 2019 edition of the Guyana Chronicle is captioned “It should be clear to the public that TIGI is now pushing an agenda”. Notwithstanding what appears to be the Guyana Chronicle’s preferred headline (the letter is published in Oil Now, Guyana Times and Stabroek News (June 13, 2019) under different headlines), Mr. Singh indicates in the letter that the agenda is “political and legal advocacy”. There is nothing striking about this assertion, except for the insinuation that this is new, and except possibly for some other undertone that I might have over-

looked.

Though I cannot vouch for fully understanding what Mr. Singh means by “political and legal advocacy”, it is clear that he believes that we are doing something other than what we should be doing. In his words, we should be “simply calling for greater transparency”. Let me confirm that TIGI is, and has been, pushing an agenda of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption and everything associated therewith.

Accountability is sometimes more challenging to understand; it is that function whereby we call things as they are and push for redress where applicable.

I summarise it (somewhat unsatisfactorily) as ensuring

that the rules are followed; that relevant sanctions are applied for infringements; and that appropriate adjustments are made when there are violations. It is by upholding accountability and ending impunity that we will make the greatest inroads in the fight against corruption and poor governance, and it matters not which entities or personalities are involved.

Our columns on the oil contract(s) address the issues based on the evidence which we provided for the reader’s assessment. We naturally anticipated that which Mr. Singh advances as the most basic counter-argument that will be made. The rhetorical question of why we have not moved to the courts is pertinent, but let it suffice to know

that this is due thus far to issues external to the merits of the case.

Mr. Singh is wrong in suggesting that TIGI should be “simply calling for greater transparency”. This is inconsistent with our watchdog status, and on the basis of this misconception, it is appropriate to set aside his insinuation that we are veering away from what we should be doing. Addressing the issues in the oil contract(s) fits squarely into what we should be doing as an organisation.

TIGI’s functions encompass raising public awareness about important matters. The columns on the oil contract(s) and, indeed all of our columns and statements on the topics we have addressed over time, are as much about

public education and awareness and advocating for improvements as promoting transparency, accountability and anti-corruption. We have advocated, for example, for political financing legislation and I have said publicly that I will not vote for any party that either does not support or does not want to implement such legislation.

We have supported the prosecution of former and current ministers of government embroiled in accusations of misconduct in public office, and have in recent times called for investigations and appropriate action to be taken against those who violate the laws of Guyana in executing their public duties. I personally raised a court case (with the support of the TIGI’s directors) on depositing the signing bonus from ExxonMobil into the Consolidated Fund. We have therefore

been engaging in both political and legal advocacy, and this nullifies any perceived novelty in Mr. Singh’s assertion that TIGI’s columns veer into political or legal advocacy.

If someone is motivated by our columns to take the illegalities that we identify in the contract(s) to court, or to initiate any other actions to seek rectification, this would be an achievement in our advocacy, and it would be much better than TIGI taking the matter to court itself.

There should be no mystery about, and no mistaking, our intention in relation to the columns on the oil contract(s). We are saying that something is wrong, and that it needs to be rectified.

Regards, Troy Thomas, Ph.D. President, TIGI

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

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No one is holding UG lecturers accountable Dear Editor,

I READ in the newspaper of Monday 6/17/2019 University of Guyana’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Paulette Paul saying the Diaspora and Entrepreneurship Conference has been postponed. I doubt the conference will ever come off, or there will be one like that again. If this is to happen, the new vice-chancellor would have to continue this vision of Vice-Chancellor Griffith.

It seems as though UG has gone from one step forward to three steps backward.

I would not be surprised if more planned programmes will fall apart. You see, Editor, the university unions have done such an excellent job discrediting the university, reputable individuals and organisations will sprint away like Usain Bolt. Who will want to be caught in the squall when their time and resources can be directed where welcomed and appreciated. I anticipate grants will dry up, private investments will dry up, donor scholarships will dry up, and the Diaspora will become less interested in giving and sharing.

In addition to the lecturers saying the university is without toilet paper and flushing toilets, it will be without what it most needs: Confidence in the university attracting investments from non-governmental organisations. Philanthropists will disappear. No one in their right mind would want to associate with that team on the campus.

The lecturers, as usual, won’t care. Why must they.

They got away for years without marking papers on time, with no Certificate of Recognition, with no Collective Labour Agreement, and without holding elections in their unions. It has become their modus operandi, and I doubt they will allow anyone to disrupt their rules. UG sounds like a ‘Wild West’ scene without a marshall.

Who wins the brawl is always right.

No one is holding the lecturers accountable. They like holding the University Council and management accountable and not themselves. I guess they will say “Why not?” They will continue to get away with poor performance and be paid, while the students and uni-

versity continue to suffer.

Editor, I am not saying there is no problem with the management of the Council and the Vice-Chancellorship. It would have been more helpful had the government and university gone about fixing the problems in a dignified and mature manner. Students are looking on and learning.

This is not the best lesson for them.

I wait to hear who will be the new vice-chancellor.

I am not afraid to say, based on information of what Professor Griffith was doing for the university, I regret he did not want to renew his contract. I still hope he would reconsider. If he does not, the new vice-chancellor better be forewarned that orderliness and progress are despised. He would be coming into the lion’s den. If he does not toe the line, he will be the next meal. The unions have swarmed the house of management; they have taken over management. Only their opinions matter, and what they say goes.

The University Council seems powerless and overridden by the unions who have one vote on the Council. Rationality has fled, or the other

Elections season has commenced as of yesterday Dear Editor, PERMIT me a bit of space to air my views on yesterday’s ruling at the CCJ. While many of Mr. Granger’s supporters will be understandably depressed, there was some amount of tactical and political brilliance on the part of the Coalition.

You may recall that after December 21, the PPP was confident that elections would have been held in 90 days, and that it would have triumphantly marched back to New Garden and Charlotte Streets. But a surprisingly shrewd David Granger and his team moved to the courts, engaged the Opposition, and smartly ran the clock down to yesterday, without the PPP being able to force

fresh general elections.

For those who support the Government, this was exactly what they wanted, as they verily believed that Charrandass Persaud’s vote was not motivated by his conscience, as he had said, but through political connivance by Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP. For that, the Government was right to run the clock and thwart the PPP’s ambitions to topple the administration and return to office to pillage the country by backdoor means. Once that belief was embedded in the minds of supporters, they will think that the government is right to punish the Opposition by dragging out its time in office as long as possible while organising itself to confront the PPP and win.

As I see it, only govern-

mental incompetence can see it losing an election to a PPP with Irfaan Ali as the candidate. It has incumbency on its part, and abudget that ministries are hardly spending properly.

Editor, even as the CCJ has made its ruling, we still have to wait on the boys and girls at GECOM in Kingston, as I rather suspect that they would be the ones to determine the exact date for an election rather than any CCJ ruling. But supporters from both sides will have to go about their business in the coming weeks and months with one thing in mind; and that is that official elections season has commenced as of yesterday.

Regards, Peter Joseph

council members have grown tired and insipid with the lecturers’ drag-down brawls.

The lecturers kicked up a hailstorm during the time of Vice-Chancellor Opadeyi; they called for him to go.

He left at the end of his contract. They did the same for Vice-Chancellor Griffith. If the next vice- chancellor is not handpicked and approved by them, his fate may be worse. This is bullyism; and the Council allows it.

The Government allows it.

The Opposition allows it.

The private sector allows it.

The TUC and FITUG seem powerless to stop it, or are in solidarity with the bullyism.

It seems, with the exception of a few, everybody else allows the bullyism.

Like others, I have no confidence the interim three-man management team would be able to succeed. I would like to be shown where this has ever

worked. Students are in for some rough times. My advice to them is to band their bellies or look somewhere else for a good tertiary education. Good people will be left with little choice but to leave. Good people will refuse to come back. This sad country named Guyana will continue to stagger from bow to stern.

Regards, Dev Permaul

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More than 100 derelict buildings in City

MORE than a hundred derelict buildings across Georgetown are on a list of derelict buildings, City Engineer Colvern Venture has disclosed.

“We are still having our daily inspections, so there would be more added to that list,” he told reporters following a recent statutory meeting at City Hall.The problem, though, is that the department is very limited in terms of resources.

For instance, Venture said he is working at the moment with seven building inspectors, as opposed to a required strength of 15.

“They have their challenges in carrying out the works in the manner that

is required of them. They have the challenge of inspecting very large areas and as such, we may not be able to quickly address some of the issues that may arise,” Venture offered, adding: “We have building inspectors who have at least nine areas and these are not small wards we’re talking about.”

Venture acknowledged the many negatives that have been said about his department recently, but noted that the department has to work with its current resources until it can do better.

Regarding the derelict buildings that are found in Georgetown, he said the City Council has been trying to engage

persons so that the owners can either take the buildings down, or affect repairs immediately.

“These buildings are abandoned for quite a while and some are deteriorating; sections of them are falling off. It is not safe. Persons are living in some of them and this is very risky,” Venture said.

In 2015, he recalled that a number of exercises were carried out in which the council pulled down such buildings from various areas across the City.

These included buildings in the famous ‘Globe Yard’ on Waterloo Street, and others at Kingston and Lamaha Street, Kitty.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Process to appoint GECOM ...

From page 2

(Ret’d) Patterson, Justice Saunders said it is evident that the President was not entitled to lay down, as a precondition to considering a nominee, eligibility requirements that were additional to or at variance with those prescribed by the Constitution.

He said the judgment is not intended to cast aspersions on Justice (Ret’d) Patterson or the President. “Nothing in this judgment is intended, in the slightest degree, to cast aspersions on the competence and suitability of Justice Patterson for the position of Chairman of GECOM. Nor is there anything to suggest that His Excellency acted otherwise than in good faith,” the CCJ President clearly stated.

Nonetheless, he said given “the imposition on the Leader of the Opposition of criteria that were not sanctioned by the Constitution and the absence of cogent reasons for deeming unacceptable the candidates and lists provided,” the CCJ had no choice but to conclude that the process that was followed in the appointment of Justice Patterson was flawed and in breach of Article 161(2).

GIVING REASONS In a concurring judgment, Justice Winston Anderson, noted that President Granger found each of the lists to be unacceptable but without giving any specific reason for their unacceptability.

“For substantially the reasons advanced by the learned President, I agree that the process followed in the appointment of Justice Patterson was fatally flawed and did not comport with the constitutional requirements. The history of its drafting and the wording of the provision in Article 161(2) clearly anticipate meaningful consultation, dialogue and compromise between the President and the Leader of the Opposition in the making of the appointment,” Justice Anderson said.

“How else could the Leader of the Opposition submit to the President, ‘a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President?’” he reasoned. Both Justice Saunders and Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee paid special attention to the history of the Carter Formula which highlights a critical role of the opposition leader in the appointment of a GECOM Chairman.

“The council’s formula for the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission for Guyana – commonly referred to as “the Carter formula” or “the Carter-Price formula” – was introduced by way of legislation into the Constitution of Guyana in a piecemeal fashion, beginning in 1991 with the Constitutional (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1991 (“the 1991 amendment”),” Justice Rajnauth-Lee explained.

It was noted that the Chairman of the Elections Commission was still appointed unilaterally by the President, the 1991 amendment expanded the categories of persons qualified to be elected as chairman to include “any other fit and proper person”. The 1991 amendment also increased the number of the members of the commission, she posited.

“In 1995, the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 1995 (“the 1995 amendment”) was enacted and the formula for the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the minority leader, was introduced, albeit with a similar sunset clause,” she explained.

By the 1995 amendment, the minority leader was mandated to consult with the political parties represented in the National Assembly, other than the party to which the President belonged. In the year 2000, the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2000 (“the 2000 amendment”) was enacted and the amendments to Article 161 were incorporated into the Constitution.

Preliminary objections to Mustapha’s claims in the case, brought by the Attorney General, were rejected by the court.

The attorneys in the case included the Attorney General, Basil Williams, SC; Hal Gollop, QC; Ralph Thorne, QC; and Nigel Hawke, Guyana’s Solicitor General – all of whom appeared on behalf of the respondent.

Douglas Mendes, SC; Anil Nandlall, and Nadir Sharma, were among the lawyers that appeared on behalf of the appellant.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

9

CCJ upholds no-confidence vote

By Svetlana Marshall THE no-confidence motion, brought against the government last December, was properly passed as was declared by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) said in a landmark ruling on Tuesday.

The government, through the Attorney General, Basil Williams, had argued, and the Court of Appeal concurred, that in order to pass the motion, an absolute majority and not a simple majority of the 65-Member National Assembly was needed. Williams submitted a two-prong approach – half plus one, noting that once a fraction is arrived at, it is rounded up.

As such, he submitted and the Court of Appeal agreed that an absolute majority of 65 is 34 but the CCJ rejected that line of reasoning. It ruled that 33 votes constitute a majority in the House, when all members are taken into consideration, as required by the Constitution.

“In determining that majority, the court was of the opinion that the half plus one rule was not applicable. It held that since the Assembly comprised an odd number of persons (i.e. 65), when all the members of the Assembly are present and vote, all that is necessary is to determine whether the motion has garnered “a majority of all the elected members.” Such a majority in the court’s view was clearly at least 33 votes,” President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders explained as he handed down the ruling in the consolidated appeals.

Those appeals are: Christopher Ram v The Attorney General, the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission; Bharrat Jagdeo v The Attorney General, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission; and Charrandass Persaud v Compton Reid, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Attorney General, Bharrat Jagdeo, Joseph Harmon and the Guyana Elections Commission.

In arriving at its decision, CCJ took note of the fact that when the no-confidence motion was moved by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on December 21, 2018, all 65 members of the Assembly were present and voted. On that night, the opposition gained an edge over government, when then Member of Parliament,

Charrandass Persaud, defected and voted to bring down his own government, thereby allowing the opposition to secure a total of 33 votes.

In addition to the argument on what really constitutes a majority, the Attorney General, with support from Joseph Harmon and Compton Reid – a private citizen, had argued that Article 106(6) did not apply to “motions of no-confidence.” It was submitted that there was a fundamental difference between a motion of confidence and a motion of no-confidence, and as such, only the government, under Article 106 (6) can move motions of confidence.

But the CCJ disagreed.

Justice Saunders said court rejected the submissions holding that Article 106 gave effect to the fundamental principle of responsible or accountable government that required the government to resign where it no longer enjoyed the confidence of Parliament.

“Whether Article 106(6) used the term ‘a motion of confidence’ or ‘a motion of no confidence’ was unimportant as these were mere linguistic differences denoting different sides of the same coin. There was nothing in Article 106 that prevented any member of the opposition from moving a motion of no confidence,” Justice Saunders said.

He noted too that Article 106(6) also did not hinge on the provisions of the anti-defection regime set out at Article 156. “That regime was separate and distinct from the concept of responsible government and merely sought to prevent a member of the National Assembly from ‘crossing the floor’ or, having been elected on a particular List, to disassociate himself or herself from the List and continue in parliament as an independent member,” Justice Saunders ruled.

Compton Reid, a farmer from Berbice, through his Attorneys Rex McKay, Neil Boston and Robert Corbin, had argued that Persaud’s presence in the National Assembly was a clear breach of the Constitution on the grounds that he is dual citizen. Describing him as a usurper, Boston argued that Persaud was illegally seated in the National Assembly, and therefore, his vote on the night of December 21, 2018 could not have been valid.

QUALIFICATION Though historically, disputes over the qualification of members to legislative

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders

assemblies were not triable by the courts, Article 163(1) of the Constitution of Guyana has vested in the High Court an exclusive jurisdiction to address this issue but within a particular timeframe as outlined in Article 163 (4).

Justice Saunders said although the Constitution gave the courts the exclusive jurisdiction to determine questions of the qualification of members of the National Assembly, the challenge must be brought within the timeframe required.

“The relevant Act in these circumstances was the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act which required that a petition alleging that Mr Persaud was disqualified from running for office, be presented within 28 days after the results of the 2015 election, out of which the matter arose was published in the gazette,” the CCJ President explained.

With the 28-day period having been expired, the CCJ therefore lacked jurisdiction to assess whether Persaud was disqualified at the time of his election. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal had drawn similar conclusions.

“Having concluded that the court lacked jurisdiction to impeach Mr Persaud’s election, the court found that there was no real need to ascertain whether Article 165(2) preserved the validity of Mr Persaud’s vote on the motion. However, even if the court had jurisdiction to declare Mr Persaud’s election to the Assembly to be void from the outset, the court agreed with the courts below that Article 165(2) would have preserved the validity of his vote,” Justice Saunders said as he presented a summary of the CCJ’s ruling.

CROSSING THE FLOOR It also shot down arguments by the Attorney Gen-

eral and his team of lawyers, that Persaud, having been drawn from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) List, and appointed a seat to the National Assembly, was absolutely required to vote against the motion of no-confidence.

The CCJ ruled that nothing in Article 156(3) or anywhere else in the Constitution prohibited Persaud from voting against the government on any particular measure but acknowledged that a decision to vote against one’s list may result in a MP being recalled.

It, however, made it clear that the vote would still be valid.

“Having regard to all the findings above, the court held that the National Assembly properly passed a motion of no-confidence in the government on December 21, 2018, and that the provisions of Article 106 (6) and (7) were accordingly triggered,” Justice Saunders said.

In a separate concurring judgment, Justice Jacob said it was obvious from the legislative history of Article 106 (6) that the amendments to the Constitution in 2000,

which reintroduced the vote of confidence procedure, sought to bring Guyana back from an authoritarian presidential regime to a more democratic one.

Turning his focus on Persaud’s dual-citizenship, Justice Wit concluded that the constitutional disqualification in Article 155 was not absolute but one of limited scope.

“Where there was a late discovery of a member’s dual citizenship and the member refuses to vacate his seat, no legal consequences will ensue unless and until someone properly petitions the High Court in accordance with section 43 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act to have the court declare his seat vacant,” the judge reasoned.

Justice Winston Anderson, in a concurring judgment, also agreed with the other members of the court that Article 106 (6) and (7) had been triggered. However, he noted that there may be merit in the consideration by those responsible for proposing constitutional amendments of the wording of Article 106 (6) as he was

far from sanguine that the Constitution was unambiguous on the issue of motions of ‘no confidence.’

In January, the Chief Justice Roxanne GeorgeWilshire had upheld the motion on the basis that a majority of all 65 members of the Assembly was 33 votes but on March 22, the Court of Appeal, by a 2-1 margin, overturned that decision.

With the CCJ now ruling that the motion was properly carried, it has given the parties in the consolidated cases an opportunity to return on Monday June 24, 2019 and make submissions on how to retreat with the consequences of the decision.

Article 106 (6) and (7), stipulate that Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the government is defeated on a confidence motion. However, the government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months or an extended period as agreed by two-thirds of National Assembly. Notably, it says the President shall resign after a new President is sworn in.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Clearer ring-fencing rules coming … gov’t assures IMF

LOCAL authorities are working to implement clearer ring-fencing rules in future oil resources-related Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to safeguard the flow of Guyana’s oil revenues.

This was highlighted by a visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) member of

staff who was here from June 3–14 to discuss the 2019 Article IV Consultation.

In a subsequent Concluding Statement, the IMF staffer also spoke to the dangers of the absence of a ring-fencing arrangement in the Stabroek PSA. Ring-fencing occurs when a portion of a company’s assets or prof-

its are financially separated without it necessarily being operated as a separate entity.

It can also be described as a limitation on consolidation of income and deductions for tax purposes across different activities, or different projects, undertaken by the same taxpayer. It can assure government revenue

when a company’s undertakes a series of projects hoping to deduct exploration or development expenditures from each new project.

It can also hamper the further exploration by companies due to their inability to claim deductions for such activities on new projects.

ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, holding a 45 per cent interest.

Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited a 25 per cent interest. Speaking on the same, the IMF Staff stated that local authorities have raised concerns about the need for clearer ring-fencing rules and also detailed to the Fund their own plans to improve such.

“The authorities have indicated their concerns that the absence of a ring-fencing arrangement in the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement could potentially affect the projected flow of government oil revenues. The rapid appraisal and development of multiple oil fields could affect the timing and amount of profit oil to be shared with the government from a producing oil field by allocating

costs from various fields under development to the producing field,” the statement indicated.

It added: “The authorities are developing strategies to mitigate such a possibility, including a national oil depletion policy to guide extraction and production and clearer ring-fencing rules for new investments.”

Meanwhile, the IMF Mission also projects a real economic growth of 4.4 per cent for Guyana in 2019.

This, it said, will be driven by continued strength in the construction and services sectors ahead of oil production in 2020, and strong recovery in mining.

It noted that this is not likely to be affected by the crisis in neighbouring Venezuela, as the IMF does not foresee any significant spillovers, although it does note that the influx of migrants into hinterland and rural areas could put a strain on the socio-economics of the local communities.

Also, examining the previous year, the IMF noted that Guyana’s economic growth strengthened in 2018 with “broad-based expansion” across all major sectors.

Meanwhile, it stated that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.1 per cent in 2018, up from 2.1 per cent in 2017 which is primarily

attributed to the construction and services sectors. At the same time, inflation remained steady at 1.6 per cent at end of 2018 as a result of stable food prices and exchange rate.

However, the Fund noted a weaker current account balance as a result of weaker export performance and higher imports driven by high value imports related to oil production.

Earlier in the month, reporting on similar developments in the economy, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan had urged the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to be at the forefront of Guyana’s transformation for the benefit of the Caribbean Region.

Such efforts, he explained, could assist the country in correcting the major capacity and capability gaps it faces heading in to the new sector.

Also attributed to the petroleum sector in the IMF’s findings, was the 2018 account deficit which rose to 17.5 per cent of GDP from 6.8 percent in 2017 largely financed by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) related to the industry.

Nonetheless, the country’s reserves stood at US$528M in December 2018.

Corentyne taxi driver died of multiple injuries-autopsy A post Mortem examination conducted on the body of thirty nine-year-old Taxi driver Lynsay Grant, whose lifeless body was found on a farm, while his car was found submerged in a canal nearby, concluded that the cause of death was as a result of multiple injuries, including a punctured lung, a damaged heart and internal bleeding.

At approximately 13:50 hrs, on Monday, a farmer who was attending to his garden on the western side of Adventure Road, East Berbice Corentyne discovered the motionless body of Grant lying face down among his Boulanger plants.

The Farmer, Freeman Davis raised an alarm and the body was subsequently identified as the taxi driver by his wife Natasha Ramborose who lives a short distance away.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Ramborose recalled someone who knew

Taxi driver Lynsay Grant she was searching for her husband came by her home and related a body was found a short distance away. She stated she immediately left home and went only to have her worse fears confirmed.

“When the car reached I see people surrounding the area and just as I meet where I could see, he look like he was sleeping and people did crying so I realise he was dead…. I don’t remember

what happened next but they said I get black out.”

Ramborose said the next thing she recalled was seeing the mangled Black Toyota Sienta bearing regristration number HC 3695 being pulled from the canal next to where his body was found.

Grant left his home on Sunday to ply the Adventure to Black Bush Polder route, and when he failed to return home on Sunday, his family began a frantic search which continued into Monday, after which a report was made to the Police. According to the police, the incident occurred between 10:00 hrs on Sunday and 13:50 hrs on Monday.

The taxi driver reportedly careened off the road as he made his way home less than a mile away. The vehicle appeared to have toppled several times before crashing into the canal.

His body was flung out of the car before it landed in the canal.

‘Track record solid’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

...Ministers confident coalition will win next elections … but maintain house-to-house registration crucial

By Lisa Hamilton THE government has accepted the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling on the no-confidence motion as validly passed and, while not agreeing with the ruling as fair, moves forward unfettered into new elections bolstered

from the onset, President David Granger had stated that his administration will abide by the decision of the country’s highest court.

Speaking with the media on the sidelines in Bartica, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stated that the present actions of the government are the validation of the

that could be a valid vote but the court ruled that way so we have to respect that ruling,” he said.

NATIONAL REGISTRATION NECESSARY However, he noted that the government’s position remains unchanged on the

President David Granger being escorted by Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, during a walk-about in the township on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo) by its exceptional track record.

This was the key message of several ministers of government on Tuesday, who culminated in Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) for a multi-ministerial outreach on the same day of the ruling. All ministers present openly expressed their respect for the ruling with several reminding that,

position taken to observe the rule of law since the no-confidence motion was initially deemed validly passed in December 2018. “We will abide. We don’t agree with the decision that you can have somebody who has treacherously, being a citizen of a foreign country, voted in the Parliament to bring your government down.

We don’t agree that

matter of house-to-house registration as this is the only means to ensure that all Guyanese are provided their Constitutional right to vote.

“No elections can be held in a country without having a valid voter’s list. The Constitution of the country provides for voting of all persons 18 and above. Right now, that voters list has expired on the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo speaks with residents of Bartica (Delano Williams photo)

April 30; a new list has to be compiled based on houseto-house registration of all electors,” he said.

Prior to the no-confidence motion, there was a consensus on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) regarding the plan to conduct house-to-house registration in 2019. GECOM is now on the verge of commencing the national registration process with plans for a mid-June start. GECOM Chair Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson had informed President David

Granger in March, 2019, as the ruling on the no-confidence motion made its way through the courts, that general elections can be held

by November 2019, after the completion of house-tohouse registration.

Later, at the end of May, GECOM reported that training for enumerators and other staff for the impending registration is completed.

Already, some 200 cluster offices country-wide have been identified which are to serve as meeting bases for

the verification of information gathered by enumerators. At the same time, the commission continues on its voters’ education campaign on television, radio and in print, encouraging individuals to get themselves and their documents ready to be registered.

President Granger, in an earlier statement to the nation, made it clear that it is essential that credible elections are held which See page 13

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

PPP wants elections in two months … changes position on GECOM Chairman remaining in office

DESPITE the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) stating that its earliest possible date for the holding elections is November, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, hours after the Caribbean Court of Jus-

tice ruled that the no-confidence motion was validly passed, made calls for elections to be held within two to three months.

He told a news conference, at his Church Street office, that the incumbent government is on borrowed

time and brushed aside President David Granger’s statement that on Tuesday, that elections will be held in November based on GECOM’s latest advice following the completion of house-to-house registration. Jagdeo affirmed

that given the current circumstances, relative to the no-confidence motion, President Granger is not in possession of the legal powers allowed by the constitution, to call elections at any time.

“If it is a normal situ-

ation, then the President is empowered within the five years that he is elected to serve to call elections at any time and dissolve the parliament by proclamation….when you have a no- confidence motion that has been declared validly passed today, the no-confidence motion takes away that discretion from the President, he cannot determine when he holds elections again, he has to follow the rule,” Jagdeo said, which would have been in March; three months after the motion was passed.

Jagdeo said that elections should be called within two to three months, even after GECOM previously stated that November is within a practical time frame, for elections to be called. “The principle is that elections should be held tomorrow, the practicality is two to three months,” the opposition leader said, adding that he is open to engaging the President on the processes that will expedite the holding of elections, which include consideration of a new GECOM Chairman, since the CCJ also ruled that Justice James Patterson was unconstitutionally appointed by President Granger.

While People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Attorney, Douglas Mendes, previously beseeched the CCJ to have Justice Patterson remain in office, to allow for the holding of early elections, the party’s general secretary, on Tuesday, said that Patterson should vacate the office and he is willing to meet with the President earliest, for consideration of the appointment of a new chairman.

While hoping for elections to be held no later than September, Jagdeo said that the PPP will be going into full elections mode from today. He also changed his position on the PPP supporters taking to the streets following the no-confidence ruling

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo being in their favour and said that now is not the time for gloating and triumphalist behaviour, but to focus on ensuring that early elections are called.

The opposition leader said Tuesday’s ruling is not a victory for the PPP, but one for Guyana. He said that government is illegal and should only act in the capacity as care taker of the state.

However, according to Article 106 (7): “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.” Attorney General, Basil Williams, had argued that the Constitution does not provide for the “immediate” resignation of Cabinet, saying such a move would cripple the government’s ability to finance the holding of elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) or provide critical services to the people of Guyana. The attorney general said, while Article 106 (6) of the Constitution provides for the resignation of Cabinet, including the President, if the government is defeated in a vote of confidence, it did not specify a time.

He argued that timeframes were only provided in Article 106 (7).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

‘Track record solid ...

From page 11

cannot be facilitated with a list that is “outdated and corrupted” and holds some 200,000 “incorrect entries”.

While Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday, expressed his disfavour with the President’s call for the national registration process, insisting that elections be held “as early as possible”, other ministers of government also agree that the exercise is necessary. “Our important first step right now is to get the house-to-house registration going…no way, I believe, our government is going to go with any second or third best provision as it relates to the existing list.

We are uncompromising that house-to-house registration must produce a new, clean list and bring on board all those people who would have turned 18,” Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan told

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe the Guyana Chronicle.

He stated that the government was prepared for either side of the ruling which is why they took to Parliament to approve $3.4B for GECOM to conduct general elections.

CONFIDENCE IN TRACK RECORD He also stated that the coalition government is “sanguine” about the future and believes that its record puts it in good stead. Despite minor hiccups along the way, Jordan said that he is certain that citizens developed the faith that the government is in full control.

This position was shared by the prime minster, who stated that the government is “on solid foundation” when it comes to its track record with tremendous progress in less than five years.

Being in Bartica, he highlighted accomplishments such as the transformation of Bartica into a town and the soon-to-be-completed Bartica Solar Farm which

POSITIVE Several other ministers also appealed to the public to remain peaceful and focused on the vision they have for themselves and country.

“Be calm. What is taking place here is a democratic process,” Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, advised. “We’re going to elections and we’re very confident that we will win the elections. We have

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan will contribute to sustainable energy.

He also listed Guyana’s improvements under the coalition in its economic growth rate, governance systems, integrity legislation and anti-money laundering efforts to fight terrorism and crime.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that despite the “noise” of the opposition which believes it stands a chance at the coming elections, the government’s unique characteristic will speak for itself. “Without a doubt they’re [the opposition are] in for a really tough time and I know that we are very confident and we’ll be able to get there. We’ve improved the lives of our citizens; we haven’t done as they would do, we’ve haven’t skipped villages because of their political affiliation. We went and we put our interventions where it is most needed and the people will remember that on elections day.”

Speaking too, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told the Guyana Chronicle that it is now for citizens to stay the course and to realise that there must not be an undoing of the developments initiated in recent years but a continuation. “Guyana is too much of a beautiful country to create unnecessary confusion.

I think we have a lot benefit from being united and giving Guyana the opportunity to shine as we have begun to,” he said.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, stated that the coalition government is confident and “ready to face the electorate”, while Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, also expressed their confidence in the government’s ability to do the same.

REMAIN CALM,

been working hard as a government to make our people confident; to be accountable; to be transparent; we’re bringing government to the people to ensure that we’re personally involved in listening and solving their issues.”

She reminded the public that the values of the coalition government have not changed and are the key values needed in any group of leaders chosen to lead Guyana into its future in oil and gas.

Garrido-Lowe also described Guyana’s Head of State as a “good and honest man” and “a strong, decisive leader” who truly has the best interest of his people and country at heart.

DON’T BE AGITATED Also encouraging Guyanese to remain law-abiding and upbeat was Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson.

“Remain calm. Do not be agitated; do not allow people to drive fear in to you. You have elected a government to serve five years and why would one person decide how your government should serve, when they should serve and when they should not?” she reasoned. Representatives from 25 ministries and government agencies will remain in Bartica today for additional meetings and walk-abouts to assist residents with their concerns.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Western Diplomats call on all to respect CCJ ruling

FOLLOWING Tuesday’s ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the no-confidence motion and accompanying legal proceedings, the Western diplomatic community is calling on all sides of the political divide to respect the ruling of the regional court.

United States Ambassa-

dor to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chattergee and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videtic, noted in a joint statement, that “it is important that all sides respect the ruling,” adding

that “we also encourage all to come to an agreement on the way forward.”

The CCJ on Tuesday ruled that the no-confidence motion against the government, which was passed in the National Assembly last December, was valid and the court also ruled that the appointment of the chairman of the Guy-

ana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice James Patterson, was flawed.

The two landmark rulings have consequences for the governance going forward and the parties are to meet before June 24, 2019 to hammer out a consensus before the court makes any consequential orders on the latter dated. The judgments were delivered by President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, at the Trinidad and Tobago-based court.

The motion, which was cleared by the National Assembly and the High Court, was invalidated by the Court of Appeal in March this year.

The landmark ruling

on Tuesday was made approximately one month after oral arguments were heard in the consolidated appeals challenging the Court of Appeal’s decision to invalidate the motion.

The arguments were presented to a panel of five judges led by Justice Adrian Saunders.

President David Granger noted in a subsequent address to the nation that the government respects the ruling of the court.

According to the President, the Constitution entitles all citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote. “It is a democratic imperative that houseto-house registration be completed swiftly so we

can have an election at the earliest opportunity. The Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Patterson, has previously informed me that the commission will be ready to hold elections in November 2019. This will be after the completion of house-to-house registration. I now await a recommendation for a specific date from GECOM and I will then issue a proclamation.”

He noted that the country will be heading to the polls and there is going to be a crucial choice for our citizens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

‘Every child must be in school’ – President Granger tells students of St. John the Baptist Primary

PRESIDENT David Granger, Tuesday morning, visited the St. John the Baptist Primary School in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) where he iterated his Government’s motto of ‘Every child in school’ (ECIS).

er through the Public Education Transport System (PETS) popularly known as the ‘Three Bs’ programme has provided boats, buses and bicycles to transport children across the country to school.

Books and breakfast are also provided to school aged chil-

if they cannot get to school… that is why we provided the buses, what is called the ‘David G’ bus and why we provide the bicycles,” he asserted, while emphasising that every child must be in school.

President Granger visited

This group of children was eager to welcome President David Granger to Bartica Tuesday morning The President reminded the students of the Primary School, the first school he attended, that education is important while noting Government’s mission is to “ensure that every child is in school”.

Since taking office in 2015, President Grang-

dren.

“We presented buses, bicycles, and we believe every child should go to school regularly,” he said, in keeping with the three A’s in the education system – access, attendance and achievement.

“You cannot blame children who are living far away

the Primary School moments before attending this week’s Cabinet meeting held at the office of the Mayor and Town Council. This is the first time a Cabinet meeting has been held in Bartica. He committed to continue providing transportation to students across the country and particularly

Woman confesses to killing 8-yr-old son THIRTY-ONE-YEAROLD Sonia King on Tuesday confessed to killing her eight-year-old son Emmanuel King at their West Bank Demerara home in 2016.

King appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court and pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter. The woman was initially charged with murder , but opted to plead to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The woman is accused of killing her son Emmanuel on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at the family’s La Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara home.

Justice Singh accepted her plea and ordered that a probation report be prepared on King. The confessed killer returns to court on July 16, 2019, for sentencing.

King was represented

by attorney-at-law Mark Conway, while the state was represented by prosecutors Teriq Mohamed, Tuanna Hardy, and Sarah Martin appeared for the prosecution.

According to reports, the child lived with his mother and step-father, Robert at Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara. It is alleged that King and Emmanuel were in bed at their home when the woman placed a bed sheet over the child’s face and suffocated him.

The woman had confessed to the police and said “ Ah just hold him down, meh son was kicking up with his foot. Ah hold down the sheet there until he stop moving and then I go and call Robert and tell he I kill Emmanuel.”

According to results from the post-mortem, Em-

Little Emmanuel King manuel died as a result of suffocation.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that when King was arrested in 2017, she had told police that her son succumbed after falling from a tree earlier that day.

But, she later gave a formal statement to investigators at Den Amstel Police Station, reportedly confessing to the suffocating the child.

boats to those who live in riverine areas, so they can get to school. “I am talking about the fact that every child in this country must be given equal opportunity to come to school. This means there must be sufficient schools, this means also that there must be no gap between the coastland and the hinterland,” the Head of State said.

The President who was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry reminded that it was his Government that over the past four years, which named four new towns- Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma and Mahdia. “Bartica is not bush, it is a part of Guyana like any other part, like Rosehall, Corriverton or New Amsterdam.

Bartica is the administrative centre of a region which is bigger than The Netherlands, you cannot administer a region from a village.

Bartica has and will get more public services… it has a large population.

Bartica has every reason to be a town,” the President said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Republic Bank TT headquarters activating visa cards

By Vishani Ragobeer

CUSTOMERS of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited have been asked to contact the bank’s headquarters in Trinidad in order to activate their visa debit cards for online transactions.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed of this new security measure that was put in place and made effective from June 10, 2019. With this, customers would have to contact the bank’s headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago

(TT) and verify their identity and ownership of the account by providing the personal details and contact information associated with the account.

The numbers to contact the bank’s TT headquarters were given as: +1 868 627 6000, +1 868 627 3348, and +1 868 625 1200.

The Customer Service Representative, at the TT HQ, who spoke with Guyana Chronicle when contacted, indicated that this measure is part of the “new protocols” developed by the bank

to ensure greater security when using visa cards.

Additionally, he noted that it is a measure the bank is not only introducing in Guyana, but across all of the Republic Bank locations throughout the Caribbean.

This measure, however, comes amidst concerns customers have about the security of the bank, particularly in the context of the recent fraud involving the bank’s Visa International Debit Cards. In May, via a statement issued, Republic Bank confirmed that some of its customers have been impacted by recent fraudulent activity on those debit cards.

Subsequent to the discovery of the fraud activity, the bank advised that customers would be asked to confirm and validate their transactions to assist with the process of ensuring tighter security.

And as such, persons were required to notify the bank of whatever online transactions they wished to engage in and provide details of the website where these transactions were being made. After doing so, customers would have to wait for one hour for the local main office to give an ‘allclear’ before proceeding with the transactions.

According to this newspaper’s source at the bank, Friday, June 7 was the last day local branches of the commercial bank offered this service before the measure of contacting Trinidad was implemented.

When contacted by Guyana Chronicle for official confirmation of this new measure, a representative from the local Republic Bank Main Office indicated that this information would be provided at a later date.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

More opportunities for small miners ... as ‘historic’ Bartica mining lottery is completed

EVEN as a third mining lottery has been undertaken, the authorities are continuing to ensure that more opportunities are readily available for small miners

According to a release from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the body, in cooperation with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), on June 14,

continued the distribution of mining lands in Bartica, and surrounding areas, via the mining lottery initiative.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman,

A section of the gathering at the event.(MNR photo)

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (at right) and other officials at the event.(MNR photo) who supervised the mining lottery addressed the applicants who were present, noting that that lottery, which was the third for 2019, was historic, and deemed it a further fulfilment of the Government’s promise to make mining lands available to deserving small miners.

The ministry said that Trotman understands the importance of mining in the Bartica community and continues to seek to make more

opportunities readily available to small miners.

Minister Trotman also highlighted that the lottery is two-fold, serving as district specific to ensure that persons living within the district are given first preference in the activity, and also to cater for persons outside the district.

Persons at the latest lottery were awarded lands from the five mining districts of Berbice, Potaro, Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Rupununi. There

was a total of 138 blocks available, and, on completion of the activity, all applicants present were awarded one mining block each.

Minister Trotman expressed gratitude to the assiduous staff of the GGMC whom the ministry noted, continued to ensure that his vision for small miners was completed. Mining lotteries were, so far, held in Georgetown and Port Kaituma.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Blood Bank readies for trauma centre

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has begun readying itself for the demand of blood that will be needed as Guyana builds a ‘state of the art’ trauma centre to manage emergency cases.

This was made known

by NBTS Director, Dr Pedro Lewis, at a recent event honouring dedicated local

volunteers.

“We have to realise that the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) 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.

During the presentation of the 2019 National Budget held last year, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had indicated that the

country is engaging with its developmental partners to facilitate the construction of this trauma centre.

During the budget debate, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, indicated that this trauma centre would replace the Accident and Emergency department at the Georgetown Public Hospital, which is Guyana’s main hospital.

The trauma centre would foster management of emer-

gency cases, including addressing patient flow, isolation and capacity. And trauma cases are usually those injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death, including but not limited to falls, motor vehicle collisions, stab wounds, and gunshot wounds.

Dealing with trauma cases however would require a large and constant supply of blood, according

NBTS Director, Dr Pedro Lewis

to the NBTS director.

Currently, blood is collected throughout most of the coastal regions, where according to Dr Lewis, the NBTS has staff working and is ably supported by organisations.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, even indicated that the MoPH has begun work in collecting blood from donors in hinterland regions too, just so that the life-saving substance is collected from donors of various demographics.

“If you’d ask if we have enough blood, I would say I’m not satisfied but we are there, with respect to the patient’s that we have now,” Dr Lewis said, explaining that with the creation of this trauma centre, there is going to be a higher demand for blood.

“We need approximately five per cent of Guyana’s population to be voluntary donors, which is about 30,000 to 35,000 donors,” he said.

Currently, there are

more than 10,000 voluntary donors in Guyana who contribute to the country’s record of 100 per cent voluntary donations. These donations, which are expected to amount to about 12,000 units for this year, are adequate to satisfy the requests of the private hospitals and the public facilities.

The CMO, while noting that the amount of blood received through voluntary donations, indicated that he would like to see this amount increased to 30,000 units in the coming years.

In an effort to attract more donors, the NBTS director and the CMO told members of the audience to actively encourage persons to donate their blood.

In fact, the CMO related that once a person is healthy enough, they can donate one pint of blood as often as every two months. He further noted that studies have shown that there are health benefits for persons who do donate blood.

Man pleads not guilty to careless driving FORTY-EIGHTYEAR-OLD Trevor Franklin of 383 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, appeared on Tuesday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, charged with careless driving.

Franklin, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded not

guilty to the offence.

It is alleged that on Friday, May 3, 2019, Franklin drove PWW 9573 in a careless manner along the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

The matter was adjourned for Wednesday, June 19, 2019, when statements will be presented.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

CH&PA looking into new lands for Bartica housing development

By Tamica Garnett

WITH hundreds turning up at the government’s “Meet the People” outreach in Bartica with housing concerns, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan seized the opportunity to allay their fears, by reassuring them that steps are in place to deal with the issue.

He explained that the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has approached the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) requesting lands for housing developments.

“There’s a challenge relating to housing in Bartica, in that the CH&PA does not have any land in Bartica,” Minister Bulkan said.

“We need new lands.

There are State lands here

just not belonging to the CH&PA, so we are in discussions with the Guyana Lands and Surveys for an allocation of State lands. So that process is ongoing... to allow for additional housing developments, in addition to the Four Miles and West Indian Housing Schemes,” he added.

Barticians came out in their numbers to the ‘utreach’, and many of them headed straight to the CH&PA booth, in the hope that they can get that much closer to their dream of one day owning their own home. “I came out here today, because it’s about 20- something years I applied for a piece of land and can’t get through,” said 49-year-old Vanis Livan.

“The last time I had an encounter with Housing,” she said, “was 2009 when they

Vanis Livan (left) and her daughter, Carol, ensured they came out to the government’s ‘Meet the People’ outreach in the town of Bartica to have their housing issues addressed (Delano Williams photos)

had the ‘One Stop Shop’, and they asked me for $250,000.

And I didn’t have the money at the time, so I didn’t get the land. So that is how it is until now. It’s a very long time; I was living in ‘The River’ when my husband used to be working at Skull Point, and we used to have to paddle and come here to these meetings.

But myself and my friend used to make it our duty to be there.”

Livan was out at the outreach with two of her children, one of whom is Carol Livan, a schoolteacher, who has been waiting some 13 years herself to acquire a piece of land to build. “I applied for a house-lot in 2006, and to date, that has not materialised,” Carol said, adding: “And from what I have heard today, I’m a bit satisfied with the information.”

High rental prices and tight living arrangements are pushing Barticians to be all the more proactive in the pursuit of their own home.

They were elated to have the CH&PA come to them instead of having to make the long trip to Georgetown to deal with their issues. “I am really thankful for this outreach, especially in the housing sector,” said Dawn McCulluch, a photographer.

“I am so thankful that ‘Housing’ is up here today,” she said. “It’s a good thing. As a Bartician, I am paying an exorbitant amount of rent.”

A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE However, with almost all of the CH&PA lands in

Minister with responsibility for housing, Annette Ferguson interacting with residents at the CH&PA booth the Bartica area already allocated, residents in the area would have to exercise just a little more patience as the CH&PA awaits word from the GLSC on when they can get land, and just how much land they can get. “Currently, Lands and Surveys is working to identify the areas where the lands are available,”explained CH&PA Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul.

“We want lands in an area that is pretty close to the centre of the township, and we would be grateful if we could get about 500 acres available, because we believe that would satisfy the need in the short to mediumterm,” he said.

Saul is hoping that those agencies owning State lands in Bartica understand the need for some of the lands to be allocated for housing, as the township’s population is rapidly expanding with

its continuous development.

“Most of the lands around this township is under the control of GLSC or the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC),” Saul said, “but housing is very critical, so therefore, I would want to believe that the relevant agencies will be making moves to ensure that the needs of the CH&PA is fulfilled by making lands available.”

The booths at the ‘outreach’ opened at just around 11:00hrs, and notwithstanding some early-morning showers, persons were quick to flock the CH&PA’s. And as the day progressed, it was easy to see that many of those heading their way were women, many of them, as Saul explained, being single-mothers.

“At Bartica, what we found,” he said, “is that there is a large amount of single-parent or single- headed household families, most of them headed by women. And

in most of the cases, they were of that category.”

Saul noted that given that those making inquiries about housing were not that many, the CH&PA was able to deal with some issues onthe-spot at the ‘outreach’.

“We were able to deal with some of the cases. We did some allocation today, but the majority of them we could not have addressed because there is a great demand for low to middle-income, but there is currently none available in Bartica.

There are a few cases where persons were seeking extension to payment to house lots allocated to them a while ago, and we also favourably considered those extensions,” Saul said.

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson also seized the opportunity to interact and speak encouraging words to the large crowd gathered at the ‘Housing’ booth.

GPTWU to sue gov’t for outstanding pensions

By Naomi Marshall THE Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union (GPTWU) on Tuesday announced that it will be taking legal action against the government for pensions owing to members of the Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC)/ Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) Pensioners’ Association.

This announcement was made at a press conference following the approval of a resolution by members of the GTC/GTT Pensioners Association. Prior to approval of the resolution, a petition was signed by 20 members of the association.

The resolution stated that retired employees of the GTC/ GTT Pensioners Association have authorised the GPTWU to explore all means necessary in an effort to bring closure to the payment of pensions owed to them; this would be in

keeping with the agreement pertaining to GTC’s sale to ATN and the formation of GTT, a new entity. The agreement states that the service of all GTC employees who chose to continue with the ATN majority-owned GTT, is continuous and would receive their pensions from the government, based on their final salaries at retirement.

According to GPTWU President Harold Shepherd, the government has failed to fully pay the former GTC/ GTT employees who had continued in GTT’s employ and have retired from GTT. Shepherd noted that the union had consulted with representatives of the government but to no avail.

The pensioners have authorised the executives of GPTWU to actively pursue their cause and to do so by all legal means necessary.

NO RESPONSE He stated that last week, the union’s attorney Nigel

From right to left: David Wallace, executive member of GTC/GT&T Pensioners Association; President of the Guyana Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union, Harold Shepherd; and retiree Lennox Skeete at the press briefing on Tuesday Hughes dispatched a letter seven days, the matter to will simple as that. Time is of the to the Ministry of Finance be taken to court. essence here, we lost over 30 requesting that the matter He added: “That’s our members already.” be resolved; however, the position, we are not turning Shepherd said the governunion has received no re- back. Unless the minister of ment should pay the pensionsponse from the ministry. finance reaches a settlement ers what is “rightfully theirs’ Shepherd indicated that if with this union, this matter now, so that they can enjoy it the union does not receive a will be going to court by while they are alive.” response in its favour within now and early next week, GTC/GT&T Pensioners

Association Executive Member, David Wallace said the situation is an “insult” to the retired workers and must be urgently addressed.

He noted that the GTC/ GT&T pensioners have given all of their prime years to serving the country, adding that the average years of service by a former employee is 35 years and many have served over 40 years.

“We have given all our youthful years and made numerous sacrifices in order to have a reliable stateof-the-art communication company, so that the government, private sector and ordinary man in the street can execute their business satisfactorily; yet, we are treated with scorn,” he said.

He added: “Many of us are sick and are on special medications, many have died. The rest are still suffering with the hope that they will be paid, but when?

Should we wait for another decade?”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

CCJ to make orders on Monday … parties urged to hammer out consensus to guide process

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), having upheld the No-Confidence vote against Government and simultaneously quashing the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections, will make a number of consequential orders on Monday.

However, it has given the

parties in the two cases an opportunity to meet and hammer out a consensus before the court gives those orders. “We propose that between now and the 24th, the parties engage with each other, and on the 24th we will hear submissions from the parties or we would hear from the parties on that issue of the consequential relief,” President of the Carib-

bean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders said moments after handing down the judgments on Tuesday “We would afford counsel an opportunity to address the court in particular on the consequential orders that the courts should make in relation to the conclusion of the court on the Zulfikar Matter.

Maintaining that the find-

ings of the CCJ are final, Justice Saunders expressed the hope that the parties in the two cases would arrive at a consensus. “If between now and the 24th (June) there is no concurrence on that issue, then we will have to find a way,” Justice Saunders told the Legal Counsel.

During the presentation of the oral arguments in

May, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), signaled to the CCJ its willingness to have Justice (Ret’d) Patterson remain in office to facilitate early elections if it was found that his appointment was unconstitutional.

“What I would ask the court to do if the court does come to that conclusion is to hear the parties again on what further consequential orders ought to be made. I am saying that because the orders that you make in this case if you are minded to set aside the appointment may be impacted by the results of the appeal which you are going to hear,” Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes had told the Trinidad-based CCJ. Douglas, the Attorney representing the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, told the court that his client would be willing to strike a compromise.

“In other words if the court were to conclude in that

appeal that elections must be held and it must be held in a short period of time, then we would want to address the court on whether, you ought to consider suspending quashing the appointment of the appointment of the chairman in order that the election would not be disrupted,” Attorney Mendes had explained.

But on Tuesday, after the CCJ handed down its decision, Anil Nandlall, who is also representing the Opposition, backpedaled on this position. With the Patterson’s appointment being deemed “unlawful,” Nandlall said there is now need for a new chairman to govern the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“The court has declared an act to be unlawful, you can’t ask the court to deem the act lawful in all fairness, it is against the law,” Nandlall told reporters outside the Court of Appeal.

Bread vendor murder trial ends in hung jury MURDER accused Neville Forde was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Justice Navindra Singh after a 12-member jury failed to arrive at a verdict, even after two hours of deliberation.

Forde was on trial before Justice Singh at the Demerara High Court for the murder of Sophia bread vendor, Andre Melroy Alexander in 2017, during a robbery.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Sarah Martin and Teriq Mohamed.

Forde was remanded back to prison and will be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

On Monday, June 17,2019, Forde’s co-accused Shaquelle Gran called ‘Soldier Man,’ was freed from the joint murder charge by Justice Singh, after his attorney, Nigel Hughes made a no-case submission.

The men were charged jointly for the indictment which read that on May 5, 2017, in the County of Demerara, they murdered Andre Melroy Alexander in the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Reports are that on the said date, Alexander was at his bread stand at Dennis Street, Sophia, when the two men rode up on a motorcycle. The pillion rider requested three loaves of bread and paid with a $5000 note. While Alexander was making change, the said pillion rider whipped out a gun and demanded cash.

When the man put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck him (Alexander) in the stomach.

The duo relieved Alexander of his cash and also escaped with the three loaves of bread. Alexander died that very night during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Private Sector CJIA manager sent on leave to facilitate Commission sexual misconduct investigation urges all to abide

by CCJ ruling THE Private Sector Commission has noted the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice that the no-confidence motion was validly passed on December 21, 2018 and the appointment of the GECOM Chairman was unconstitutional.

The Commission said it looks forward to an early consensual agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition on a new GECOM Chairman. In a statement the Commission said it is heartened by the recommendation of the CCJ to the parties involved to meet and agree on a course of action that will be in the best interest of the nation.

“The Private Sector Commission urges all Guyanese to respect the ruling and the statement by His Excellency President David Granger that his government will abide by the ruling of the Court.”

A SENIOR manager of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has been sent on leave to facilitate a police investigation into a complaint of sexual misconduct made against the official by an airline staff.

In a release last evening, the CJIA management said that the airport also withdrew the airport security credentials of the person who made the complaint.

The airport said that the move followed the opening of a police investigation based on a report filed this week by the concessionaire staff. “The alleged incident took place almost one year ago and was previously investigated by airport management. At the time, there was no evidence found for

further action to be taken,” the CJIA management said.

The CJIA said it remains committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all employees and all persons who work at and use the airport.

It was stated that in light of the recent incident, steps are being taken to strengthen the existing protocols.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

New administration building for City Hall

CITY Engineer, Colvern Venture, is currently liaising with permanent secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Emile

Mc Garrell, to finalise figures for the construction of a new administrative building for the City Council.

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, has indicated that such relocation plans are progressing, and that shortly, the tender

documents would be publicised so that interested contractors can have the opportunity to submit bids.

Plans are in progress to relocate all staff members currently housed in the City Hall building.

The staff in the City Treasury Department will be relocated to the Human Resources Department, Information Technology Division and City Engineer’s Building.

The mayor said he is grateful for central government’s support which will allow the administrative staff of the council to be properly accommodated.

He further noted that a

proper working environment is critical for workers’ welfare and is necessary for improved production and productivity.

Just recently, Narine highlighted that fungus is taking over the walls and ceiling of the Treasury Department. This resulted in at least one employee becoming “terribly ill”. He told city councillors that the employees in that department are working in an unhealthy environment, and that many of them are risking their lives by doing so.

The Treasury Department is responsible for administering the affairs of the City Council, in-

cluding the collection of all revenues. Its functions also include making all payments on behalf of the municipality.

The Kitty Market has been housing the staff of the Stabroek Market, and the plan initially was to have the Treasury Department relocated there also.

“An employee fell terribly ill on Tuesday and the cause was attributed to the state of the office currently.

An inspection is being done right now, and is expected to be completed shortly,” Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis had informed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Regma pupil previously suffered a brain disease – autopsy THE post-mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist, Nehaul Singh, on 10-year-old June Alexander, a former pupil of Regma Primary School in Linden, revealed that she died from blunt trauma to the head, caused by blood vessel malformation.

The doctor opined that this was an illness Alexander suffered with since birth, but was triggered when she fell. Her aunt, Gail Hamilton, when contacted on Tuesday, reaffirmed her belief that her niece was pushed and said, “something is not adding up.” Statements from eyewitnesses revealed that the child collapsed and fell. The incident reportedly occurred at around 14:00hrs last Monday, when school was dismissed. Ac10-year-old cording to eyewitJune Alexander nesses, the child had complained she was feeling unwell and said she wanted to go to the washroom. She then attempted to do so but her peers saw her staggering and then she eventually fell.

According to reports, the child’s mother also related that her daughter suffered a brain condition. After the fall, the child reportedly suffered from a seizure and was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Alexander leaves to mourn seven other siblings, her parents and other relatives. She was described as a quiet and well-behaved child.

Trio charged with simple larceny ALVESTUS Primo of 23 Supply, East Bank Demerara; Mark George of First Dam, Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara; and Shayne Morgan of 43 East La Penitence, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to simple larceny on Tuesday at the Providence Magistrates Court, before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

The offence was allegedly committed in the vicinity of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, when the trio allegedly robbed a gas station of $5M. At Tuesday’s hearing, Alvestus Primo alleged that he was beaten by the police to say where the money was, but he maintained that he did not know anything about the money.

Magistrate Scarce set July 11, 2019 for continuation of the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Look out for expiry dates

–– City mayor urges residents

GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine is cautioning residents to check for expiry dates on all products, since some major businesses in the City are in the habit of selling expired goods at a very low cost.

The mayor made the appeal after a number of businesses recently volunteered to surrender products that were expired.

At the moment, the laws governing the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) do not allow for persons to be charged for deliberately selling expired goods. But the City Council has been talking about instituting a stiffer penalty for those found culpable.

“Currently, we don’t have any penalties stipulated and in place. So our way of dealing with it is to recoup all the expired stuff. They would’ve paid for them so in doing that, if they would’ve expended large sums of money and we moved such large portions, it would serve as a lesson for the time being,” Chief Meat and Food Inspector Onica Alleyne-Blackman had told this publication.

During the month of April last, the M&CC reported that a quantity of expired grocery items was voluntarily surrendered by a business on Saffon Street, Charlestown, which was subsequently destroyed.

A whopping 1,282 cases of unsweetened orange juice were voluntarily surrendered by another major company.

The juice, when sampled, was found to have an ‘off-taste’ and was therefore found to be undesirable and unfit for human consumption. This, too, was destroyed.

In another instance, 960 bags of chick peas (25kg) were voluntarily surrendered by a business in Werk-enRust which was found to be weevil infested and unfit for human consumption.

The mayor has pointed out that this practice can result in illness and other public health implications.

“His Worship commends the business owners who voluntary surrenders theses expired products and wishes to advise all sellers, manufacturers, marketers and producers of goods for public consumption, to desist from offering expired goods since this practice is unhealthy, unlawful and unacceptable,” the M&CC said in a statement.

In previous raids, the M&CC found that persons had been re-labelling items to feature a new expiry date, while others have been wiping out the dates from the product.

The Chief Meat and Food Inspector believes, though, that vendors are continuing with the practice because they are receiving support from customers. “I think some citizens are fully aware that some of these items are expired, but because of the price range, they willingly take the risk of buying these items. If they are not encouraging, persons would pay attention to the dates,” she opined.

She is encouraging the public to pay more attention to the dates on their products. “Ensure that you pay attention to the dates. Looking at the cheapness of the item and not your health is not the ideal thing. Many times, children have to consume these items and they are a vulnerable group. So the onus is on the adults to protect their children.”

Blackman said the notion that a product is good months after its expiry date is more of a myth. “The ideal thing is once the item would’ve come to its expiry date, it is not supposed to be on the shelf.

I can’t validate that the product is still good after its expiry date, but what I know is that the date is your guide as to whether or not it should be on the shelf.

After that date, it has no place being on the shelf.”

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USA trample Guyana 4 - 0 at Gold Cup

By Rawle Toney in Minnesota (Compli ments of Let’s Bet Sports)

GUYANA’s Gold Cup campaign got off to rocky start, with the Golden Jaguars falling 4 - 0 to the USA in their opening Group D game at the Allianz Field in Minnesota, last night.

The USA, the tournament’s defending champions, secured the three points with goals from Paul Arriola (28th), Tyler Boyd (51st, 81st) and Gyasi Zardes (55th).

Playing at the new Allianz Field Stadium in Minnesota,

the encounter between the two teams shared some historical significance, since it was the first international meeting between Guyana and the USA at the senior level in the sport, it was also the first time Guyana has ever played a match at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the history of the tournament and was also the first international match being played at the facility which was commissioned in April this year.

With 19,418 in attendance, Coach Michael Johnson started with an experimental line-up, playing Emery Welshman as his

long striker, while Callum Harriot and Brandon Beresford played the wings.

Neil Danns was the distributor in the game, playing in the centre midfield position, while Keanu Marsh-brown and Elliot Bonds played just behind.

Matthew Briggs started in the left-back position, Liam Gordon played next to him, while Terrence Vancooten was the central defender, and in the rightback was debutant Jordan Dover. Akel Clarke started in goal.

The game started with

both sides feeling each other out, with the USA controlling the bulk of the possession, which saw Christian Pulisic having a go at the Guyana defence early on.

However, Guyana didn’t sit back and countered several times through Harriot, who enjoyed a good game.

However, a slip in defence by debutant Dover in the 28th minute and Arriola made Guyana pay dearly. In fact, the Stars and Stripes exploited Dover’s position for the duration of the match, which also saw Boyed getting

on the score sheets twice.

The Americans preyed on Guyana’s weak defence at the right, targeting Dover for the duration of the game.

Vancooten and Briggs were able to keep the likes of Pulisic and Weston Mckennie at bay for the entire night.

Guyana will next play Panama on June 22 in Cleveland, while the USA tackle Trinidad and Tobago.

In the first game of the double header last evening, Panama defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2 - 0.

A detailed report will be given in tomorrow’s edition.

Orgill double gives Reggae Boyz win in historic opener KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz celebrated the country’s first-ever CONCACAF Gold Cup fixture with a win as they held their nerve to beat Honduras 3-2 at the National Stadium here Monday night.

Playing in the second match of the historic double-header in the nation’s capital here, Turkey-based forward Dever Orgill struck a first-half brace and Damion Lowe added a third goal in the

second half, to hand the hosts full points in their Group C opener.

Antony Lozano pulled one back for the visitors early in the first half before Rubilio Castillo struck in injury time but Jamaica safely saw out the encounter.

In the earlier game, Nelson Bonilla’s first-half injury-time goal was enough to give El Salvador a 1-0 victory over a plucky Curacao.

Up against the Central American side ranked seven

places lower in 61st in the FIFA rankings, Jamaica took the early lead when 29-yearold Orgill headed in from point blank range with goalkeeper Luis Lopez nowhere in sight.

Leon Bailey chipped a pass to Peter Vassell whose pass was parried into Orgill’s path by the advancing Lopez.

Orgill added the second four minutes before half-time again from close range, to give Jamaica a 2-0 lead at the break. Defender

Alvas Powell was terrific in beating three defenders on the right before crossing for Vassell who played in Orgill first touch, for the striker to drill a low left-footed shot past Lopez.

Honduras responded in the 54th minute, capitalising on a defensive howler from Shaun Francis to pull one back through Lozano’s sliding effort in the box.

The hosts, however, urged on by a large crowd, restored their two-goal lead just min-

utes later, Lowe out-jumping his markers at the far post to nod in Vassell’s corner kick.

Honduras made things nervy at the end through Castillo’s glancing header in the second of four minutes of added time, but Jamaica held on for the points.

The Reggae Boyz, losing finalists in the last two Gold Cups, will travel to Houston where they take on El Salvador in their second match on Friday at the BBVA Stadium.

Hope urges teammates to dig deeper in a ‘must-win’ against Kiwis TA U N T O N , E n g l a n d (CMC) – With West Indies facing a do-or-die fixture against New Zealand on Saturday, marquee batsman Shai Hope has called on his teammates to dig deeper and find a way to win the vital contest.

The Caribbean side slumped to their third defeat in five matches on Monday when they suffered a chastening seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh here, leaving them seventh on three points and running out of time to make the semi-finals.

“It’s now must-win. We have to put everything into getting those runs (on the board),” Hope said follow-

ing Monday’s defeat.

“As a team, we have to go back to the drawing board, find solutions and go and win the game.”

The right-hander topscored with 96 as West Indies piled up 321 for eight off their 50 overs at Somerset County Ground, leaving Bangladesh facing a record run chase in order to win the contest.

But veteran all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan hammered an unbeaten 124 while Liton Das stroked an accomplished unbeaten 94, as the Tigers romped to their target in the 42nd over with 51 balls remaining.

Despite his performance,

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Hope copped criticism for the pace of his innings. He faced 120 balls and struck just four fours and a six before falling in the 47th over with West Indies still under 300.

The 25-year-old said while there was a need to increase his strike rate, he had also been mindful of the importance to hold the innings together in partnerships.

“Whenever I step to the crease, it’s a case of batting as long as possible. (You) don’t leave it for anyone else in the final overs – you just have to take responsibility,” Hope said.

“I can massively improve it (the strike rate). Whatever I can do to improve, I’ll do

that but it was a bit of a difficult spot for me in the sense that we keep losing wickets in the middle overs and putting the lower half under a bit of pressure.

“Having said that we need to keep the innings

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together and get as many runs as we can, especially in the back-end.”

Hope has been West Indies’ most successful ODI player in recent years, averaging 50 from 59 matches with six hundreds.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday June 17, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Glen Turner & Dennis Amiss Andrew Hudson/Curtly Ambrose TODAY’S QUIZ: How many teams have played in World Cup tournaments to date?

How many teams have played in every World Cup?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Ascot 09:30 hrs Raffle Prize 10:05 hrs Jalmoud 10:40 hrs Magical 11:20 hrs I Can Fly 12:00 hrs Chief Ironside 12:35 hrs Temple Of Heaven Chelmsford City 12:40 hrs Captain Dion 13:10 hrs Galispeed 13:40 hrs Laieth 14:10 hrs Indeed 14:40 hrs Tropics

15:10 hrs Billesdon Brook 15:40 hrs Jedhi 16:10 hrs Mr Potter Irish Racing Tips Wexford 12:30 hrs Positive Outlook 13:00 hrs Somethingaboutangela 13:30 hrs Soldier At War 14:00 hrs Buttons And Bows 14:30 hrs Morgan 15:00 hrs Mega Mindy 15:30 hrs Churchtown Glen 16:00 hrs Robaddan

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Former UEFA president Michel Platini detained in Qatar World Cup investigation

Michel Platini – former head of European football

By Emmanuel Jarry PARIS, France (Reuters) Michel Platini, the former head of European football association UEFA, was de-

tained for questioning by French police yesterday over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup football tournament to Qatar, a judicial source told Reuters.

Platini’s lawyer, William Bourdon, said his client was innocent of all charges and that he was being questioned on “technical grounds”.

The detention of the former football star was first reported by French investigative website Mediapart.

France’s national financial prosecutor’s office, which specialises in inves-

tigating economic crimes and corruption, has been leading a probe into the awarding of the 2022 tournament to the Gulf emirate since 2016.

It is looking into possible offences including private corruption, conspiracy and influence peddling.

“His lawyer, William Bourdon, would like to state as strongly as possible that this is not an arrest, but rather being heard as a witness by the investigators within a framework preventing those being questioned and heard

from consulting each other during the process,” a statement issued on behalf of Bourdon and Platini read.

Officials with Qatar’s World Cup organising committee said they had no immediate comment.

FIFA, the world governing body of football, said it was aware of the reports concerning Platini, who is a former FIFA vice-president, but said it had no details on the investigation.

FIFA “reiterates its full commitment to cooperating with the authorities in any given country of the world where investigations are taking place in connection with football activities,” it said in a statement.

The decision in December 2010 to award the World Cup to Qatar surprised many, given the lack of potential local audiences for the games, the extremely hot summer weather, and the poor performance of the country’s national squad. It will be the first

Arab state to host the competition.

Le Monde newspaper reported that prosecutors were particularly looking into a lunch hosted by France’s then president, Nicolas Sarkozy, nine days before the vote that awarded the cup to Qatar.

Platini and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who was Qatar’s prime minister and is now the country’s emir, were guests at the lunch.

Platini has since acknowledged that he supported Qatar over a rival bid from the United States in the vote, but said Sarkozy “never asked him to”, the newspaper said.

FRENCH SPORTING LEGEND Two of Sarkozy’s aides at that time, then Elysee secretary general Claude Gueant and Sarkozy’s adviser for sports Sophie Dion, were also questioned by police yesterday, judicial sources confirmed to Reuters. Dion remains detained with Platini.

Gueant is a “free suspect”,

the source said.

A lawyer for Gueant, who was later appointed interior minister by Sarkozy, was not immediately available for comment. A spokeswoman for Sarkozy declined to comment. A lawyer for Dion could not immediately be reached for comment.

Under French law, suspects can be held for questioning for up to 48 hours.

Platini was forced to leave his job as UEFA chief after he was investigated in another case over 1.8 million Swiss francs ($1.8 million) that he received from FIFA in 2011. He was cleared in that case.

As a player in the 1970s and 1980s, Platini was a prolific striker, mainly for Saint-Etienne in France and Juventus in Italy.

He played in three world cups, captaining the national squad to the semi-finals in both 1982 and 1986, and leading France to victory in the 1984 European Championship.

Women’s World Cup

FIFA says it was wrong to remove fans wearing Iran slogan T-shirts FIFA says it was wrong to remove fans from a Women’s World Cup match for wearing T-shirts calling for Iranian women to be let into football stadiums.

a 40-year ban.

In March 2018, 35 women were detained for trying to watch a football match in Tehran, but in October a select number of women

The steward’s decision to remove the fans was the wrong one, FiIFA now says

Two fans were removed during Canada’s 2-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday because their T-shirts carried slogans.

However, FIFA has now said the message was “social, not political” so not against its rules.

The governing body added it “will do its best to ensure similar situations do not occur at future matches”.

The Open Stadiums movement has been campaigning for women to be allowed access to men’s sporting events in Iran after

were allowed access to a friendly match between Iran and Bolivia.

FIFA has been working with Iran to try to end the ban.

The incident in Grenoble last Saturday was witnessed

by Australian fan Petr Kuzmin, who said the couple wearing the T-shirts, which also had a message about hijabs - headscarves worn by some Muslim women - on the front, did not resist.

But Kuzmin said he was “incensed” by what he saw and described it as an

“insane irony”.

“The main message (on the T-shirts) was about allowing women access to stadiums and to have it censored like this seemed ridiculous,” he told BBC Sport.

“I’m glad FIFA made the right decision to formulate the right response, even if it took three days, and I think it’s a good sign that they are interested in promoting women’s access to stadiums in Iran.”

FIFA said in a statement it “believes that the message to allow women into football stadiums in Iran is a social, not political, matter and so the message on the front of the T-shirts worn by two fans is not against FIFA rules, which always need to be applied with a sense of proportion”.

The world governing body added: “As such, in this specific case, the fans should not have been asked to remove their T-shirts or to leave the stadium by local security, even if there were other messages on the back of their T-shirts.

“FIFA will do its best to ensure that any similar situations do not occur at future matches during the competition.” (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Marta on spot with 17th World Cup as Brazil through with 1-0 win against Italy …Australia beat Reggae Girlz 4-1

VALENCIENNES, France (Reuters) - Marta’s second-half penalty sent Brazil into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win against Italy yesterday that ensured they finished as one of the best third-placed sides.

finished third in Group C on six points, level with Italy, who top the group on goal difference.

It was Marta’s 17th World Cup goal, moving her ahead of Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the outright top scorer in both the men’s and women’s game.

Brazil’s players celebrate after Marta’s record-breaking goal against Italy. (Philippe Huguen/AFP)

Marta, the only player to score at five different World Cups, converted a spot kick in the 74th minute as Brazil

Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 to finish second in the group, also on six points, but ahead on goals scored off

Brazil, who face a potential clash with hosts France for a place in the quarter-finals.

Italy looked physically superior, but it was Brazil who had the biggest early chance when Debinha flicked on a corner kick and forced Italy keeper Laura Giuliani to make a point-blank save.

Cristiana Girelli fired home after controlling superbly in the area, but the effort was disallowed for offside in the 29th minute.

Italy went close again in the 40th minute when Barbara Bonansea’s volley at the end of a sharp counterattack forced Brazil keeper Barbara to make a spectacular save.

Brazil threatened after the break, with Cristiane’s finely taken free kick hitting the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

Brazil were eventually rewarded when they were awarded a penalty after Debinha was brought down

by Elena Linari and Marta coolly converted the spot kick, wrong-footing Giuliani.

Cornwall wants to use India ‘A’ tour to press for West Indies call-up WEST Indies ‘A’ all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall is harbouring hopes of breaking into the regional side in the near future after being selected for an ‘A’ team to face India ‘A’ next month.

Windies ‘A’ all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall

The big-hitting all-rounder from Antigua, along with former West Indies batsman Devon Thomas, was selected as part of a Windies ‘A’ side

that will take on India ‘A’ in five One-Day games. The two have also been selected for the first two four-day encounters between the sides.

“It feels good to be back as part of the ‘A’ squad after being left out during the England series for what reason I don’t really know, but it’s good to be back. I just have to go and put in a good performance and see what comes up for the senior team selection,” said Cornwall.

“My goal is just to go and perform to see if I can get into the ODI team and then whenever the opportunity comes around for the two warm-up four-day games, I just keep doing the same thing and see what happens at the end of the day,” he added.

Cornwall, after being dropped, resumed his fitness programme with the West Indies’ High Performance Centre, and believes the initiative has borne fruit.

“I think it has equipped

me even better than before because I feel the big change. I feel different in terms of even local cricket where the movements and so on are way better than before.

“I am just going to keep my fitness level and everything else in order and probably a week or so before I start, to tone down a bit to get the muscles ready cricket-wise, play one or two local games to get that cricket fitness under my belt,” he said.

India ‘A’ will face the Windies ‘A’ in the first oneday game on July 11 before playing again on the 14th and 16th at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, while the final two games at the Coolidge Cricket Ground will take place on July 19 and 21.

The first unofficial Test takes place on July 31 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium with the second on August 6 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Sri Lanka warned after media no-show MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Sri Lanka have been warned against a repeat of their no-show in the customary post-match news conference following their World Cup loss to Australia, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Monday.

The 1996 champions did not send a representative after their defeat on Saturday in a breach of protocol, an official of the governing International Cricket Council told Reuters.

The governing body lodged

a complaint with SLC, which has instructed the team to comply with their media obligations.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that, contrary to various media reports, there won’t be any sanctions imposed on the Sri Lanka team by the ICC...” SLC said in a statement.

“Sri Lanka Cricket discussed Saturday’s incident with the ICC and assured that a similar situation will not occur going forward in the tournament.

“The SLC also advised the team management to comply with the obligations...” it added.

Sri Lanka, who have won one of their five matches and are fifth in the standings, last week complained to organisers about having to play on bowler-friendly pitches and were also unhappy with the quality of their accommodation.

Sri Lanka’s next match is against hosts England at Headingley on Friday.

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34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Morgan hits record 17 sixes as England thrash Bangladesh

By Amlan Chakraborty

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Eoin Morgan rewrote the record books yesterday, clobbering 17 sixes the most in a one-day international innings - in a blistering century as England crushed Afghanistan by 150 runs in their World Cup match at Old Trafford.

Morgan smashed a career-best 148 - with 118 coming from sixes and fours - off 71 balls to power England to 3976, their highest World Cup total.

Even the presence of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the stands could not inspire Gulbadin Naib’s men who managed 247-8 before succumbing to their fifth defeat in five matches.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (76), Asghar Afghan (44) and Rahmat Shah (46) helped Afghanistan to their highest total in the World Cup but they stay rooted to the bottom of the points table, which England now head after their fourth victory.

“Today was a fantastic day for us, and I managed to have a day out, which was great,” man-of-the-match Morgan said.

“Hobbling around with a bad back, I didn’t think I’d produce an innings like that,” added Morgan who suffered a

back spasm during last week’s win against West Indies.

“It makes it a bit more special when I can compete with the youngsters in the side.”

onslaught.

After Morgan won the toss and elected to bat, Bairstow walked out with James Vince, his third opening partner in five matches, and they looked

Eoin Morgan struck 17 sixes in his 148 as England thrash Afghanistan at the World Cup

(Credit: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) Jonny Bairstow smashed largely untroubled against Af90 and Joe Root made 88, but ghanistan’s modest bowling it was Morgan’s breathtaking resources.

Jason Roy’s hamstring six-hitting display that turned the match into a statistician’s injury handed Vince an excellent opportunity to impress delight.

Afghan spin spearhead but the opener fluffed his pull Rashid Khan logged the worst shot against Dawlat Zadran bowling figures in World Cup and departed for 26.

Root and Bairstow milked history - 110 runs off nine overs without a single wicket the spin-heavy Afghan attack - illustrating how defenceless during their 120-run collabothey looked against Morgan’s ration before Naib intervened.

Bairstow was looking good for his first century of the tournament but Naib took a smart return catch to dismiss the opener.

Root was his fluent self at one end but Morgan wasted precious little time before going on the rampage.

Afghanistan had an opportunity to dismiss the England captain when he was on 28 but Dawlat spilled a skier at deep midwicket, a lapse which is likely to haunt him for a while.

Morgan threw caution to the wind and began clearing the ropes with ridiculous ease.

His 11th six brought up his 57-ball hundred and there was simply no letup in his aggression even after registering the fourth fastest World Cup century.

Rashid bore the brunt of it. Of the 11 sixes he conceded in a highly forgettable outing, seven flew from Morgan’s blade.

India’s Rohit Sharma, West Indies’ Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers of South Africa shared the previous record of 16 sixes in an ODI innings.

Naib (3-68) finally ended Morgan’s six-hitting spree in the 47th over but England reached another milestone on a day of tumbling batting

records.

Their combined 25 sixes broke England’s own record of 24 in an ODI match as Morgan’s men went on to post the highest total at this year’s tournament.

Dawlat’s 3-85 was little

consolation after dropping Morgan.

“Unfortunately Rashid was expensive and not at his best, so England scored around 400. We did a lot of good things but we dropped Morgan.”

SCORECARD

ENGLAND innings (50 overs maximum) J. Vince c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Dawlat Zadran

26 J. Bairstow c & b Gulbadin Naib

90 J. Root c Rahmat Shah b Gulbadin Naib 88 E. Morgan c Rahmat Shah b Gulbadin Naib 148 J. Buttler c Mohammad Nabi b Dawlat Zadran

2 B. Stokes b Dawlat Zadran

2 M. Ali not out

31 C. Woakes not out

1 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1, w-7) 9 Total: (six wkts, 50 overs) 397 Bowling Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10-0-44-0, Dawlat Zadran 10-0-853, Mohammad Nabi 9-0-70-0, Gulbadin Naib 10-0-68-3, Rahmat Shah 2-0-19-0, Rashid Khan 9-0-110-0.

AFGHANISTAN innings (target: 398 runs from 50 overs) Noor Ali Zadran b Archer

0 Gulbadin Naib c Buttler b Wood

37 Rahmat Shah c Bairstow b Rashid 46 Hashmatullah Shahidi b Archer

76 Asghar Afghan c Root b Rashid

44 Mohammad Nabi c Stokes b Rashid

9 Najibullah Zadran b Wood 15 Rashid Khan c Bairstow b Archer

8 Ikram Alikhil not out 3 Dawlat Zadran not out

0 Extras: (lb-1, w-8) 9 Total: (eight wkts, 50 overs) 247 Bowling: C. Woakes 9-0-41-0, J. Archer 10-1-52-3, M. Ali 7-0-350, M. Wood 10-1-40-2, B. Stokes 4-0-12-0, A. Rashid 10-0-66-3

Fruta, Timehri and Buxton rampant Glory days gone for Jamaican men, as quarter-final spots booked but female sprinters still excel THE last eight of the KFC Shanon Samnauth (70th), minute.

Independence National Under-20 Football tournament has been decided, with Fruta Conquerors, Timehri Panthers and Buxton United turning in the most eye-catching performances in the Round-of-16 held over the weekend at the National Training Centre, Providence.

Conquerors tamed Cougars 8-0 courtesy of a Nicholas McArthur helmet-trick while Reshaun Ritch, Simeon Hackett, Nicolai Andrews and Leon Richardson were also on the score sheet.

Meanwhile, Soesdyke Falcons were grounded by Panthers, losing 1-5. Goals were struck by Tyrone Khan (14th), Shawn Steele (20th), Tyrone Burnette (47th), Shoron James (66th) and

while Jonathan Bailey netted the only goal for the losers in the 45th minute.

Botofago FC of Linden came from a goal down to beat Den Amstel FC of West Demerara 4-2. Anthony Benn scored for the West Demerara unit in the 40th and 80th minutes, but strikes from Andre Mayers (45th), (52nd), (64th) and (90+2) delivered the comeback.

A brace from John Gonsalves led Dynamic FC of East Coast Demerara to a 5-0 mauling of Potaro Strikers from Bartica.

New Amsterdam United FC and Amelia’s Ward FC of Linden produced a tight game with the Berbice outfit coming out 1-0 winners courtesy of Keon Williams in the 47th

Santos knocked out West Demerara’s Pouderoyen FC with a 3-1 win as Ronaldo Rodrigues (5th), Ryan Dowding (33rd) and Randy Roberts (47th) hit the back of the net for the winners, while Stephon Jupiter scored in the 47th for the losing side.

Panthers will face Botofago, and Dynamic FC will come up against Amelia’s Ward in the first set of quarter-finals, followed by Conquerors against Buxton United and Santos versus Strikers FC, who drew a bye in the Roundof-16.

The quarter-finals will be held this Saturday and Sunday. First place will collect $500 000, second $300 000, third $200 000 and fourth a trophy.

Action in the KFC Independence Knockout Cup, at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence

By Kayon Raynor

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - As Jamaica prepare to select their world championship team, the exhilarating days of the nation’s male sprinters, led by Usain Bolt dominating the world, are gone, two of the Caribbean island’s top coaches say.

While the country’s female sprinters continue to excel, the men do not rank among the year’s best in either the 100 or 200 metres.

“It appears we are going through another one of those cycles,” coach Glen Mills, who guided Bolt to eight Olympic gold medals and 14 world championship medals between 2007 and 2017, told Reuters.

“I think that there is talent in the junior level that could develop, which could move us once again to the forefront,” said the optimistic Mills two days before the June 20-23 national championships, which will help determine the Jamaican team for the September 28-October 6 world championships in Doha.

Stephen Francis, who brought two-time world 100m bronze medallist and former record holder Asafa Powell to global attention, blamed a variety of reasons

for the recent decline.

“You find that a combination of bad coaching, bad environment, bad influences and a lack of discipline and all that kind of things are responsible for the fall,” Francis said in an interview with Reuters.

Rio double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson

“I stated a couple of years ago that there was going to be a problem with male sprinting in Jamaica.”

The saving grace has been the female sprinters led by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a five-time global champion at 100m, and Rio double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson, the coaches believe.

“Our female programme looks very lucrative with our top females over the years,

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson and of course we have quite a large number of youngsters including Briana Williams (World Under-20 double gold medallist) among others,” Mills said.

Francis added: “Shelly and Elaine are there, but you have others in the pipeline who one expects in two or three or four years will replace them.

“But not so for the men, I don’t know if anybody can say where the next good talent is coming from.”

Still there is optimism that Jamaica could win as many as 10 medals in Doha.

“I think we have at least three events where we have prospects on the male side… obviously the discus (2019 world leader (Fedrick Dacres), the sprint hurdles (Olympic and world champion Omar McLeod), maybe the 400m and maybe the long jump,” Francis said.

“On the female side, there are a whole lot of events where we have medal prospects.”

Fraser-Pryce and Thompson are among the year’s fastest in the 100, Janeek Brown and Danielle Williams in the 100m hurdles and the women’s 4x100m relay team.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 19, 2019

35

We shot ourselves in the foot: Bermuda captain

...after suffering 2-1 Gold Cup defeat to Haiti

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, (CMC) – Bermuda captain Danté Leverock said his side had only themselves to blame after letting Haiti off the hook in the first half of their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener which ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Gombey Warriors on Sunday.

Debutants Bermuda, the lowest ranked team in Group B, missed a hatful of chances in the first half before the six-foot, four-inch captain gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time with a well-placed header.

Bermuda captain Danté Leverock Leverock, 27, a defender who plays for Irish club Sligo Riovers, said afterwards that Bermudashould have gone into the break with more than a one-goal lead.

Zeiko Lewis was the main culprit, missing two

gilt-edged chances, while Nahki Wells and Lejuan Simmons both wasted good opportunities, before Bermuda faded in the second half, “In the first half, we were on top,” Leverock told Bermuda’s Royal Gazette newspaper.

“We had our chances and at this level you have to take them. The attackers know they have to be scoring those types of chances, but we can’t fault them.

They work hard and will win us games.

“Some of the guys’ heads are down and it’s up to the leaders in the group to pick them up.”

Leverock was pleased with his goal but defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. “ To s c o re f o r m y

country, in front of my family, is always a good feeling, but I’d rather not score and we win and keep a clean sheet,” he said.

“Maybe I’ll look back in a couple of weeks and be proud of myself. Right now, I’m disappointed.”

Haiti scored two second-half goals through Frantzdy Pierrot as Bermuda struggled to cope with the searing pace of substitute Derrick Etienne, who swung the momentum in his side’s favour.

“They came out very strong and Etienne is a good player and his pace created problems for us,” Leverock added.

“Maybe we sat back a

bit too much and invited the pressure. Both goals were lapses in concentration.”

Lewis, a former teammate of Etienne’s at Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls, echoed Leverock’s sentiments regarding Bermuda’s missed opportunities.

“If we had taken our chances, we could have easily won this game,” Lewis said.

“It’s always frustrating to miss chances, but we were all encouraging each other to stay positive for the second half.”

Bermuda next take on group favourites Costa Rica, who beat Nicaragua 4-0 in their second game, in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ BAL teams up with GMR&SC for Drag Racing round two Georgetown Championship to kick off July 12 BEHARRY Automotive Limited (BAL), the official distributor of the most popular brand of vehicles, Toyota, has teamed up with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

terday handed over its commitment through its representative Leon Hazel to GMR&SC’s Cheryl Gonzalves.

On receipt of the sponsorship, the GMR&SC committee welcomed back

BAL hands over its commitment through its representative Leon Hazel (right) to GMR&SC’s Cheryl Gonsalves

The company, an avid supporter of motorsport here especially circuit racing has shifted its focus to drag racing, specifically round two of the National Championships set for this weekend.

The company yes-

Beharry, who has been a long-standing supporter of circuit racing locally.

“We are thankful to Beharry Automotive Limited for coming onboard with us for this second instalment of drag racing

locally,” vice-president Hansraj Singh said.

He continued, “We have shared a very fruitful partnership with the company in the past and we are glad that it now extends to drag racing.”

“All in all, I think track ‘prep’ should be wrapping up now to ensure that we are set and ready for testing. Persons have been going up there since last week but we have an official practice on Saturday.”

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

Other sponsors are Platinum Car Show, Supreme Bets, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Del Ice Co., Mohamed’s Enterprise, B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, Prem’s Electrical, E-Networks, Motor Trend, Nexus Machine Shop, Power Line, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, WindJammer Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, First Class Auto Spares and Sales, GT Tuners, West Coast Customs Washbay, Tropical Shipping and Imran Autoworks.

FOLLOWING the conclusion of the Bartica leg of the event, Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown Championship will officially commence on July 12.

This was disclosed by the organisers Banks DIH Limited.

The event will last for seven days, with the venues to be finalised shortly.

teams, will be used for elimination.

The resulting 16 teams will advance to the group stage which will be held over the period of three days. The top two from each group will advance to the quarterfinals round and subsequent semifinals, which is pencilled for the penultimate match-day date.

Flashback: Tyrese Forde of Leopold Street shields the ball from a California Square player, during their quarterfinals showdown in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Georgetown Zone at the National Cultural Centre tarmac

The other playing dates are July 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, with the grand final scheduled for August 3. The first two nights of the competition, which features 32

Meanwhile, the eight teams which fail to progress to the knockout round will contest the Guinness Plate Championship.

At present, the 16 auto-

matic qualifiers are defending champions Gold is Money, GTI Ballers, Queen Street Tiger Bay, Upsetters, Rising Stars, North Ruimveldt, Future Stars, Kingston, California Square, Trap Squad, Leopold Street, Ol-Skool Ballers, Bent Street, North East La Penitence, Sparta Boss and Norton Street.

According to tournament coordinator, Three Peat Promotions, “The registration forms will be available shortly at the Caesar’s Palace Banks DIH location on D’Urban Street for the teams that will need to enter the playoff round.”

It was further disclosed that “the anticipation and expectation for the event is at an all-time high. The teams have already commenced their respective preparation for the event, while many newcomers have enquired about the registration process as they aim to be a part of the phenomenon.

We envision a wonderful and exciting tournament as many teams vie for the coveted title”.

Winners of the zone will automatically seal their place in the National Championship, which is set to commence in August.

To date, Beacons (Bartica champions), Melanie-B (East Coast Demerara winners), Brothers United (West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winners), Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) are the teams to have secured automatic berths to the national championship.

T

USA trample Guyana 4 - 0 at Gold Cup Page

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Man down! Brandon Beresford played what could described as one of his worst games on the International stage Guyana (Samuel Maughn photo)

Hope urges teammates to dig deeper in a ‘must-win’ against Kiwis 31 Page

Guyana’s Callum Harriot is making a move against America’s Nick Lima during the first of the game which the USA won 4 - 0 over Guyana (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Orgill double gives Boyz win in historic opener Page

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Reggae Boyz striker Dever Orgill West Indies batsman Shai Hope

We shot ourselves in the foot: Bermuda captain Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019