Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_20_2019

THURSDAY 20th June, 2019

'

No.105674

‘House-to-house first’

…President says old list invalid, corrupted

...reminds only he can set a date for elections

…will be guided by advice from GECOM SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ►

New talks for GECOM chair

PAGE

02

…President to write opposition leader on appointment this week

Reported cases of Zika virus down

‘Stand up for your rights’

PAGE

12

PAGE

15

…Barticans urged to reject ‘rushed elections’

CARICOM briefed on political situation SEE STORY ON PAGE 11 ►

President David Granger and CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday morning (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

New talks for GECOM chair

…President to write opposition leader on appointment this week PRESIDENT David Granger said he will write the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, this week to re-initiate the process of appointing a new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in light of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ’s) decision that the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, Chairman of GECOM was flawed.

On the sideline of a credential ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday, President Granger told reporters that he will write the opposition leader and invite him to resume the process of consultation as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana. He is hoping that this process can resume as early as next week.

With the CCJ ruling that the motion of no-confidence against the government was successfully passed, the appointment of a new Chairman of the Elections Commission becomes even more important and urgent, now that early elections are now mandated.

The CCJ will make a number of consequential orders on Monday, in part with

President David Granger greeting Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, at the Ministry of the Presidency earlier this year

respect to the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman; however, it has asked the parties to arrive at a consensus ahead of 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 CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, said on Tuesday.

Maintaining that the findings 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.

President Granger said he has no difficulty meeting with the leader of the opposition.

“I have no problem in meet-

ing the leader of the opposition. I have said, in response to your question, I will write to him, invite him to a meeting to resume consultation,” President Granger said.

According to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, the opposition leader, after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly, must submit a list of six persons, to the President for the selection

of a Chairman of GECOM, however, the list must not be unacceptable to the President.

In handing down the judgment, in the case of Zulfikar Mustapha v the Attorney General, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, said in the case of the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of the Elections Commission, the process was flawed. Justice Patterson was appointed Chairman of GECOM after the President rejected a total of three lists compromising 18 names submitted by the opposition. President Granger had activated the proviso within Article 161 (2) which empowers him to select a name outside of the list provided once the criteria were not met.

But the CCJ ruled that meaningful consultation between the President and the opposition leader ought to have taken place and a consensus arrived at before the formal submission of the list to the President.

Justice Patterson was appointed Chairman of GECOM on October 19, 2017 by President Granger after almost a year of meet-

ings and back and forth discussions between the President and the opposition leader on the critical post.

The first list included business executive Ramesh Dookhoo, Lawrence Latchmansingh, Major General (Rtd) Norman McLean , accountant Christopher Ram, Professor James Rose and Rhyaan Shaw.

The second list included Retired Justices Claudette Singh and B.S. Roy; PPP Member of Parliament and GECOM Commissioner, Bibi Shadick; Attorneys Timothy Jonas and Kashir Khan, and environmentalist Annette Arjoon-Martins.

The third list comprised of Joseph Singh, a retired Guyana Defence Force Major General; former magistrate Krisndat Persaud; attorneys Teni Housty and Sanjeev Datadin; pilot and biodiversity advocate Annette Arjoon-Martins; and Adventist pastor and agriculturalist, Onesi La Fleur.

The President had noted that the lists of nominees submitted by the opposition leader were unacceptable within the meaning of the Constitution.

First Ambassador of Kosovo to Guyana accredited PRESIDENT David Granger has accredited Her Excellency Zana Rudi the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Ambassador Rudi presented her Letter of Credence to President Granger at a simple ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

Guyana and Kosovo established diplomatic ties on June 13, 2013. President Granger said the relationship shared between Guyana and Kosovo is founded on the bases of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for

treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.

“Our countries share a common interest in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in ensuring respect for settled territorial and maritime boundaries,” President Granger told Ambassador Rudi while expressing appreciation for Kosovo’s support for respect of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Pointing out that both countries are rich in bauxite reserves, the President said the accreditation of Ambassador Rudi presents an opportunity for cooperation with Kosovo in the fields of mining and in the sustainable exploitation of natural resources.

“Guyana is moving towards the establishment of a ‘green state’. The ‘green state’ will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” he said.

President Granger said Guyana notes the efforts being made by Kosovo to increase access to finance for micro-, small and medium enterprises.

“We view this as a field in which our two states could exchange experiences as we strengthen our bilateral relations,” he said while assuring Ambassador Rudi of Guyana’s full support in the discharge of her duties.

President David Granger in discussion with the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Her Excellency Zana Rudi, at the Ministry of the Presidency. He had moments ago received her Letter of Credence. (MoTP Photo)

Ambassador Rudi said Guyana and Kosovo have nurtured a very good relation and friendship since developing diplomatic relations in June 2013. She said her accreditation will allow for strengthened relations and greater cooperation and col-

laboration.

“Today, Guyana becomes the first country in South America to promote diplomatic relations with Kosovo at a new level enabling me to serve as the first Non-Resident Extraordinary Ambassador,” she

told President Granger.

Ambassador Rudi said she looks forward to Guyana’s full support for the successful fulfilment of her mission as the first Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

‘House-to-house first’

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

…President says old list invalid, corrupted

...reminds only he can set a date for elections

…will be guided by advice from GECOM DISMISSING the demands of the opposition that General and Regional Elections must be held within three months, President David Granger, on Wednesday, said only he, as President of Guyana, can set a date for elections.

“It is my duty; it is not the duty of the Leader of the Opposition to decide when elections would be held,” President Granger told reporters on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the President on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld the December 21 vote of no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, thereby triggering the need for early elections. Contending that the government is on now “borrowed time,” Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, said that elections must be held within three months.

But President Granger said, while government respects the decision of the Trinidad-based CCJ, he will issue a proclamation based

on the advice of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “I cannot make a proclamation unless I am informed by GECOM,” the Head of State told reporters.

President Granger said a date for elections would be held once GECOM indicates that it is in a state of readiness to do so. “…

As soon as the Chairman of GECOM advises me that they are ready for elections, I will make a proclamation,” he further assured reporters.

The President is warning against rushing the process.

“I don’t want a situation like we had in Nigeria, in which 2 o’clock in the morning, the elections commission calls up the government and says elections can’t be held,” he said.

While the Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C), has been demanding early elections, it has refused to the attend the National Assembly and as such, was not involved in the process of approving the necessary finances for the holding of the elections. Added to that, it’s appointed commissioners on the Elections Commission

President David Granger

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo

have developed a trend of boycotting and walking out of critical meetings. President Granger said Guyanese and other observers must take note of these actions.

“You have to pay attention to who has been damaging the functioning of GECOM by boycotting meetings, and who is not going to the National Assembly,” he urged.

“The National Assembly has not been prorogued; we have work to do to ensure that there are credible elections. I am committed to credible elections,” the Head of State said. After a period of consultation the with the

Elections Commission, the government, with approval form the National Assembly, made approximately $3.4B available to GECOM in May to prepare for elections. The sum supplements the $5.546B GECOM had already received for 2019.

The Elections Commission is currently preparing for the conduct of house-to-house registration – a process which was necessitated with the expiration of the Official List of Voters on April 30, 2019.

President Granger said, at this stage, it is important for that process to be completed before General and Regional Elections are held. “We are

committed to house-to-house registration. The old list is invalid, it is expired, and it is corrupted,” he said.

Maintaining that having fair, free and credible elections is of importance to his government, President Granger has long maintained that the current list of voters is outdated and corrupted.

Reports indicate that there are approximately 200,000 incorrect entries on the now expired ‘Office List of Voters.’

Reacting to the landmark ruling on Tuesday, the President said 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 (James) Patterson (ret’d), 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 explained.

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

Second Wakapoa resident dies of suspected food poisoning THE father-in-law of Selena Thomas, who died on Monday from suspected food poisoning, has also passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday.

Edward Richards was hospitalised for several day after he reportedly tasted cassava bread prepared by Thomas. Thomas had eaten a portion of the bread she had prepared. Richards, called “Pastor Oscar”, was

a popular Wakapoa village councillor. Selena’s husband, Richard Thomas and a relative, Gavin Richards remain hospitalised.

Environmental officers attached to the Region Two, Department of Public Health, are investigating the illness that has rocked the Thomas’ family.

On Tuesday last, two relatives of the now deceased Thomas, were also admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpora-

tion with symptoms of food poisoning.

Guyana Chronicle understands that eight persons are hospitalised after eating the cassava bread which may have been contaminated. A relative told the Guyana Chronicle that two hospitalised family members were suffering from severe vomiting and abdominal pains.

According to reports, relatives visited Selena Thomas’ residence last

week and were offered the cassava bread. This newspaper understands that Thomas had baked eight cassava breads and distributed them to relatives.

Selena Thomas, 38, died June on 17 while receiving treatment at the GPHC. The other eight relatives are still warded at the GPHC. Her father’s condition has been listed as critical while her husband and brother are reportedly in a

stable condition. The family began falling ill on June 14 after consuming cassava reaped from their farm at Wakapoa.

They were rushed to the health post in the village, then to the Suddie Public Hospital. They were subsequently transferred to the GPHC. This newspaper understands that the said bread was fed to two of the village dogs which have since died.

Village Toshoa, Howard Cornelius described the incident as “quite tragic”.

He believes that the weedicide used on the Thomas’ farm was very strong.

Cornelius said the entire community is mourning the deaths of the two members. Regional Health Officer, Afarah Khan, is awaiting the results of a post-mortem to be conducted on the remains of Selena Thomas.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Nxivm: Sex cult leader Raniere found guilty in New York (BBC) Keith Raniere, a selfhelp guru accused of leading a sex cult that enslaved women, has been found guilty of all charges against him.

Raniere, 58, was convicted by a jury after a six-week trial in Brooklyn, New York.

He allegedly oversaw a “slave and master” system in his group, called Nxivm.

He was convicted of all counts against him, including racketeering, sex trafficking and child pornography.

Mr Raniere, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, could face life in prison.

During the trial, the court heard how female recruits in

the group were branded with his initials and coerced into having sex with Raniere.

Raniere maintained that Nxivm (pronounced nexium) was a self-improvement organisation, but investigators said it was a sex-trafficking operation disguised as a mentoring group.

Recruits were told it was an all-female group and were asked to hand over compromising materials that were later used to blackmail them, prosecutors said.

Raniere was arrested by the FBI in Mexico last year. His defence team said the alleged sexual relationships were consensual.

Nxivm leader Keith Raniere appearing in court in Brooklyn,

When the verdict was read outside court, former members of Nxivm gave the prosecution team a round of applause.

Five female members of Nxivm - including a liquor heiress and an actress - have pleaded guilty to a series of charges for their involvement.

What did we learn in court?

According to Nxivm’s tagline, Raniere and his organisa-

tion were “working to build a better world”.

But witnesses called to testify at his trial painted a starkly different picture of the man.

Raniere, the court heard, ran a secret society within Nxivm called DOS. As the “grandmaster” of DOS, he was a “predator” who exploited and blackmailed women, including a 15-year-old

Thursday, June 20, 2019 - 05:00 hrs

girl, prosecutors alleged.

Raniere forced his “slaves” to give him nude photos of themselves and other compromising materials, telling them they would be made public if they disobeyed him, the court heard.

Every August, Nxivm members - called “Nixians” would dole out $2,000 (£1,575) or more to gather in Silver Bay, New York to celebrate Raniere’s birthday week, according to court documents.

A former member testified that the week included “tribute ceremonies” to Raniere, who was referred to as “The Vanguard” by his followers.

Another former member of the alleged sex cult, identified by prosecutors as Daniela, testified she was “groomed” for weeks before she turned 18 for Raniere to take her virginity.

The same women was allegedly confined to a bedroom for two years - all because she gained weight and asked to see a man other than Raniere.

In her closing arguments, prosecutor Moira Penza said Raniere was a “crime boss with no limits” who “tapped into a never-ending flow of women and money”.

In his defence, his lawyer Marc Agnifilo told the court that no women were ever forced to do anything against their will.

“You may find him repulsive, disgusting and offensive.

We don’t convict people in this country for being repulsive or offensive,” Agnifilo said.

“Unpopular ideas aren’t criminal. Disgusting ideas aren’t criminal.”

A jury of eight men and four women dismissed his arguments, convicting Raniere for the catalogue of abuse, forced starvation and sexual exploitation he subjected his victims to.

How did Nxivm describe itself?

On its website Nxivm describes itself as a “community guided by humanitarian principles that seek to empower people and answer important questions about what it means to be human”.

Based in Albany, New York, the group was founded as Executive Success Programs in 1998. Billed as a personal development company, it claims to have worked with more than 16,000 people.

Members of the group are reported to include wealthy socialites and Hollywood actresses, including Smallville star Allison Mack.

According to the group’s website, it has suspended enrolment and events because of the “extraordinary circumstances facing the company at this time”.

Wednesday June 19, 2019

06 05 01 11 18 24 13

C

Friday June 14, 2019

15, 13, 24, 4, 19

5, 1, 8

3, 3, 9

9, 12, 13, 15, 16

9

15 18 19 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Colombia urged to do more to protect ex-Farc rebels after killings (BBC) The leader of Colombia’s former Farc rebels has called on the government to stop the “systematic murder” of ex-fighters following two killings.

In an open letter to President Iván Duque, Rodrigo Londoño said the cases highlighted the lack of protection of Farc members by authorities.

One ex-fighter was shot dead while working as a journalist and the other was killed after meeting a UN team.

President Duque has condemned the killings and ordered an investigation.

The 2016 peace deal

Some 160 ex-fighters and their relatives have been killed since the 2016 deal, the Farc says

between the government and the Farc put an end to more than five decades of

armed conflict, and resulted in about 7,000 ex-fighters laying down their weapons.

Congressional Lawmakers denounce Haiti Violence

(HAITIAN TIMES) Washington, D.C. – Representatives Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Alcee Hastings, (DFL), Debbie Murcarsel Powell (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), Donna Shalala (D-FL) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) have issued the following statement in response to violent protests in Haiti: “We are extremely troubled by news reports coming out of Haiti that describe a country in a state of emergency as protests continue and at least two lives have been lost. Congressional lawmakers have made several trips to Haiti and have witnessed firsthand the devastating toll that natural and man-

made disasters have taken on the island nation and its citizens. We must do all that we can to ensure that Haiti does not become a failed state as this crisis unfolds.

“While the frustrations that have prompted the protests are justifiable, the violent acts being used to express them are indefensible and hurt the very people they’re meant to help.

“Violent protests have shut down government services and businesses and are preventing people from getting to work and school. The loss of even one day’s pay could set an already struggling family back by weeks, while the primary targets of the protests continue to live in great comfort.

“One of the key pillars of a democratic society is the free-

dom to stand up and speak out, and we fully support the right of Haiti’s citizens to do so. The protesters are urged to remember, however, that violence only begets more violence and its continuation could undermine the international support that Haiti so urgently needs to right itself in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

“To address this growing crisis, we plan to convene in July a meeting in South Florida that will include members of the Haitian diaspora and its advocates, elected officials from Haiti and the United States, and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies that will strengthen the rule of law and civil society in Haiti to the benefit of all Haitians.”

Since then, some 160 ex-fighters and their family members have been killed, the Farc said. Previously known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the Farc is now a political party, the Revolutionary Alternative Common Force.

Anderson Pérez Osorio, who worked as a journalist for a Farc-linked outlet, was shot dead on Monday in the south-western department of Cauca while Daniel Esterilla was killed as he left a meeting with the UN mission in the south-western department of Nariño, the Farc said.

Rodrigo Londoño - better

known by his nom de guerre, “Timochenko” - said the cases were the latest in “the long list of... state violations” of the peace deal.

He called on political groups and the international community to demand “immediate and effective measures from President Duque... to put a definitive end to this bloodshed”.

On Twitter, Mr Duque - a vocal critic of the peace deal - said officials would hold an emergency meeting to discuss and reinforce the protection measures, and vowed that those responsible for crimes would be “severe-

ly punished”.

In January, the United Nations said most of the murders of former Farc rebels had been committed by illegal armed groups and drug gangs fighting over former Farc territories.

Since the peace deal, Colombia’s weak state apparatus has been unable to take control of these isolated regions, according to the UN. Instead, illegal armed groups have taken over and the security forces and president are increasingly coming under fire for not stemming the violence.

Venezuelan woman kidnapped and fondled (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) A 19-year-old Venezuelan woman was kidnapped and fondled while waiting for a taxi outside the Queen's Park Oval, St Clair, last night.

Police said the woman was standing outside the oval at around 11 pm when a black van pulled up alongside her, offering her a ride.

When she entered the van, she was blindfolded and punched several times in the face before the driver took her to a secluded area where he fondled her.

The driver then dropped her off at the Valsayn WASA post in Farm Road, St Joseph.

She made a report and members of the St Joseph CID are investigating.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Protecting and caring for the elderly

THE media reports of a man in custody at the Mackenzie Police Station, for allegedly raping an 81-year-old resident of a Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community, are disturbing as they are shocking.

Residents of the remote community are reportedly furious about the situation, since they are claiming that it is the second time the man has raped the woman. The first time, they say, he reportedly intimidated her, and justice was not served. The medical examination that was conducted the first time at the community’s health centre was also inconclusive.

This time around, as our report on the matter stated, Commander of ‘E’ Division, Linden Lord, confirmed the incident, saying that the woman was medically examined at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) and the examination confirmed that she was in fact raped. The suspect is also accused of having committed several sexual assaults on elderly women in the community; one of whom reportedly

died after the assault. Such a person needs serious help and should be removed from society if it is proven that the acts were indeed committed by him. This incident and several others over the years have brought us to the issue of caring for the elderly in our society.

Growing old for many is inevitable and with it comes concomitant concern and attention treating with the elderly. The cliché that the greatest measure of a society is how it treats its elderly is not without merit. This demographic has rights, which include privacy, protection from abuse, access to quality social services, and to live in a safe, clean and healthy environment. Where societies today see greater movement of people, such impacts the elderly and by extension the environment in which they live and the services at their disposal. The family structure continues to be impacted, creating new ones, even as it brings new meaning and importance to the nuclear and extended units. The extended family, a featured characteristic of our society, is taking

on new forms. Where parents have migrated, leaving their children in the care of grandparents, aunts and uncles to follow later, their parents are often left behind.

Where parents do not want to follow their adult children, preferring to stay in their original homes, such pose challenges to their off-spring meeting their pyscho-social needs. Where parents, having either migrated with their children or have their children follow, and want to re-migrate very often this results in having to leave their children and grandchildren behind.

There exist other challenges such as children being unable to provide the needed care for their elderly parents, being left with the option of having them re-migrate or move into nursing homes or retirement communities. In Guyana, where the elderly reside alone or are sent to either of the named facilities, there exist the options of the stateowned Palms or non-governmental institutions. Elderly care has become a lucrative business. This market (product and services) is

projected to reach U.S. $ 512.7 billion in 2020. Gone are the days when to leave an elderly loved one in the care of ‘strangers’ was considered abandonment. This demographic has unique needs and where it is recognised that trained professionals (nurses, doctors, social workers, etc.) are better able to satisfy these, invariably at a cost, persons are favourably rethinking placing loved ones in the care of others.

The elderly-care business is growing in Guyana. Where factors such as safety, cost and climate are dictating the elderly returning, it creates the need to provide a service.

A few years ago, a facility was opened at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast of Demerara, providing similar services and environment to what obtains in developed societies at competitive rates. Then there is the young female re-migrant entrepreneur, recognised by the Barack Obama administration, for the home-care services she provides for the elderly.

Where competition and choice exist, these bring with it not only comparative anal-

yses, but also expectations that service will meet an acceptable baseline. One such is that the elderly’s semblance of dignity would be maintained, irrespective of financial wherewithal. This includes respecting them as human beings who deserve to be treated with respect. Nonstate competition or presence will also impact on and put pressure on state services to operate at comparative levels in the provision of basic services, treatment and environment. For instance, engaging in activities that would keep the cognitive skills of the elderly active such as through games, outings and other social activities. The concept of shut-in, leaving the elderly alone or un-involved, has been found to be undermining their quality of life and longevity. Advocates for the elderly have argued, not without merit, of the need for strong laws, including oversight agencies and services that would ensure this segment of the population continues to enjoy the highest quality of life possible, in an environment where dignity and respect are considered

important factors. It needs to be said that to the extent where their appearance -physical and environmental -- and treatment are healthy, such add living to their lives.

Dignity requires the elderly not being made to feel that having given of their best years that, at this vulnerable phase of life’s journey, they are not deserving to be treated as discards. To be fair, sometimes such treatment is not the result of absence of love, but absence of knowledge caring for this demographic and in the presence of limited financial resources.

Shifting thinking and corresponding action is a process that requires nurturing which would come through lobbying to shape positive rethinking, realise the establishment of policies, programmes and laws.

The advantage to the society, where private services are increasing, is that seeking to establish these consistent with international standards and expectations, it would gently be nudging the society in the right direction.

Government followed due process that legitimised their right to govern Dear Editor OPPOSITION leader Bharat Jagdeo’s press statements, made in the aftermath of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) ruling on the validity or not of the no-confidence motion (NCM) can only be described as his usual mode of misinformation.

At best, it was obnoxious and pregnant with the usual vintage Jagdeo abominations, since it contained what were definably objectionable and hideous statements designed to desecrate the personal dignity and image of especially the President, and his cabinet.

To describe the entire executive as “squatters,’’

contending that they were “dragging out the time for continuation of enjoyment of perks,’’ is wholly malicious, and reeks of the usual filth for which Jagdeo has built an unenviable public record.

Again, as pointed out in so many letters published in your medium – the government exercised its right to mount a legal challenge to what was a constitutional motion. It did so in keeping with the la-d down judicial procedures, which commenced at the High Court.

Not satisfied with the latter ruling, the superior court, the Court of Appeal, was accessed and a decision was rendered in the government’s favour.

Sure enough, this restored their right of continuation of

a government, which had been threatened by the NCM. One must therefore ask the opposition leader: just how does he account for his defamatory description of a government that had punctiliously followed due process as a means of defending it position against the December 21 NCM? As a reminder to Jagdeo and those of his distorted mindset, so naturally gifted to fake news. The coalition did not seize the reins of government, because of the NCM; nor did it resort to the security forces’ presence in the capital city as a show of force, for bolstering the government.

None of that occurred.

Also, the government

does not need to “drag out their time,” so as to enjoy the “perks of office.” That they are still in office is because of a legitimate process which they have punctiliously followed. This entitled them a continuation of their emoluments. They are not like the Jagdeo administration, whose many members waxed fat by the criminal pillaging of the state, although they were in receipt of their legitimate benefits.

Editor, let me state this fact which is well known by all and sundry in this land of six peoples: that the NCM was predicated on a political bed of treachery, with the aim of unseating a duly elected government. This was no debate

about the coalition’s performance, as even the PPP/C supporters are aware of this treacherous fact, the most perfidious in this nation’s political history. It could have plunged this nation into its worst socio-political crisis, because of what has been correctly perceived as its racist and opportunistic ends. However, thanks to the leadership and guidance of President Granger, Guyana remained calm and peaceful, with the larger and more important of the government’s socio-economic programmes continuing unabated.

But this much is here emphatically stated – that the NCM served not only to remind sections of this nation

as to the dangerous dishonesty of the Jagdeo cabal, but as a graphic eye opener and illustration of the bigger danger of their country being subverted again by a criminal collective.

In plain terms, it has opened their eyes to an unconscionable lot who did absolutely nothing for them, except exacting a deliberate policy of ethnic discrimination in every conceivable manner.

This experience has made this section of Guyanese the more alert and wiser as to what will be their preference for a government.

Regards Earl Hamilton

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

UG senior lecturer Bernard letter is scary

Dear Editor

HONESTLY, I hope what he wrote does represent what is wrong with the University of Guyana (UG).

If it is not, Mr Bernard has done a disservice to academia and my alumni.

He will not say what is wrong with Vice-chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith's leadership, but specifically directs the public where in the social media sphere... hint, hint 'dirt' can be found on the professor.

Then he says the vice-chancellor (VC) was in "possession of information from the Council that he ought not to have," but isn't the VC a member of the Council? When I was on campus the VC was on the Council.

I double-checked before writing and was told the VC

sits on the Council-- that has not changed.

Mr. Bernard sounds perturbed by Mr Pat Dial's lobbying for the VC to return.

Lobbying for positions is a norm in academia and anywhere where people need the votes or support of others. In the VC's case it is not abnormal. This is organisational culture. I think with Prof Griffith having spent so many years in the United States, he will replicate the practice he knows.

A VC's job is not the regular public servant job.

You have to vie for it. I was advised from credible source, Mr. Bernard's choice for VC was Prof Rory Fraser not Prof Griffith. Since Mr. Bernard made no secret about it, in the corporate world it would be called lobbying. If he didn't sit silently through

the identified submission of names and make known his choice candidate, it is lobbying. We can argue if it is lower-level lobbying or not, but it does take on lobbying characteristics.

Support for VC Griffith in social media is not abnormal.

Mr. Bernard shouldn't be surprised or offended. This is the Information Age, for heaven's sake. Social media is the new hang out spot; the medium to vent, to influence things and to make things happen. Its value has not eluded businesses, organisations, politicians, government etc.

As my departed grandmother used to say, "even the devil has friends." This is not to say Prof Griffith is a devil, but to make the point of the inconsequential reference by Mr. Bernard. It is weird Mr.

Bernard seems disquieted by the support Prof Griffith is getting in his 'social media circle,' but at the same time he wants us to utilise the same social media to feast on 'dirt' about Prof Griffith. Are we serious? Is this the new level of academia, the quality now attracted and retained at U.G.?

I have no dog in this fight.

The bone (UG) the dogs are fighting over played a great role in making me who I am.

The more I read from these lecturers, the more I'm concerned about my alma mater.

I wonder if they are ready for prime time, a 21st century society or university.

Somehow I get the eerie feeling that Mr. Bernard is hinting about impropriety and/or illegality (borrowing the phrases from Dr. Melissa Ifill and Dr. Jewel Thomas'

letter) relating to the VC's term. I am not going to pay attention to his inelegant tactic, but would like to have the audits done. The unions should still push for this.

Sometimes I get the impression they don't know what type of audit they want and don't understand what the audits can entail. It is neither here nor there for me. What I am interested in is proof.

The lecturers have a theory. Let the evidence support or debunk the theory. The same lecturers taught me to wait for the findings before pronouncing. This past student is a little skeptical that those who taught me are practising what they taught.

Don’t know if they still teach it. I promise myself to remain open-minded as evidence and events unfold in the quest for a factual account about what

is happening at UG. On a leap of faith, I think there is widespread agreement with Mr. Bernard that “If there is genuine care for the UG and the nation of Guyana, then we must do what will benefit them.” I thank Mr. Pat Dial for his Sunday article on Professor Griffith's term in office and what he was able to achieve. I read Dr. Thomas and Dr. Ifill's letter and Mr. Lincoln Lewis’s response. All are helping to answer some pertinent questions. Keep it flowing guys, some alumni have their own 'social media' hang at weekends and ever so often. At these hangs UG is high on the agenda.

Regards Dennis Paul

The Jagdeo/Ali housing policies, programmes punished the poor

Dear Editor

JAGDEO, the former Jagan PPP party and many other now emboldened camouflage Jadgeoites should stay quiet on matters of corruption and express an interest in the poor in Guyana.

Many poor people could not afford the high prices for house lots with their low-income salaries in areas where there were no basic infrastructure, water, roads, lights, etc.

It must be noted that while depriving thousands of ordinary people of these infrastructures, Jagdeo/Ali PPP allegedly spent between $71.4M and $85.1M to develop Pradoville Two. Prime lands sold below market value to the PPP elite, their families and friends. Jadgeo and his PPP cabal’s objective was not aimed at helping the poor or fighting corruption. The Jagdeo/Ali housing policies and programmes punished the poor. The Granger-led APNU+AFC administration has been working assiduously to change this terrible situation. The government shifted away from allocating lands without infrastructure, to a policy of developing communities with infrastructure.

As a result of the policies and programmes of the David Granger led APNU+AFC government, many communities that were left without infrastructure under the Jagdeo/Irfaan Ali PPP ill-conceived housing programme are now getting electricity, water, roads and drainage. Farm Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara is just one of the many pastures handed to the people of Guyana without infrastructure, which is now being transformed into a proper community.

Additionally, it is interesting to note that the renowned Professor Clive Thomas posited at a public lecture in 2010.”There is the existence of a cabal or coterie of persons comprised mainly, but not exclusively , of selective crime bosses, state officials, security personnel, elements of the criminal justice system and political bosses, advisers and other insiders.” As the years progressed under the PPP administration, the Professor’s statement has proven to be beyond reproach.

I have noticed with great interest Nicholas Boyer, the head of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Inc. and the son of popular businessman Eddie Boyer, owner of National Hardware, is indeed an interesting character. Nicholas Boyer has been most recently vociferous on many matters, including, but not limited to the business climate, crime, and also proposed/ recommend when and how the State Assets Recovery Agency should act, etc.

Mr. Boyer, several days ago flanked by four other panelists including Mr. Charrandass Persaud on a facebook live broadcast: Globespan 24×7 (May 16,2019) claimed that the GCCI had commissioned a survey which reflected that almost two-thirds of businesses are feeling some effect since this No-Confidence Motion case, and that the entire situation has escalated to the point that the country’s business community is facing the backlash and progress has been halted. Wow! Really Mr chamber president?

Interestingly however, Mr. Nicholas Boyer, two weeks after

made contrary utterances at a press conference hosted by GCCI on May 29, 2019, after the chamber’s participation in the world’s largest Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas May 6-9. The May 7th edition of Oil.now quotes Boyer: “The energy has been extremely positive and we are going to see a lot of partnerships starting to happen,” he pointed out.

What could have caused Boyer’s change in disposition? One time Boyer is a prolific pessimist about the business climate, and two weeks after Mr. Boyer is excitedly optimistic. I am persuaded that the most recent IMF report will make him even more ecstatic.

As one of the leading business representative body, it would be interesting for the business community and other interested persons to know which company did the survey for the GCCI, that positioned its chairman Mr. Boyer to arrive at his "first class" conclusion? What surveying methodology was employed? Why wasn’t the public given the official results of the survey? Was there even a survey done, or was Mr.Boyer trying to echo his comrade Bharrat Jagdeo’s sentiments and are those his personal views or that of the GCCI? Mr. Editor, It was very interesting to stumble on the information that former president of the GCCI 2001-2005, Mr. Eddie Boyer (Nicholas Boyer’s Father), was given a "questionable" sweet deal when under the PPP administration. He was able to purchase former GuySuCo lands from NICIL at a shockingly, ridiculously low price, price that was allegedly far below the then real market value.

The then NICIL sold Boyer 103.88 acres of Guysuco land for $4.9 million per acre. (land aback Giftland Mall - $112.00 per square foot). In total, he paid $510 million for the entire plot.

(Kaeiteur News Jan 27& 28,2016) It should also be of great concern that under the PPP, Boyer was given prime real estate lands at a remarkably low price of $112.00 per square foot; but ordinary struggling and very poor Guyanese had to pay up to $444.00 per square foot of land, especially on the East Bank corridor without infrastructural works. It is alleged that Mr.Eddie Boyer who bought land for $4.9 million an acre has allegedly in turn sold one acre for $80 million. It must also be noted that this land was sold to Mr. Eddie Boyer without a valuation, so while the PPP administration has given Eddie Boyer an unfair advantage, more than 25,000 Guyanese, mostly young people were waiting on a single house lot to build a home for their respective families.

In a most shockingly drastic comparison, NICIL under the PPP sold "4.7 acres" of GuySuCo land in 2009 for $115 Million to Scady. Business Corporation which works out to ($561.00 per square foot) and $24.5 million per acre. Let’s follow the pattern of events; more than 25,000 citizens denied houselots; Eddi Boyer is selling 103 acres of land at $4.9 milllion per acre, while Scady business Corporation is sold 4.7 acres at $24.5 million an acre.

Why were the citizens neglected and why was Boyer given this amazing deal where no one else, no other Guyanese businessman or citizen of means, allowed to bid for these prime lands? Why was the other company charged four times the price as Boyer, for land in the same locality.

These lands are State Assets which were basically given away and guess who is the heir of all of this wealth? Nicholas Boyer, perhaps? After all, he is the son of the recipient of the unbelievable deal.

In a most recent media release, Nicholas Boyer, unequivocally stated that the State Assets Recovery Agency should not investigate the giftings of the Kaieteur and Canje Oil Blocks as in Boyer’s words, that would be a “waste of time “(Kaeiteur News June 3, 2019). A waste of time!

The Kaieteur and Canje Blocks were given out by the Ramotar administration just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections; no signing bonus was received by the GoG and there is no payment for the oil blocks on record. As a matter of fact, one of the oil blocks is listed on the stock exchange of a foreign country and is worth over US$500,000.00. Shouldn’t the company/ owner of the Canje Block at least have a website? The gift of the two oil blocks by the previous administration without a proper trace should not be investigated? Really? Is he saying no one should know if the people who have the claims has the capital/ investor or experience to extract the oil, is very questionable.

International Oil and Gas Expert, Jan Mangal, observed that “there is sufficient evidence in the public domain for President Granger to rescind the oil blocks. He further stated that “the objective is to purely earn Guyana the hundreds of millions and potentially billions of US Dollars lost by these two awards” (Kaeiteur News June 2,2019). This statement is coming from an international Oil and Gas expert while Nicholas Boyer, someone who has zero experience in Oil and Gas Management, doesn’t think the matter should be addressed by the country’s only Asset Recovery Agency. Why should the Guyanese citizen be potentially defrauded US$500,000.00 and our State Assets Recovery Agency do nothing to even investigate?

Should SARA not probe Eddie Boyer’s allegedly crooked deal with NICIL under the PPP administration where he was able to buy 102 acres (4.4 million square feet) of land where all procurement laws were allegedly breached? Is that a complete waste of time also?

Oh what a tangled of web we weave when first we practise to deceive. The Granger administration is the Bulwark of liberty and not a shameful link on the chain of despotism. Cleaning the different institutions of all venal and corrupt officials the PPP created is a mammoth task -- but we will get there.

Forward ever backward never Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region 10.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

‘IDENTIFY THE FLAW’

–President Granger says CCJ must explain how the process of appointing Justice Patterson as GECOM Chair was flawed

By Svetlana Marshall MAINTAINING that he has never acted in breach of the Constitution of Guyana, President David Granger said the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) must identify the “flaw” in the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“I always operated within the ambit of the Constitution,” President Granger told reporters while at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. According to him, his appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission would only be a “fit and proper” person in accordance with the definition laid out in the Constitution.

“I have never gone out-

side of the Constitution. If they felt that the process was flawed, they must let me know what the flaw is,” President Granger maintained.

The President said he will await Monday June 24, 2019 when the CCJ will make a number of consequential orders in relation to the appointment of a new Chairman “There is no way that I can see that the decisions I have taken are flawed because it is the responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition to send me a list of six persons who are not objectionable,” he told reporters.

President Granger on October 19, 2017, activated the proviso in Article 161 (2) and appointed Justice (Ret’d) Patterson as Chairman of GECOM after he found that three lists of a total of 18

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders

President David Granger

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.

In handing down the judgment in the case of Zulfikar Mustapha v the Attorney General, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders

explained that in arriving at the decision, the court analysed the Constitution of Guyana with 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.

The CCJ 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.

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.

By a majority, the court found the President should only find a nominee unacceptable for some good reason on objective ground,” Justice Saunders explained.

He further explained: “If a President were permitted, capriciously or whimsically, without proffering a good reason, to reject eligible nominees, this would frustrate the proper working of the Constitution, defeat the intention TURN TO PAGE 9 ►

ANUG warns against arbitrary decision …says gov’t needed to steer ship …cannot just 'close-up shop and walk out'

By Vishani Ragobeer THE political party ‘A New and United Guyana’ (ANUG) is calling on the incumbent APNU+AFC government and the political opposition the PPP/C to engage in a system of “shared governance” until the next elections are held.

This point was articulated

by ANUG Chair and Attorney, Timothy Jonas, at a press conference on Tuesday, one day after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings.

According to the rulings, the No-Confidence motion (NCM) brought against the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU + AFC) government last December, was properly passed. President David Granger has since said that the government will accept and abide by this decision.

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, in delivering the judgement, also urged the local political parties to discuss and decide on the consequential orders to be made as a result of the passage of the NCM, lest the court intervenes if a consensus is not arrived at.

“The CCJ said, optimistically and probably naively, that the two major political parties [the APNU+ AFC and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)] need to have a discussion in the interest of the country on the way forward,” Jonas said.

He, however, went on to opine that following the CCJ’s judgement, there has been no indication that this discussion will be had. Instead, according to him, there has been a “triumph roar” from one major political party and “stubborn determination” from the country’s other major political bloc.

This, the chairman further said, is counterproductive to advancing the interests of the country. In fact, Jonas highlighted that “the interest” of the country requires the coalition government and the PPP to cooperate.

COOPERATION NEEDED While he said ANUG believes the government and Opposition should meet and discuss the timelines for holding elections, in the context of the NCM, the parties should also adopt a system to share governance until those elec-

reform to be had in advancing the cause of inclusive governance.

In a statement, ANUG noted that ethno-politics has

“ANUG’s offer is not to challenge or defy the ethno-political will of the people of Guyana but to create a system where both major parties

Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas (second right) makes a point at the party’s press conference. Also seated at table (from left) are: Assistant Secretary, Kian Jabour (left); General Secretary, Ralph Ramkarran; and Financial Secretary, Jonathon Yearwood (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

tions are held.

“This is the time, in the interest of the nation, for the two sides to agree on a methodology, moving forward until elections, for there to be an inclusive governance for both sides to have a say in how the country is run until the next election cycle,” he said.

And he said the newly-formed party is calling on the two sides to use this time to implement the system so that there is a “testing ground” for meaningful constitutional

long since plagued Guyana’s political arena. And though third parties emerged in an attempt to offer another option to the ethno-politics, ANUG noted that it has been seen that citizens are “... unwilling to abandon what they believe to be the safety and comfort of their traditional ethnic party”.

This shared governance model, however, allows for some leeway in moving past that occurrence, the statement noted.

share in the government,” the party said in its statement.

He added: “We are offering the people of Guyana to make their political parties winners, whatever the outcome of the elections.”

Jonas was also asked whether the current government should demit office given that the three-month period before elections must be held following the passage of the NCM ended in March.

He related that an arbi-

trary decision cannot be made for the government to just “close-up shop, lock the doors and walk out” since the country still needs to operate.

STAY OF NECESSITY “We are in a stay of necessity,” Jones said, explaining that the “bare bones” of government’s operations, such as allowing people to continue working and being paid must go on. However, he posited that larger policy decisions, including the provisions contracts or instituting legislative changes, should not be made during this time.

“The government doesn't just close the doors, the country must go on and the arms of the State that provide us the services must continue but what is important is a consensual approach moving forward to a fair election,” Jonas elaborated.

As the country moves towards elections, however, he stressed continuously that Guyana is presented with a unique opportunity to introduce temporary measures to “experiment” with a shared governance model.

This model, the attorney opined, will “harmoniously” guide the country to the next elections, in a manner that inspires confidence of the electorate, instead of a manner that causes distrust.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

‘Hold their feet to the fire’ …GTUC says CCJ’s orders must demand citizens hold politicians to higher standard

THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is calling on Guyanese to hold politicians accountable to a higher political order and love of country amid the pending Consequential Orders that would be handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday, if the country’s leaders do not arrive at a consensus on the way forward.

The CCJ, Guyana’s final appellate court, has ruled that the no-confidence motion against the government was validly passed – triggering early elections, but with the court also ruling that Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson’s appointment as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission was a breach of the Constitution, a clear direction on the way forward is needed.

On Wednesday, one day after the landmark decisions, GTUC said the people of Guyana must unite and hold the country’s leaders feet to the fire. “We must go there

with a plan as to how the country will proceed, in the interim and after the elections, consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. It would be unfortunate to have the CCJ imposing on us what we are capable of determining. It would be an insult to our forebears who came together to fight common enemies and build Guyana. It would cast a dark cloud on our ability to unite for the common good and leave us vulnerable to internal and external destabilising influences,” GTUC said.

It emphasised that political leaders must be held accountable to a higher order of politics and love of country not just power. “In a democracy granting the power is ours to give, ours to influence and ours to deny,” the trade union said.

Regardless of which side of the aisle the political leaders are on, they must move the process forward in an environment of mutual respect, GTUC urged. It is calling on FROM PAGE 8

‘IDENTIFY ...

behind the amendment to Article 161(2) and pave the way for unilateral presidential appointment.”

The CCJ said once the President and the Leader of the Opposition have hammered out a list of names not unacceptable to the President, the list, comprising the six persons, must then formally be submitted to the President by the Leader of the Opposition.

This would automatically be followed by the President’s selection of a chairman from among the names provided.

Based on the court’s assessment of the events that transpired between November 22, 2016, when the President invited the Opposition Leader to submit a ‘list of six persons, not unacceptable, and November 19, 2017, when the President rejected the third list and appointed Justice (Ret’d) Patterson, Justice Saunders said 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.

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. The court maintained that the President and the Opposition should have met and agreed on the names before the formal submission of the list.

General Secretary, GTUC, Lincoln Lewis

the government and the opposition to meet and chart a way forward on how government will function consistent with Article 106(7) of the Constitution.

That article states: “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 res-

olution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of Office following the election.”

GTUC noted that management of the state is a dayto-day activity, and failure to do such, could result in anarchy.

“We call on the media and all Guyanese to rise to the challenge of building a better Guyana. One with more tolerance and respect for the rights and rule of law; for all to be held accountable to these fundamental and universal principles of good governance; respect for the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary and the rights of each to pursue legal justice which distinguishes us on the continuum of civilisation and political maturity,” it said.

It emphasised that this is the time for political leaders, with the backing of all stake-

‘Liquid Love’ proprietress gets 15 years for TIPs

Savita Persaud

SAVITA Persaud, proprietress of the Liquid Love bar on Station Street, Kitty, was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for trafficking two Venezuelan women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Persaud was handed the sentence by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was also ordered to pay $4.5M to the two victims.

The businesswoman was found guilty of the two indictments, which stated that between January 31 and March 8 this year, she recruited, transported and harboured the two Venezuelans for the purpose of sexually exploiting them

at her Station Street, Kitty, premises. One of the victims is 17 years old and Persaud got 10 years for trafficking her. Initially, Persaud was sentenced to five years, but was given an additional five years in accordance with the Trafficking in Persons Act, Section 8 (1) (c) of chapter 10:06; this section of the Act stipulates an additional five years for underage victims.

The older defendant was sentenced to five years imprisonment, but the sentences will run concurrently.

The chief magistrate also ordered Persaud to pay $2, 223,914.00 to the 17-year-old victim and $2, 399,940.00 to the adult victim as restitution.

The owner of the property, which Persaud rents and operates her business, on Wednesday served her an eviction notice.

In May, Persaud was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for confiscating the two victims’ immigration documents for the aforementioned purpose and also for employing a child on premises where intoxicating liquor is sold

holders, to come together and determine the way forward.

“We are reminded that there remains no convention or written guidelines how the society ought to function in a post “confidence” (no-confidence) environment. This, the political parties must equally turn their attention to as matter of urgency,” GTUC said while calling on all Guyanese to put Guyana first.

It noted too that the fundamentals of Guyana’s democracy and regional integration stand strong in the decisions handed down by the CCJ. The judgment, the trade union said, is a signal that the integrity of the judicial system in Guyana and the Caribbean can be relied on to adjudicate disputes in any environment of partisanship and polarisation.

RULINGS MUST BE RESPECTED The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said the landmark rulings provided

much-needed answers and ought to be respected.

“We were heartened that the CCJ has provided, what we felt were, clear and unambiguous answers to the questions that were posed.

The FITUG, recognising that we have the answers we sought at hand, sees that we need to now put in place the necessary arrangements to address the consequences of the rulings to ensure that there is full compliance with the Constitution of Guyana,” FITUG said on Wednesday.

Acceptance of the rulings is critical as the country moves to decide on a way forward, the trade union said while noting that the political leaders should seize the opportunity granted by the court and arrive at a consensus. “The FITUG certainly looks forward to this opportunity being fully grasped and maturity, at this time, be displayed as we seek to put Guyana and its people first,” it said.

Warden denies attempting to smuggle cannabis into prison

Keon Webster

KEON Webster, a 22-yearold serving member of the Guyana Prison Service, was on Wednesday remanded to prison for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the Camp Street Prison.

Webster, of West Coast Berbice, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge allege that, on June 14, 2019 at the Camp Street Prison, Webster had 120 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Webster was represented by attorney Maxwell McKay. McKay, during an applica-

tion for bail, told the court that his client had no knowledge of the drug and how it got into a haversack he was carrying.

Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman told the court that Webster was searched at the prison as is customary; the drug was found concealed in his haversack and when questioned, Webster said that it belonged to his sister.

The prosecutor strongly objected to Webster being granted bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts.

Magistrate McGusty upheld the prosecutor’s objection and remanded Webster to prison until July 10, 2019.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Police Canine, Mounted branches receive expert training

THE Guyana Police Force Mounted Branch and K-9 Section attended a lecture and training session conducted recently by the Veterinary Embedded Health Engagement Team from the US Army.

Captain Isavelida Goodearly, a public health nurse, along with Captain, Dr. Leiland Im (veterinarian) and her assistant veterinarian in training, Mc Kenna Frazier demonstrated the usage of first aid kit, dressing a wound/injury and properly restraining the companion animal during operations.

The ranks were sensitised about animal health care and deployment readiness during emergency operations where animals are injured during the execution of duties.

The experts from the US Army elaborated on precautionary measures to be taken when dealing with companion animals. They explained the various types of wounds/injuries and how to properly deal with same.

Ranks of the GPF who were part of the exercise quickly grasped the knowledge imparted.

The visiting US personnel were thrilled and captivated by the “Search and rescue, tracking and obstacle crossing” exercises done by the GPF K-9 Unit.

They were given introductory equestrianism lessons after which they rode on several horses in the Mounted Branch Riding School where they enjoyed a spectacular experience.

The team has pledged to work sideby-side with the GPF in the future.

This programme was facilitated by Dr. Ozay Dodson (the GPF veterinarian) in the compound of Mounted Branch.

Also in attendance were the Officer-in-Charge of the Mounted Branch, Deputy Superintendent, Rudolph Banwari; his deputy, Assistant Superintendent, Rockwell Delph; several personnel from US Air Force Public Affairs Agency and over 40 ranks from the Canine and Mounted branches.

The Police Force Mounted Branch during training

Superintendent, Rudolph Banwari (centre) flanked by personnel from US Air Force Public Affairs Agency and ranks of the Canine and Mounted branches

Mocha man jailed for break and enter and larceny COMPTON Fernandes, a 47-year-old Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara resident was on Wednesday sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for break and enter and larceny.

Fernandes reappeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, after spending the

last month on remand.

Fernandes was jointly charged with Latchman Sukhan last month for the offence and they were remanded to prison. When he re-appeared in court on Wednesday, Fernandes opted to plead guilty in order to save the court’s time.

The man admitted that between May 20,2019 and May 21,2019 at Al-

bouystown, he broke and entered the shop of Shanelle Prince and stole two gas bottles along with a Samsung music set, the total value of the items being $113,000.

Fernandes’s accomplice Sukhan nevertheless maintained his not-guilty plea and was further remanded to prison until July 3,2019.

Autopsy reveals Cummings security guard was not murdered AN autopsy done on the body of Cummings Electrical security guard, Keegan Boston, 60, who was found dead at work on Sunday, revealed that he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head, which is consistent with a fall.

The security guard was found dead in a hut at his 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville Georgetown worksite. The autopsy was conducted on Wednesday.

Reports are that the man

was last seen alive about 23:00hrs on Saturday last while executing his duties.

However, Boston was found dead in the hut at about 06:15hrs on Sunday, by an electrician attached to the company and in the presence of another security guard, who was supposed to relieve Boston of his duties.

According to the security guard, he realised something was amiss when he kept calling out to Boston for him to open

Dead: Keegan Boston

the gate, but he did not get a response.

After several minutes, the electrician decided to scale the fence and made the gruesome discovery.

An alarm was raised and the police were summoned to the scene.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

CARICOM briefed on political situation President David Granger on Wednesday met with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the Ministry of the Presidency to broef him on the current political situation here.

During their interaction, the Head of State informed Ambassador LaRocque that the Government of Guyana respects the rule of law and will abide by the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“I am prepared to comply with every ruling of the court,” the President said.

Further, he committed to the holding of credible elections and noted that he will be inviting Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo to a meeting soon. The Head of State assured Ambassador LaRocque that there is no chaos or crisis as a result of the CCJ’s ruling and maintained that the Government will continue to abide by the law. He outlined the steps taken by the Government since the no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018.

President Granger iterated

that the Constitution of Guyana is sacrosanct and supreme while pointing to the independence of the judiciary and respect for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “I assure you that the Government will continue to respect the Constitution, and abide by the law,” the President added, while noting that since the local courts decided that the holders of dual citizenship cannot serve as Members of Parliament, four (former) members of his Government resigned in keeping with that ruling. “We respect the jurisdiction of the National Assembly, we respect the jurisdiction of the Court,” said President Granger while making it clear that GECOM is an autonomous agency though funded by the Government.

Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana states that the National Assembly could be summoned to expand the time for the conduct of General and Regional Elections beyond 90 days from the time of the no-confidence vote.

Chief Justice (Ag), Madam Roxane George in the case

President David Granger

of the Attorney General v. the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition said, “…

Parliament is not dissolved as a result of the no-confidence motion. Instead, it is the holding of elections which will be responsible for the dissolution of such a Parliament.”

Moreover, the Head of State reminded that like all entities, the Government has a right to appeal to the judicial branch to interpret cases. He said Government’s decision

Fuel smuggling remains a concern in Region Two--GEA AS at May 31, 2019, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) seized 1,057 gallons of fuel, the majority of which was seized in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma, said the inspectors of the GEA conducted 5,536 site visits and collected a total of 11,492 samples of diesel, gasoline and kerosene throughout the country.

“Overt and covert operations, acting on information received, continue to be conducted throughout the country,” said Sharma in an invited comment. He said the task of tackling fuel smuggling requires the retention of a dedicated, trained staff complement of high integrity.

“Employing and retaining the services of personnel amidst integrity concerns often times result in an inconsistently-sized staff complement. Additionally, replacement of staff requires additional time and effort to train and equip employees with the requisite skills needed to effectively perform their tasks,” said Sharma.

Despite this, the GEA continues to work steadfastly in identifying and tackling fuel smuggling in Guy-

CEO of GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma

ana. Sharma said the GEA continues to work closely with sister agencies including the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force to identify and combat incidents of fuel smuggling.

When fuel is smuggled, taxes are not paid and the government loses revenue that could have been spent for the benefit of the country. Members of the public were encouraged to support the GEA’s efforts in tackling fuel smuggling.

Persons are asked to report suspected fuel smuggling activities to the GEA on 226-4424 ext. 239, 238 or 624-5905. It was reported early this year that Commis-

sioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, said that billions of dollars in revenues have been recouped from seizures of illegal fuel over the past three years, as the GRA continues to dent the ‘Black Market’ with support from its sister agencies.

“In Region One alone, over $375M was collected from fuel smuggling in 2018, while the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) recovered over $600M in duties, taxes and fines, of which $124M was a result of fines, and $119M from sales and auctions from seizures,” he said.

Having reinforced its presence at the frontier locations and shifted much of its Revenue Protection and Risk Management focus away from low risk and trusted traders, the GRA has been able to zero in on high-risk traders and smugglers. The commissioner general said that while the GRA agrees that Section 205 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 enables it to place persons before the courts and have them imprisoned for no less than 12 months and not more than three years once convicted, such approach would clog the court system.

to resort to the Court was to bring clarity and certainty to the contentious issues which arose and not as a delay tactic.

Additionally, the Constitution of Guyana contemplates continuity of the Government in such circumstances.

President Granger remind-

ed Ambassador LaRocque that he had written to and met the Commissioners of GECOM to urge their readiness to conduct credible elections at the earliest possible time. The President had asked the Commission to indicate its needs and he was informed of the need for finances to conduct the elections. The National Assembly has since approved the provision of the requested funds to the Commission.

“I cannot direct the Commission or tell them when to be ready…we can only provide money to GECOM by going to Parliament,” the President said while maintaining that credible elections are essential to democracy. President Granger also met with Mr. Jagdeo twice, earlier this year.

“I am committed to having credible elections in the shortest possible time…but I cannot intrude in GECOM’s work…I

cannot proclaim a date unless I am advised by GECOM,” the Head of State said while reminding that Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that elections are to be “independently supervised by the Elections Commission”.

“Elections are important.

The CCJ ruling will not be disobeyed,” the President assured Ambassador LaRocque while noting that he does not want a situation where elections are called and the Commission is unprepared. Ambassador LaRocque thanked President Granger for the brief and committed to provide assistance required within the Secretariat’s scope. CARICOM has consistently provided Observer Missions to Guyana during General and Regional Elections. (Ministry of the Presidency)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Reported cases of Zika virus down

US Ambassador urges Guyana to remain vigilant despite decrease SINCE the outbreak of the Zika viral local infection in 2016, government, with assistance from stakeholders such as USAID, has been able to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Thanks to continuous and dedicated work to curb the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, reported Zika cases have decreased,” said US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, during her remarks at the close-out event for the Maternal and Child Survival Programme (MCSP) at Duke Lodge on Wednesday.

The significant decrease in cases, compared to this time last year, suggests that the risk of infection with Zika is minimal in Guyana, but Lynch said the debate continues within the scientific community not as

to if there will be another Zika outbreak in the future but rather when the next outbreak will occur. “So we must remain vigilant,” the ambassador said, adding that Zika is a terrible disease, which can affect future generations, specifically the developmental outcomes of children infected in the womb.

Although many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms lasting up to a week, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe foetal brain defects.

In February 2016, the World Health Organisation declared Zika a public health emergency of international concern.

By August that same

year, the US Government launched a multi-faceted Zika project to strengthen the capacity of 11 Caribbean countries to prevent Zika infection and transmission, mitigate the impact of Zika on maternal and newborn health and child development, and decrease mosquito populations through effective vector control measures.

The US Government’s support to Guyana started in September 2016, with funding provided to the Guyana Red Cross to engage communities in the prevention of Zika transmission in their neighbourhoods.

In addition, the MCSP began in Guyana during March 2018, through a partnership with the Ministry of Public Health with the aim of improving the clinical ca-

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch (Adrian Narine photo)

pacity of service providers to care for new-born and small babies.

“This important health partnership between the Governments of Guyana and US supported clinical and non-clinical Zika services benefitting infants, children and families across Guyana,” said Ann-Lynch.

The project also improved health workers’ ability to provide therapeutic early stimulation to children experiencing developmental delays, and psychosocial support to mothers and families affected by Zika.

“The re-vitalisation of a support group of caregivers of children with development delays, and the integration of

therapeutic early stimulation into the public health nursing curriculum at the University of Guyana are among the project’s many successes,” said the ambassador.

Guyanese healthcare workers also have increased access to clinical literature and job aids to improve the quality of care and support available to affected infants and families.

While the programme focused specifically on Zika, the investments made are far-reaching and will help to strengthen the public health response to all mosquito-borne illnesses.

According to Lynch, the tools, procedures and systems developed during and

after the recent Zika outbreak can be used to ensure a strong and effective response to any future outbreak and to minimize the detrimental health and development impact of Zika on future generations.

In 2018, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) concluded that Zika virus transmission in the Caribbean region was interrupted and that the risk to residents and visitors to the region of acquiring Zika is low.

“CARPHA advises that there is still a need to be vigilant given the ongoing risk for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

The agency said it maintains continuous vigilance of health and disease trends and risks for residents and visitors in the Region.

“We continue to work closely with other public health partners including US CDC, PAHO/WHO, tourism organizations public health agencies in Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union to find innovative ways of mosquito control including behaviour change communication and research,” said CARPHA.

Some City residents connecting waste pipes to drainage system --Mayor bemoans situation

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) Engineer’s Department is still plagued with the issue of residents and businesses connecting their soil or waste pipes to the City’s drainage system, instead of to the sewerage system.

The City Council had raised this issue back in 2016 and had even given property owners in Georgetown’s central business district 14 days to connect all pipes to the sewerage system.

But just recently, City Engineer Colvern Venture said this is one of the challenges that his department is still enduring.

Speaking with reporters following a recent statutory meeting at City Hall, Venture disclosed that this practice by citizens has become more burdensome to

City Engineer Colvern Venture

deal with whenever there is flooding in the City.

“What we found is that persons actually have their waste pipes from the toilets flushing into the drainage system, instead of the sewerage system. These are behind the scene things that the public don’t see or are not aware of. But we have persons who have to go and face these things; faeces and

stuff, just to bring relief to persons,” Venture expressed.

He called on residents to desist from disposing of their waste in the drains and waterways and noted the great challenge his department faces after cleaning an area but having to go back there one day later to meet the same amount of waste again.

“In preparation of the Ghana President visit, we cleared along Lombard Street just this weekend, when we visited there one day later, there is garbage; those vendors who would have sold their produce… we now have to go back and remove garbage from there.

And that in itself is contributing to flooding in the City,” he pointed out.

CLOSED

Meanwhile, at least one Chinese restaurant was asked to close its doors, and TURN TO PAGE 13 ►

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Gov’t hands over millions to Indigenous villages …funds to boost infrastructure, improve transportation

MINISTERIAL Adviser at the Ministry Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams, earlier this month presented over $9M to a number of Indigenous village councils in Region One and Nine to aid in development in the communities.

In Region One a total of $4.3M was handed over to five village councils. The Koriabo Arukami Village Council received $1M towards the procurement of a 15hp outboard engine, while Aruau, and Bersina communities received $800,000 each, and the Sacred Heart Village received $900,000.

Another $2M is still to be handed over to the region, with $1M apiece going to the Wauna and Sugar Hill communities.

On a two-day visit to Region One, Williams said he received multiple complaints from residents about projects being stalled on the excuse of there being a lack of funds.

Williams said he, however, explained to the residents that this was not true. He was accompanied on the visit by the Region’s Regional Executive Officer, Randolph Storm. “Issues were raised about incomplete projects within villages.

In Sacred Heart in particular there was a school that should have been completed in 2018, the suggestion was that the contractor abandoned the project and the regional administration said the money was finished. The REO accompanied me on some of these visits and he has undertaken to get to the bottom of the matter. We clarified the false information being peddled in the villages, particularly in the riverine community, that there was no government in place, no budget, or resources,” Williams explained.

He took the time to engage the residents on further projects they would like to see in their communities. “We discussed the state of develop-

Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams (left) handing over the cheque at Kumu Villiage in Region 9

ment in the various villages.

We went to the Mabaruma sub-region and riverine communities and encouraged them to do an assessment of their village development plans and to start to put together proposals for capital projects for

inclusion in the 2020 budget,” Williams explained.

He noted that some residents also complained of having their suggestions for their community being ignored by the regional administration, which is headed by chairman,

Brentnol Ashley. “These communities are supposed to be managed by the council, and are required to come up with decisions collectively, but they have complained that the Regional Chairman defies their every suggestion,” Williams

said.

“We got terrible complaints. In Anseln’s they said they asked regional administrators for a nursey school but they were given a health hut instead of the school that they requested. The health hut was constructed very close to the primary school and found it to be a health risk to students.

There were reported cases of tuberculosis at that facility and persons are seen vomiting and spitting blood and the primary school is right there.”

In Region Nine, the St Ignatius Village Council received $1M towards the renovation and extension of its village office; the Nappi Village Council also received $1M; the Kumu Village Council was given $800,000 towards the development of a cattle rearing project; the Apoteri Village received $990, 060 and Moco Moco Village Council received $997,600.

Some City residents connecting waste...

several other major city businesses were under watch

by City Hall for connecting their pipes to drains instead of to the City’s sewerage system.

In the past, City Hall officers, during a walk-about, complained of seeing raw faeces and toilet paper flowing down a nearby drain after

a toilet was flushed in their presence.

A notice was placed in the press discouraging the practice, and Council had threatened to take action, including against those businesses that fail to have adequate fat/grease traps that eventually results in the blocking of drains.

The City Council had pointed out that this practice poses a number of dangers to Council workers, who would have to go into the drains to get them cleaned.

Furthermore, it also affects thousands of people who usually have to tread through flood waters that would be laced with raw faeces.

In the notice placed in the press, the M&CC said it wanted to prosecute all property owners who have their soil pipes and other related pipes (leading from water closets, baths and sinks) flowing into city drains.

“This is against the Georgetown Building Construction Public Health Pro-

vision Regulations, Section 19, which says, ‘Every new building shall be provided with such number of water closets, urinals, sinks, bath wastes or other sanitary conveniences in accordance with the Georgetown Sewerage Regulations, as may be required by the City Engineer,’” the M&CC had said.

FROM PAGE 12

The municipality had said it also wanted to move against property owners who have their roof gutter down-pipes draining directly into street drains and alleyways. “This is against the Georgetown Building By-law Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01,” the M&CC said.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Government gets warm welcome at 'Meet the Public' event in Bartica FROM the young to the old, residents could not stop praising the government’s “Meet the Public” outreach coming to the township of Bartica, as they braved early morning showers and flocked to the Cenotaph Square to speak of their concerns, get help with their issues, or make suggestions about what further developments they would like to see in the municipality.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) under the Ministry of Communities (MoC), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and Ministry of Natural Resources were some of the busier booths that were visited on Tuesday-the opening day of the two-day event.

Some persons came alone, while some made it an outing with family members.

Others came in groups representing their communities.

Many were satisfied with the responses they received even while looking forward to seeing the different agencies follow through with their words in the coming months.

“We welcome this move very much. Talking on behalf of myself and other Barticians we would appreciate if this can be an annual something. There are so many people with issues, but because you don’t have the means to go to Georgetown or travel about to get your stuff done.

So we really welcome this move,” expressed 38 year old Rajdai Sumrah, who was out at the event with her young daughter.

For her she believes the top concern of her fellow community residents is the issue of housing. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan explained that the housing issue was being addressed with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA)

in the process of sourcing lands for housing developments.

Another concern for Sumrah is street dwellers and the risks they pose. “We don’t really have crime that much here, but the streets need to be cleaned, not only garbage but there are people who are a nuisance, one and two people and we need to get them off the streets,” she said. The “Meet the Public” event is an initiative launched by the government in 2016, which aims to take government to the people.

Over the years thousands of citizens have utilised the outreaches to have their concerns within their respective communities highlighted and addressed.

The initiative usually sees ministers and other offi-

like this before in previous governments. In the previous governments you have to go behind them but this shows that there has been a change and indeed the government wants to keep in contact with the people and want to know what is the people’s

Businessman Michael DosSantos, (left) was at the government's "Meet the Public" outreach in Bartica to speak the Ministry of Natural Resources about his issues as a miner. He is accompanied by his wife

Rajdai Sumrah was at the government "Meet the Public" outreach with her young daughter (Delano Williams photo)

cials from all of the varying government Ministries taking part, as well as key agencies that come under their purview. The initiative is particularly praised in far flung areas, where it is usually expensive and or tedious for citizens to travel to the city to have their issues addressed.

“This is a very good gesture and a very good opportunity for the residents of not only Bartica but the entire Guyana because never have we had something

that I’m really glad that the government decided to reach out and gather information and see how they could help us out in this community, we are lagging in some area, for example with

concern,” expressed 58 year old Judith David-Blair.

“I know that this government is very much interested in seeing Guyana moving forward and I know they will do their best to see us go forward as a country.”

Fifty-one year old Dawn McCulluch also enthusiastically praised the initiative.

She was at the event looking into concerns about getting her house lot. “I am so excited about this venture because there is so much going on

Judith David-Blair was very happy to see the government meeting the people in Bartica

housing,” McCulluch said.

Many called for event to become an annual one in the township. “It is really good that the government chose to do an outreach like this, what they need to do in a tenure of a government that we have one of this every year. It says you’re coming to meet the people for those who can’t come to meet you.

It’s a good opportunity [for citizens] to go and meet and

Minister, Winston Jordan poses for a photograph with some schoolchildren

see everyone that could make the decisions on issues that we have problems with, so I think it’s really good what they have done here today,” shared businessman Michael DosSantos, owner of the St Michael’s Private School in Bartica.

Also a miner, DosSantos’ main visit to the outreach was a stop at the Ministry of Natural Resources booth.

Despite coming during the late afternoon as the booths were packing up, the officials were kind enough to still accommodate him and DosSantos was very grateful for their friendly nature. “It’s more or less in relation to the mining lottery. I think it was one of the fairest of mining lotteries that I have seen that they’ve done. But while it is good that we were able to get the blocks. Unfortunately the location in which these mining blocks are is difficult to access for small scale miners… some are only accessible by air and it would

take $10 – $15 million to get to location. Those persons there said they will take up the issues with GGMC and make suggestions. I only hope that those things will be looked at in a timely manner,” DosSantos said.

The outreach was more than just about visiting the booths; while the adults attended to business several school children came out to the event to get a chance to meet and interact with their Ministers, and the Ministers were all too happy to indulge their young citizens, and signed a few autographs. “I was so excited,” gushed an excited nine year old Labron Mendonca, an aspiring football player, who was very happy that he and his friends got a chance to meet President David Granger and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

He later also met up with Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

Opposition briefs diplomats on way forward after CCJ rulings THE opposition, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has briefed diplomats on the party’s expectations following the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the validity of the no-confidence motion, which was passed by the National Assembly in December 2018.

The CCJ, on Tuesday, ruled that the no-confidence motion against the government was validly passed and that the appointment of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was flawed.

The CCJ, having upheld the no-confidence vote against govern-

ment and simultaneously quashing the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as GECOM chair, 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.

In light of the ruling, the leadership of the opposition met with representatives from the European Union, the British High Commission and the Canadian High Commission at Freedom House on Wednesday.

“Since yesterday, the general

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali

secretary has been updating not

our position and in relation to what

only the diplomatic community but

he (Bharrat Jagdeo) would have

civil society… this is in relation to

outlined in his press conference

yesterday,” said PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, in an invited comment.

On the topic of election, Ali said the party also discussed their preparedness and plan for the upcoming polls.

Despite GECOM stating that its earliest possible date for the holding elections is November, Jagdeo, hours after the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled that the no-confidence motion was validly passed, had made calls for elections to be held within two to three months.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

‘Stand up for your rights’ …Barticians urged to reject ‘rushed elections’

…PM, Jordan, Harmon renew calls for new registration

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANESE must stand up for their right not only to vote but to do so through free, fair and credible elections.

This was the message of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and Director General in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon to residents of Bartica during a multi-ministry outreach on Tuesday.

Speaking to residents at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, the Prime Minister explained that the recent ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) means that elections must soon be held.

However, he stated that the country’s major parties will now have to decide whether they will return to Parliament to extend the 90-day constitutional timeline for General and Regional Elections. The Constitution gives a 90-day timeline for the holding of elections following the successful passage of a no-confidence motion.

However, the Coalition Government does not believe that elections can move forward without the conduct of house-to-house registration coupled with the fact that the current voter’s list expired on April 30, 2019. Like President David Granger, who has spoken of the same, many others in and out of government have highlighted the flaws of the current voter’s list. “You cannot go into an election without a voter’s list; right now we do not have a voter’s list. The voter’s list expired on the 30th

of April and, therefore, you have to have new registration and irrespective of how the Caribbean Court of Justice rules on this matter, it would be improper to force upon the people of Guyana that they go to the polls to elect a government without a voter’s list,” the Prime Minister said.

He stated further that a great battle, therefore, lies ahead as citizens must now defend their democratic right to vote in a credible and fair process.

“If there is no registration, there will be no elections; that is your democratic right,” Nagamootoo said to the crowd’s approval.

list and anyone who calls for the elections without our young people being on that voter’s list, they are calling for trouble.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo remained unmoved in his push for elections within a three-month period. “We are reasonable but we are not giving into anything that will run counter to the Constitution and the law,” he stated.

However, Article 106 (7) of the Constitution states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months,

controversy is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He also highlighted the fight of the government, against all odds, to save the sugar industry from total collapse while working in the interest of those directly involved in the sector. The Prime Minister stated that this was made most challenging with the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) having stacked up a debt of over $80B at the Guyana Sugar Corporation.

Meanwhile, regarding the Guyana-Venezuela controversy, he reminded that

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in Bartica on Tuesday

“You have to fight for that right to defend your right to vote in the elections. The young people who turned 18 since the last elections, their names are not on that voter’s

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, donates a bicycle to a student

or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by no 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 election.”

Still addressing the crowd which gathered at the community ground, the Prime Minister stated that the coalition government has been fighting for the right of Guyanese since it entered office in 2015. One such example, he noted, is the current fight for Guyanese to remain the beneficiaries of their own resources; one such issue between Guyana and Venezuela regarding the border

Jagdeo was the one who proposed to give Venezuela part of Guyana’s territory in the name of peace. With Guyana heading into ‘first oil’ in 2020, the Prime Minister stated that it would be perilous to replace the country into the hands of the opposition which often displays questionable motives and intentions. “We are entitled to complete our term of five years in government but they have conspired to remove our government unlawfully. They have conspired with others to remove us to buy and corrupt people within the coalition because they cannot wait to put their filthy fingers in the ‘cookie jar’,” he told the gathering.

He assured Barticans that

Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams. Also in photo are Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo; Director General, Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan

all of Guyana can have confidence that a “cohesive team” is working in their best interest. He then urged them not to trade in this “quality team for unknowns”. Nagamootoo asserted: “We are warriors and we are prepared for the fight, we are prepared for the challenge and this government will remain in office.”

BEST PM Meanwhile, addressing the audience, Harmon first gave his respects to the Prime Minister, hailing him as “the best Prime Minister we have had in this country for the last 27 years”. He also stated that the coalition government is proud of its democratic system of electing leaders and he is fully confident that those at the helm are fit to serve there.

“We are proud of our Prime Minister. We are proud of our coalition partners and we are proud of the process which produces our leaders in our coalition. We are proud of it. This is democracy at work,” he said, adding: “This coalition government, under David Arthur Granger, is the best thing that could have happened to Guyana in the longest while. This coalition government will be in office after the next elections is called.”

The audience cheered in agreement and more so when Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, later reminded them the ruling of the no-confidence motion as passed is a mere hurdle in the government’s upward progressions.

He made it clear to the gathering that the “no-confidence motion was about oil”, even

as he urged residents to be on guard for the Opposition’s campaign promises which he said would soon begin rolling out.

NO WAY! “Be warned! They are going to come to you and they will make all kinds of promises, it has already started [with lines such as] 50,000 jobs here, reopening that sugar estate there… are you going to trust those people?” he asked, to which the crowd bellowed “no way”.

With the opposition’s focus on bypassing houseto-house registration which could exclude hundreds of thousands of persons, Jordan said “We can only go to elections if GECOM says they’re ready, so don’t let nobody tell you anything.

I’m putting the police on notice…your intelligence has to be upgraded because already they’re talking about bringing people on the streets and ‘fight’ and violence and so on,” he said, adding: “No registration, no election…elections will be free, fair and proper!”

At the event, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, distributed over 25 bicycles to school children; a sewing machine and farming tools to the National Council of Women (NCW) as well as sports gears.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

85 graduate from Clinical and Technical Training Programme

GRADUATES of the Clinical and Technical Training Programme were charged to “climb the ladder to greater success” by Chairman of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Board, Kesaundra Alves.

Eighty-five graduates from four programmes offered by the Division of Health Sciences Education, Ministry of Public Health, were certified as Clinical and Technical professionals on Monday, June 17, 2019 at the National Cultural Centre.

Alves who represented the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, stated that the health sector will definitely be boosted by the presence of the new professionals, and highlighted the importance of their services to the health sector.

She said, “our world leaders, our government can make all these grand initiatives and policies, but if you, the deliverers of health care who are tasked with performing and serving the public health sector, don’t work to

ensure performance appear at a certain level of higher standard, then all of this comes to nought. Targets won’t be met and the wellbeing of our people will suffer.”

The chairman told the graduates to treat their patients equally, as she highlighted the 2008 regulations made under the Health Facilities Licensing Act 2007, which provides in Section 13 that, “all patients shall be treated equally regardless of age, place of birth, race, creed, nationality, gender and sexual orientation.”

“Therefore, you are not to discriminated against any one and you are also supposed to hold steadfast to what is ethical,” she added.

Alves urged the graduates to commit to enhancing their knowledge and skills, adding, “Do not limit your talents and abilities. Seek avenues to develop your potential, ignite your light in the acquisition of more knowledge and make your tutors even more proud as they see you climbing the ladder to greater success.”

(right to left) Bibi Yassin, Valedictorian of Medical Laboratory Technicians Faculty 20152017; Tamra Carter, Valedictorian of Pharmacy Assistant Faculty 2017-2018; Candace Wallace, Valedictorian of Environmental Health Assistant Faculty 2017-2018; Wickliff Garnett, Valedictorian of X-Ray Technician Faculty 2017-2019

The Clinical and Technical Training Programme offers training in careers such as Medical Laboratory Technician, Pharmacy Assistant, Environmental Health Assistant and X-Ray Technician, amongst others.

The Environmental Health Assistant Programme

consist of courses such as introduction to environmental health, vector control, food safety, meat inspection, meat hygiene, poultry hygiene communicable diseases, solid waste management, occupational safety and health, amongst others.

Within the X-Ray Tech-

nician Programme, students do courses including sociology, mathematics, national health care systems, communication skills and physics among others.

According to the programme report, the Pharmacy Assistance course consist of courses namely, pharmacy

law, logistics, pharmaceutical, medical technology and pharmacology.

This year’s graduating classes comprised of Pharmacy Assistant 2017-2018, X-Ray Technicians 2017-2019, Environmental Health Assistant 2017-2018 and Medical Laboratory Technicians 2015-2017 and 2017-2019.

Of the 85 graduates, 39 graduated as medical laboratory technicians; 13, pharmacy assistants; 15, X-Ray technicians and 18, environmental health assistant.

Candace Wallace was awarded Valedictorian of Environmental Health Assistant Faculty 2017-2018; Tamra Carter, Valedictorian of Pharmacy Assistant Faculty 2017-2018; Bibi Yassin, Valedictorian of Medical Laboratory Technicians Faculty 2015-2017; Darshanie Rohit, Valedictorian of Medical Laboratory Technicians Faculty 20172019; while, Wickliff Garnett was awarded Valedictorian of X-Ray Technician Faculty 2017-2019.

Investors eyeing 2020 for commissioning of Hope wind farm

HED Project General Manager, Dr. John Sydow, engaging residents of Hope (Adrian Narine photo)

THE Hope Energy Development (HED) company intends on commissioning the approximately US$30M wind farm at Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) before the end of 2020.

“We want to spend some time getting approval and finalising things with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) but, we hope to start the project next year and finish by the end of the year,” said Project General Manager, Dr. John Sydow, during a scoping exercise, which was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at the Hope Secondary School on Tuesday.

He said after “breaking ground” the construction of the wind farm will take at least six months, if all goes well.

Project Coordinator of HED, Frederick Sukdeo said the project at Hope is just a pilot, which will have just about four wind turbines. The turbines will produce up to four megawatts of power.

“This is just a pilot project to see how feasible the project would be… once completed, it will provide power at an affordable cost to GPL. With the first project, we can come in at a price that is just below what GPL is paying,” said Sukdeo.

In about 20 years, the company anticipates that the project will grow and expand to about 40 wind turbines, which will produce up to 50 megawatts of power; with this the company can sell power for six cents to eight cents.

Compared to now, even when oil prices increase, it would not affect the cost of power from the wind farm.

The Hope Wind Farm Project initially began in 2001, but was halted due to GPL’s lack of infrastructure needed at the time.

The project is capable of supplying 7,000 homes with TURN TO PAGE 17 ►

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Nuclear weapons provide a false sense of security – Greenidge tells regional confab NUCLEAR weapons provide a false sense of security for those who have them and such weapons can only bring out the worst in humanity, instead of promoting human well-being and development.

This is according to Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, during his remarks at the opening of the Regional Forum for Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

The two-day meeting commenced on Wednesday and is being held at the Ramada Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara.

The forum is organised by the Government of Guyana and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge

The foreign secretary said there is a proliferation of nuclear weapons in military and security doctrines and such arsenals remain on high alert status.

“There are threats to use nuclear weapons when tensions between states escalate, all of these are cause for concern. The goal of nuclear disbarment is a responsibility shared by the entire

international community, including states that possess nuclear weapons, as well as non-nuclear weapon states,” Greenidge said.

Currently, he said a greater burden has been placed on states that do not possess nuclear weapons to address the leadership deficit that has resulted in the stagnation of the nuclear disbarment agenda.

Guyana, Greenidge said, is committed to a world free of nuclear weapons and the country has always taken a progressive approach of nuclear non-proliferation and disbarment.

“Our decision to both sign and ratify the treaty was rooted in our firm conviction that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is dependent not just on our words but more importantly on our actions in the fulfillment of our

Investors eyeing 2020 ... clean electricity, leading to fuel savings of 14.5 million litres per year. Additionally, 30 to 40 construction jobs are expected to be created, and $1B yearly will be saved in fuel imports.

As company gears up for a 2020 launch, they have applied to the EPA for envi-

ronmental authorisation for the project.

According to the EPA, the project aims to generate electricity using the wind farm to feed into GPL’s grid. And, in accordance with the laws, HED is required to conduct an Environmental Impact Assess-

FROM PAGE 16

ment (EIA) before the EPA can decide whether to grant environmental authorisation. The EIA would study various aspects of the environment to see the potential impact and the necessary actions to be taken to minimise impact.

CARICOM representatives at the two-day confab on the prohibition of nuclear weapons

common obligations to work for the maintenance of international peace and security,” the foreign secretary said.

The Ministry of For-

eign Affairs and ICAN are convening a Caribbean Regional Forum on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to take stock of

the treaty from a regional perspective, and to canvas progress for the early signature and ratification by all countries in the Region.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Living Life Consultancy to conduct seminar on identity IN an attempt to create a happier world and wiser lives, Living Life Consultancy will be giving the general public an opportunity of a life time, as it prepares to host an “Identity, our most valuable currency” seminar.

According to Founder and owner of Living Life Consultancy, Samuel

Thompson the event which will be held on June 25, 2019 is geared towards helping people recognize the value of their identity, what makes up their identity, what it could bring to them, how to cultivate their desired identity and what it could make them lose as well.

“We make decisions everyday of our life and the

decisions that we make have consequences, whether intended or unintended, and we all want the best to come from our decisions. So I think it’s important for us to understand what identity is, understand who we are and if we understand who we are and what we want we would be able to set our goals, we understand our abilities to

achieve these goals and our decisions therefore in what we do would be guided by the knowledge of when you understand who you are,” Thompson told Guyana Chronicle.

In addition, participants of the event will be educated on how to understand their environment and the people within it.

“We are not only focusing on theirs but also the identity of the environment, giving the importance of trying to understand others as well so that they will be better able to work along with them and it would benefit both of them and the society in which they are a part of,” Thompson stated.

Thompson believes that the importance to understanding the things that “make up who we are is very beneficial to the things we achieve in life, to the things that come to us, to the people who want to be around us, to the people who we could help and to those who we could influence.”

He added that building one’s self will help to build and develop the world.

Guest speaker of the event which will be held at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown is Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Security. The seminar which has a

Founder and owner of Living Life Consultancy, Samuel Thompson

registration fee of $2000, will start at 18:00 hours and end at 21:00 hours. Persons interested are asked to contact Thompson on 592-662-0981, or via email, livinglifecounsultantcy@gmail.com .

Living Life Consultancy is a non-governmental organisation which was founded by Samuel Thompson, a student of Psychology, who has a profound interest to teach on topics and issues pertaining to ethics and personality, both their development and sustainability, through training sessions, motivational seminars, counselling and life coaching.

The organisation’s mission is “to nurture better lives with the wisdom that comes from understanding the knowledge of ourselves

and the world around us.”

Living Life Consultancy works with organisations and individuals to examine their goals and objectives, and also the actions needed to be done in order to achieve them.

According to Thompson, Living Life Consultancy is committed to spreading the knowledge and understanding of self and the world around us, which when applied, often contribute to our decisions, ethical principles, values, personality types and practices that make life a pleasure.

Services offered by the organisation are personality and ethics training sessions, motivational sessions, counselling, coaching and recruitment consultancy.

“We at Living Life implore you to join us in our urgent quest to reach a world in which people are at times hopeless, discouraged, hurt and misunderstood. As we work as a family to nurture wiser and happier lives,” Thompson posited.

Living Life Consultancy plans on targeting Berbice and Essequibo in 2020.

However, for the remaining of 2019 it will be carrying out numerous seminars within Georgetown which will focus on time management, conflict resolution and communication.

Fisherman gets 13 years for killing drinking buddy A Golden Grove fisherman, who plied his trade in the East Berbice/Corentyne district, was on Tuesday afternoon sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by Justice Jo Ann Barlow after he pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter.

Hilton Lilley, 48, formerly of the East Coast Demerara, was originally indicted with the capital offence of murder, but denied the charge and confessed to the lesser charge which was accepted by the State. The State’s case is that on October 26, 2014, at Number 66 Village Corentyne, Lilley killed his friend, Lakeram Singh, also called ‘Dafat’ or David.

Singh, formerly of Lot 13, Fyrish Village, Corentyne, died as a result of shock and haem-

Hilton Lilley entering a police vehicle

orrhage due to multiple stab wounds. On the day of the incident, both men were consuming alcoholic beverages at a shop near the Number 66 Fishermen Complex where they worked. During the drinking, an argument erupted during which Lilley was chopped on his hand by Singh who was armed with

a cutlass. Lilley retaliated by grabbing a knife and inflicting several wounds about Singh’s body, resulting in his death at the Skeldon Public Hospital.

The convict had initially fled the scene but was captured shortly thereafter. He expressed regret over the incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Playthatfunnymusic Race 2 Malarkey Race 3 Sagaponack Race 4 Party In The Sand Race 5 Kit Kat Katie Race 6 Blame It On Mom Gulfstream Park Race 1 Singin Sammy Race 2 Doctor D J Race 3 Heated Element Race 4 Paint The Corners Race 5 Napa Rules Race 6 Very Colorful Race 7 Lennox Race 8 Venezuelan Race 9 Levy Hand South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:35 hrs Dickens 09:10 hrs Trip To Troy 09:45 hrs Mount Keith 10:20 hrs No More Words 10:55 hrs Alameery English Racing Tips Ascot 09:30 hrs Sunday Sovereign 10:05 hrs Sangarius 10:40 hrs Queen Power 11:20 hrs Stradivarius 12:00 hrs King Ademar 12:35 hrs Sir Ron Priestley Chelmsford City 08:50 hrs My Motivate Girl 09:20 hrs Alabaster 09:55 hrs Cliffs Of Capri 10:30 hrs Spanish Archer 11:05 hrs Kristenbosch 11:45 hrs Alhakmah 12:20 hrs Lord Lamington Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown 12:40 hrs Rebel Tale 13:15 hrs Clockers Corner 13:50 hrs Little Clarinet 14:20 hrs Arthur’s Kingdom 14:50 hrs Fancy Footings 15:20 hrsa Invasion Day 15:50 hrsNobel Joshua

Windies too ‘one-dimensional, laments Sir Viv

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Iconic former captain Sir Vivian Richards has criticised West Indies’ “one dimensional” approach to their World Cup campaign, and has slammed the lack of intensity shown in their defeat to Bangladesh last Monday.

West Indies went down by seven wickets to Bangladesh in Taunton to suffer their third defeat in five matches, and remain on three points in seventh spot in the 10-team table. Their lone win came against Pakistan in their opener three weeks ago.

The Caribbean side copped criticism for their persistence with the tactic of short-pitched bowling, which worked well against Pakistan and Australia but backfired against the Tigers who completed their highest-ever run chase of 322 to win with 51 balls remaining.

“There didn’t seem to be any planning where if this particular plan isn’t going to work then what about the plan B, plan C or whatever the case is. We are too one dimensional,” Sir Viv, who never lost a Test series as captain, told the Observer here.

“It (short-pitched bowling) worked against Pakistan and when you’re coming up against other teams, sometimes it may not work, and there just didn’t seem to be any particular planning or any particular strategy or any intensity of West Indies wanting to win that match and defend that particular total.”

Bangladesh were propelled by veteran all-rounder Shakib-alHasan who lashed an unbeaten 124 from 99 deliveries, and Liton Das who carved out 94 not out off 69 balls – the pair sharing a record unbroken fourth-wicket

Iconic former West Indies skipper, Sir Vivian Richards

stand of 189.

The Windies, meanwhile, were ragged in the field, with half-chances going a-begging, while their bowlers failed to build pressure and sent down a plethora of loose deliveries.

Sir Viv, himself a World Cup hero for his splendid hundred in the 1979 final at Lord’s, said the fielding effort had not been up to par.

“I personally thought it was a score they should have been looking to defend and there just wasn’t any intensity in the field.

There were some half-chances and especially with the two guys who batted so well for Bangladesh,” Sir Viv pointed out.

“When you have opportunities like that, you have to take them and there is one that I saw that really highlighted West Indies trying to win that match was that bit when Sheldon Cottrell, that sharp bit of fielding and the release of the ball itself and running out Tamim Iqbal.”

West Indies face unbeaten New Zealand in their sixth match of the World Cup on Saturday in Manchester.

AAG Senior Championships set to run off on June 29

ATHLETICS enthusiasts and fans can look forward to captivating and top quality action when Guyana’s best athletes take to the track in the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) National Senior Championships, June 29-30, from 10:00hrs daily at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Meanwhile, AAG president Aubrey Hutson, in a release to the media, pointed out; “The National Senior Championship is one of the most anticipated events in Guyana’s sports calendar.

There are many athletes, overseas and local, who are trying to gain the time and attention of the AAG to get a chance to go to the World Championships this year.”

With the event quickly approaching, the condition of the track is a concern for the AAG. However, the associa-

AAG president Aubrey Hutson

tion has been working along with the management of the NTFC to see if any repairs or remedial work can be done to have the facility ready for the upcoming meet.

AAG will also be holding a fund-raising barbecue both days of the meet.

Any patron who purchases a barbecue ticket for $1 200 will be afforded entry to the event, while regular tickets to the event would

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Ali’s 6 cart off Jeet brothers dominoes tournament ALI’S 6 emerged winners of the Jeet brothers (USA)-sponsored dominoes tournament, held at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, Georgetown last Monday night.

Organised by Manniram ‘Packer’ Shew, the tournament, held in honour of Muntaz ‘Bhajee’ Ali who was visiting Guyana from the USA, saw his side romp to a comfortable victory.

The victorious Ali’s 6 led from start to finish, tallying 77 games in the process, nine ahead of Beharry’s 6 who placed second with 70, edging out Sammy’s 6 on 69.

Brian Allen was the star player for Ali’s. marking 17 and he received fine support from Selwyn Prescott (15), Dino Bissessar (13) and Ariel Oliviera (13).

The top players for Beharry’s 6 were Mark Singh and Intikab Ali with 15 games each while Claude

Three Brazil goals disallowed in draw with Venezuela

By Richard Martin

Organiser Manniram Shew (right) hands over the winning trophy to Muntaz ‘Bhajee’ Ali in the presence of other team members.

Stuart registered the maximum 18 games for Sammy’s 6 and Hilbert Ali got13.

Prizes in the form of caps were awarded to the top player in each team - Allen

of Ali’s 6, Singh of Beharry’s 6 and Stuart of Sammy’s 6.

Singh got the nod over Intikab Ali, who also marked 15 games, sharing 22 games to the latter’s 24.

Organiser Shew has expressed sincere thanks to the Jeet brothers, among them Rico, Boogie and Basil.

SALVADOR, Brazil (Reuters) - Copa America hosts Brazil had three goals ruled out and missed a series of chances, as they were held 0-0 by Group A rivals Venezuela on Tuesday.

Roberto Firmino had a goal chalked off late in the first half after the referee awarded a foul against the hosts, before substitute Gabriel Jesus found the net on the hour mark only for a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review to deem Firmino offside in the build-up.

Philippe Coutinho looked to have finally found the winner when he netted from close range but VAR intervened again.

Brazil lead the group on four points ahead of Peru, who beat Bolivia 3-1 earlier in the day and also have four points.

Brazil meet Peru in their final group game on Saturday with both sides needing only a draw to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Venezuela have two points while Bolivia are without a point, with the two facing each other on

Saturday.

The top two in each group are guaranteed a place in the last eight, along with the two highest-ranked teams finishing third.

Brazil made a brighter start than in their 3-0 win over Bolivia in the tournament curtain-raiser but failed to take their chances as David Neres and Firmino missed the target and Richarlison was thwarted by Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez.

Venezuela tightened things up at the back and nearly took a surprise lead when all-time top scorer Salomon Rondon narrowly missed the target with a near-post header.

Richarlison was taken off at halftime and replaced by Manchester City striker Jesus, who instantly livened up Brazil’s attack but failed to help provide a goal.

The final whistle was greeted by loud boos from the unimpressed 39 000 supporters at the Arena Fonte Nova, the hosts again failing to attract a full house after underselling the opener, with over 10 000 seats left empty this time.

Injury ends Dhawan's World Cup, Pant to replace him

By Amlan Chakraborty SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - Shikhar Dhawan’s World Cup was prematurely ended after the India opener was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a fractured thumb, the Indian cricket board said yesterday.

Dhawan was smacked on his thumb by a rising Pat Cummins delivery in the June 9 match against Australia but the left-hander batted through pain to hit a match-winning century at the Oval.

England has been a happy hunting ground for Dhawan and though fellow Delhi left-hander Rishabh Pant was flown in as a cover, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar had said the opener was so “precious” that the team were ready to wait for him to recover.

Dhawan missed the matches against New Zealand, which was washed out, and Pakistan before the team finally gave up.

“Shikhar Dhawan has been diagnosed with a fracture of the first metacarpal on his left hand

Rishabh Pant

...,” BCCI said in a statement.

“Following several specialist opinions, he will remain in a cast until the middle of July and therefore will not be available for the remainder of the World Cup.” In Dhawan’s absence, KL Rahul, originally picked to play at number four, joined Rohit Sharma in a 136-run opening stand in their comprehensive victory against Pakistan.

“We’ve written to ICC and requested for Rishabh Pant as replacement,” team manager

Sunil Subramaniam told reporters. An emotional Dhawan posted a video on Twitter and expressed his disappointment.

“I feel emotional to announce that I will no longer be a part of #CWC19,” the 33-year-old wrote. “Unfortunately, the thumb won’t recover on time.

But the show must go on ....

I’m grateful for all the love & support from my team mates, cricket-lovers & our entire nation.” Pant has played only five one-day internationals but has won admirers with his six-hitting ability, which prompted many to question the 21-yearold’s exclusion from the squad in the first place.

Dhawan’s absence had left India without a southpaw in their top order, robbing them a left-right combination, and Pant is expected to fill that void.

India have won three of their four games, while the other, against New Zealand, was washed out.

Virat Kohli’s men play Afghanistan next on Saturday at The Rose Bowl.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday June 20, 2019

Guyana Rush Saints men, Paiwomak Warriors FC women win RFA Champions League GUYANA Rush Saints and Paiwomak Warriors FC emerged as male and female champions of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Champions League, when the finals took place last weekend.

Paiwomak Warriors were able to score twice in extra time to get past a resilient Flash FC 3-2 in an exciting and entertaining female final.

Both teams were tied with a goal each at the end of regular time. Warriors took the lead in the first half of extra time, but Flash equalised in the second period, only for Warriors to answer before the final extra-time whistle.

Paiwomak Warriors’ male team were not as dominant as their female counterparts and fell to a charged-up Guyana Rush Saints by a score of 3-1 in the male final.

The Paiwomak Warriors Football Club are the 2019 RFA Champions League female winners.

THIRD-PLACE GAMES Prior to the finals, the knocked-out semi-finalists battled for third place.

Strikers FC, out of Massara, needled Guyana

Rush Saints FC in the female third-place clash to register a 1-0 win.

In the third-place male battle, the game went down to penalty kicks. Both Ka-

Guyana Rush Saints won the male final by a score of 3-1 over Paiwomak Warriors.

nuku Harpies FC and Titans United FC were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Harpies struck first in extra time, but Titans drew the game just after, with a

successful strike from the penalty spot.

With the game tied at 3-3 at the end of extra-time, a penalty shootout decided the winners.

Titans FC were clinical in their attempts and raced to victory by converting three strikes, while Harpies failed to fire a single shot into the box.

Simmons outburst exposes troubles in Afghan camp

By Amlan Chakraborty SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - Afghanistan look in disarray on and off the field at the World Cup with coach Phil Simmons' Twitter outburst yesterday revealing signs of troubles within the team.

Gulbadin Naib's men suffered their fifth defeat in as many matches after losing to hosts England on Tuesday when they looked complete-

ly defenceless against home captain Eoin Morgan's astonishing six-hitting spree at Old Trafford.

Naib replaced Asghar Afghan as captain ahead of the World Cup in a last-minute leadership change that was criticised by senior players including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.

Former chief selector Dawlat Ahmadzai has blamed the coaching staff for the debacle which irked Simmons.

"I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect but at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of AsgharAfghan," Simmons tweeted.

"Me asking to renew my contract with ACB is absolutely untrue #FakeNews," he said in another tweet last week.

On the eve of the England match, some members of the Afghanistan team were involved in an altercation at a restaurant in Manchester, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

The report said the players involved were unhappy at being filmed and confronted a member of the public. Greater Manchester Police officers attended the incident but no arrests were made.

Naib declined to elaborate on the incident after the loss

Pakistan announce 'robust review' amid World Cup struggle SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - The Pakistan team under captain Sarfaraz Ahmed have failed to live up to their country’s expectations and there will be a “robust review” of their performance in the last three years, the Pakistan Cricket Board said yesterday.

Pakistan are still trying to salvage their World Cup campaign, as they languish ninth in the 10-team standings with one win from five matches.

They are still smarting from Sunday’s heavy defeat by arch-rivals India.

The PCB is expecting the team to stage a comeback in the tournament but they would need something

extraordinary to finish the group stage in the top four and make the semi-finals.

“The Board of Governors (BoG) had a discussion on the Pakistan cricket team’s recent performance across all formats,” the PCB said in a statement after a BoG meeting in Lahore.

“The members agreed the team’s performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 to date has been below expectation, but expressed faith, support and confidence in the side, and hoped they will bounce back strongly and finish on a high. “... following the World Cup, the PCB will carry out a robust review and analysis of the side’s and the team support personnel’s performanc-

against England and threatened to walk out of the news conference when pressed further about what happened.

The Afghan team also found themselves in an embarrassing situation earlier in the tournament when stumper-batsman Mohammad Shehzad threatened to quit cricket after being ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Shehzad played in Afghanistan's first two matches but the Afghanistan Cricket

Board (ACB) cut him from the squad, saying his injury would not allow him to play any further part.

He said the medical advice he sought suggested he would have been fit in a few days after having his knee drained.

ACB chief executive Asadullah Khan told the ESPNcricinfo website that the team's priority was picking match-fit players.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 20, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mohinder Amarnath (1983); Mahendra Singh Dhoni (2011) (2) Syed Kirmani-1983 (vs NZ, Leister) Today’s Quiz: Pakistan's Mohammad Amir and team mates after innings vs Australia. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)

es in the past three years and submit their recommendations to the Chairman and the BoG for their consideration.”

The 1992 world champions next play South Africa at Lord’s on Sunday.

(1) Which two teams have played in WC semi-finals but are yet to contest a final?

(2) When was the last time England contested a semi-final game at the World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday June 20, 2019

Williamson’s umbeaten 106 guides Kiwis to victory over SA BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Captain Kane Williamson’s patient unbeaten century led New Zealand to a tense four-wicket victory over South Africa in a low-scoring Cricket World Cup match at Edgbaston yesterday.

Chasing 242 to win a match reduced to 49 overs a side by rain, New Zealand looked set to comfortably reach the target with Martin Guptill and Williamson at the crease.

But Guptill, on 35, was dismissed hit-wicket trying to pull Andile Phehlukwayo to the boundary and Chris Morris bowled a fiery spell to get rid of Ross Taylor and Tom Latham, both caught behind for one run.

Morris also had Jimmy Neesham caught at slip for 23 to leave New Zealand struggling at 137-5, but Williamson and Colin de Grandhomme (60) shared a composed 91-run partnership to ease New Zealand nerves.

South Africa had a golden opportunity to run Williamson out

after a mix-up with de Grandhomme left the Kiwi skipper well short of his ground but David Miller fluffed the chance, whipping the bails off without collecting the ball. de Grandhomme fell before the end but Williamson reached his century with a six in the final over and guided New Zealand to their fourth win of the tournament with three balls to spare.

“It was nice to be there at the end,” said Williamson who finished unbeaten on 106. “It’s just trying to do the job as well as you can, I was fortunate I was able to do it today.

There were a number of contributions that were so vital.

“It was one of those surfaces that provide a great spectacle. It could have gone either way.”

South Africa’s batsmen, apart from Hashim Amla and Rassie van der Dussen, failed to build on starts after being put in to bat in the face of a disciplined bowling effort from the Kiwis.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson celebrates his match-winning century against South Africa. (Tim Goode/PA)

Amla was bowled for 55 by Mitchell Santner but van der Dussen’s unbeaten 67 off 64 balls gave the South Africans a respectable total to defend.

“We were aiming 260-270 ... we fell short,” South Africa captain Faf du Plessis said. “We also had a lot of stop-start, stop-start innings but Kane batted through for the hundred and that was the game changer.

“We did everything we could, we threw ourselves around. The energy was unbelievable. Sure, there were some times that we dropped intensity. But Kane took it away from us.”

The result left South Africa, who have won only one match, virtually out of the running for a semi-final spot while New Zealand kept their unbeaten run intact to move to the top of the standings with four wins in five games.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings Q. de Kock b Boult 5 H. Amla b Santner 55 F. du Plessis (c) b Ferguson 23 A. Markram c Munro b de Grandhomme 38 H. van der Dussen not out 67 D. Miller c Boult b Ferguson 36 A. Phehlukwayo c Williamson b Ferguson 0 C. Morris not out 6 Extras: (lb-7, w-4) 11 Total: (6 wickets, 49 overs) 241 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-59, 3-111, 4-136, 5-208, 6-218.

Bowling: M. Henry 10-2-34-0, T. Boult 10-0-63-1, L. Ferguson 10-059-3, C. de Grandhomme 10-0-33-1, M. Santner 9-0-45-1.

NEW ZEALAND innings (target: 242 runs from 49 overs) M. Guptill hit wicket b Phehlukwayo 35 C. Munro c & b Rabada 9 K. Williamson not out 106 L. Taylor c de Kock b Morris 1 T. Latham c de Kock b Morris 1 J. Neesham c Amla b Morris 23 C. de Grandhomme c du Plessis b Ngidi 60 M. Santner not out 2 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1, w-6) 8 Total: (6 wickets, 48.3 overs) 245 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-72, 3-74, 4-80, 5-137, 6-228.

Blowing: K. Rabada 10-0-42-1, L. Ngidi 10-1-47-1, C. Morris 10-0-49-3, A. Phehlukwayo 8.3-0-73-1, Imran Tahir 10-0-33-0

Never given a fair chance in WI cricket, says Permaul World Rugby scraps plans

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE insularity in the regional selection policy continues to hurt several Caribbean cricketers. Our se­lec­tors must at­tempt to stop de­cid­ing on the ca­reer paths for our crick­e ters with­out giv­ing them a fair and hon­est tri­al.

Disrespect, discrimination and insularity have been meted out to so many players over the years and one such player is Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who feels that he has never been given a fair chance in West Indies cricket.

The Berbician con­tin­ues to demon­strate va­ri­ety and con­fi­dence in his bowl­ing at the regional level over the years, which is a clear ev­i­ dence that he is at the top of his game, yet is not given a fair deal by the regional selectors.

During an exclusive interview yesterday, 29-yearold, Permaul, who played six Tests and seven ODIs for West Indies, revealed that he is accustomed not to be in a West Indies setup, be it the senior or A-team.

“I am accustomed by now, not to be selected for West Indies, not even in the senior or A-team after

Veerasammy Permaul

doing so well over the years at the regional level. But having said that, it is way out of my control ... all I do is just play cricket, do well, and hope someday I get picked.”

With 113 First-class matches to his credit, the former West Indies youth player added, “I (have) never been given a fair chance in West Indies cricket. I always get one game to prove myself while other players get a series to prove themselves and loads of opportunities.

“Every year I have been doing well, and still can’t make a senior West Indies or A-team, so sometimes I wonder how others make it when my performance is better than

theirs. For the past years in regional cricket I (have) been up there with performance and continue to be neglected.

I hope a day will come when God will make things turn around for me.”

Permaul questioned the criteria used in selecting a West Indies senior or A-team, since he is of the opinion that performance at the regional level should be the selectors’ benchmark.

“To be honest I am not a person that likes to ask any selector why I am not selected because I would think performance in regional cricket is the criterion in making a West Indies senior or A-team, and if that is not the criterion then what is it? I am leaving

everything in the hands of God. I will continue to play my cricket, and hope for the best,” he concluded the interview.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) had recently selected three squads for the West Indies-A team series against the visiting India-A. Permaul is not in any of those squads, despite finishing among the top wicket-takers in the last five regional seasons, where he was a key player in Guyana’s fifth consecutive CWI Regional four-day titles. He has also been a crucial member of Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Al­though we would be in­clined to crit­i­cise the se­ lec­t ion pol­i ­c y and cer­t ain se­lec­tions in the past, these cur­rent se­lec­tors have es­sen­ tial­ly stuck with the same unit from be­fore; no change, just ex­change.

Some­thing is definitely wrong with the selection policy. But the ques­tion is: can we trust newly elected president Ricky Skerritt to find a so­lu­tion, or will he just turn a blind eye? Let us watch and ob­serve Skerritt care­ful­ly, as I am not very con­fi­dent of the fu­ture, the left-arm spinner lamented.

for Nations Championship

(REUTERS) - World Rugby has abandoned its plans to create a Nations Championship after failing to gain support from unions, the sport’s ruling body said yesterday.

Rugby’s governing body needed unanimous approval from the 10 countries that make up the Six Nations and Rugby Championship to enter into exclusive negotiations.

World Rugby identified the inability to reach a consensus on key issues such as the timing and format of promotion and relegation as the reason for scrapping the project.

“While we are naturally disappointed that a unanimous position on the Nations Championship could not be achieved among our unions, we remain fully committed to exploring alternative ways to enhance the meaning, value and opportunity of international rugby for the betterment of all unions,” World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement.

“This includes our continued commitment to competition and investment opportunities for emerging nations to increase the competitiveness of the international game with a view to possible Rugby World Cup expansion in 2027.”

The Nations Championship was scheduled to begin in 2022 and would have been

made up of a top division of 12 teams from northern and southern hemispheres facing each other once over the course of a calendar year.

The fixtures would have taken place in traditional competitions like the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, as well as during summer and autumn test windows, with the top two teams meeting in the final at the end of the year.

However, the issue of promotion and relegation proved to be a sticking point, with Scotland and Ireland expressing doubt over the sustainability of the second division.

World Rugby said it had made every effort to provide solutions and reassurance on key areas.

“The core objective of the Nations Championship was to secure a strong and sustainable financial and competitive model for unions, provide for the first time a meaningful competition pathway for all emerging nations, further inject excitement into the international game for fans and broadcasters and develop new markets for the betterment of all”, the statement added.

Golden Jaguars coach optimistic of a

‘bounce back’

against Panama

The USA's Christian Pulisic brought the crowd to their feet when he dribbled past Brandon Beresford.

Windies too ‘one-dimensional, laments Sir Viv

By Rawle Toney in Cleveland (Compliments of Let’s Bet Sports)

G

OLDEN Jaguars will put behind them their 4-0 loss to the USA, as they prepare to face Panama on Saturday at the FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

Kick-off time is 17:30hrs.

Playing against the tournament’s defending champions USA at the Allianz Field Stadium, in front of crowd of 19 418, the coach Michael Johnson-side showed heart and determination, but it wasn’t enough to keep them from giving up three points.

Guyana’s opponents, Panama, opened with a 2-0 win against

Guyana's past the Keanu Marsh-Bro U Boyd du SA's Weston M wn battling his w ay ring their cKennie the CON CACAF G clash at the Allia and Tyler nz Field old Cup in on Tues day nigh t.

Trinidad and Tobago, and Johnson believes that the team now have a chance “with lesser FIFA-ranked opposition. Let’s go again. Let’s dust the cobwebs down. Let’s learn the lessons, and let’s try and apply ourselves again for the next game.”

Johnson is of the opinion that no player on his starting side “had a horrible game. Yes, there were mistakes but you’re going to get that against a topclass United States team. Was that our best possible starting X1? That’s what we as staff sat down and spoke about; that’s our staring eleven and that’s what we went with. That’s what we believe in, that’s what we trusted. All

23 of the team and anyone of this 23 for me deserved a place to start.”

“We’ve gained a lot of confidence from tonight (Tuesday), yes there were individual errors but as a team, we speak about how we look dangerous with Callum Harriott at times; we look dangerous with Emery Welshman. We were under no illusions about the task tonight.

We’re probably a little bit more realistic going into the next two gamesl have opportunities.”

AAG Senior Championships set to run off on June 29

PAGE

23

PAGE

23

NSC’s ‘Learn to Swim’ Programme set for July 8 – August 16

THE National Sports Commission’s (NSC) annual July – August ‘Learn to Swim Programme’ will commence on July 8 and conclude on August 16.

The registration is $1 000 and begins on June 24 until July 3. It will only be done at the NSC’s head office on Homestretch Avenue.

To complete the registration process, parents are asked to present the child’s birth certificate.

Registered participants aged 6 years – 10 years are asked to report to the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street and the 11 years – 16 years to the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal East Coast Demerara, .

Sessions start at 09:00hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at both locations.

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2019