Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_06_21_2019

FRIDAY 21st June, 2019

No.105675 No.105670

High praise for Guyana

…as US lauds ‘serious, sustained efforts’ in fight against human trafficking SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ►

…remains on Tier 1 ranking for meeting standards fully

Essequibo ups pressure for new registration

… residents protest GECOM office 19 PAGE

Residents of the Essequibo Coast on Thursday commenced what they promised to be daily protests, demanding the conduct of house-to-house registration to generate a new Voters’ List before the impending general elections

ICT revolution has started GPL to roll out 50,000 –– President says at commissioning of Centre for Excellence in IT at Turkeyen campus

PAGE

02

more smart meters

PAGE

14

IMF statement nailed lies of naysayers – Jordan 15 PAGE

2

ICT revolution has started

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

–– President says at commissioning of Centre for Excellence in IT at Turkeyen campus

By Vishani Ragobeer

PRESIDENT David Granger said progress made by Guyana in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector should be allowed to continue as the country seeks to equip citizens with requisite skills for a technologically-advancing world.

The President made the appeal at the opening of the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT), located at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus. This centre, which is a joint initiative between the Government of India and Guyana, aims to

provide training for public sector professionals.

“The ICT revolution has started,” President Granger said, adding: “Developments in the ICT sector – both planned and in progress – will allow us to close the digital divide between our coastland and the hinterland and between Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.”

So far, he noted that broadband access has been rolled out in hinterland and remote rural communities with the aim of promoting greater integration of the entire country.

Added to that, there is greater emphasis on promoting the connectivity of all

citizens, which is why the government has begun providing free Internet access to all public facilities, including schools and hospitals and 171 community- based ICT hubs.

Part of this revolution, he also explained, involves fashioning Guyana into a “digital state”. This plan aims to connect all citizens while fostering economic transformation through value addition to the production and service sectors, spawning knowledge-based industries and promoting diversification.

He also reminded that this state will allow for easier access to public services, a process which has already begun and the need for citizens to visit multiple government agencies to complete a single transaction would be minimised.

This is especially critical, the President noted, for persons living outside of the

President David Granger walks through one section of the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) as General Manager of the NDMA, Floyd Levi, tells him about the equipment in place. Also in photo are several dignitaries including High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes (Adrian Narine photo) highly-populated areas where services are readily available.

“Many hinterland and some rural communities

are isolated and lack adequate infrastructure. The residents of these communities have to travel long

President David Granger unveils the plaque signalling the opening of the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT). Also in photo is Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes (right), and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam (third from right) (Adrian Narine photo)

distances to access public services,” he said.

DIGITAL STATE Despite his government’s aim to establish capital towns in each region in an attempt to provide easier access to these public services, more work is still to be done. It is for these reasons he touted the necessity of continuing to craft the “digital state”.

According to him, ICT is both a functional and practical response to the challenge of the digital deficit in Guyana, since it has the ability to promote greater inclusion and innovation, and foster the creation of digital industries consistent with Guyana’s sustainable development agenda, the ‘Green State Development Strategy’ (GSDS).

“By any measure, this initiative must be allowed See page 8

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Guyana lauded for ‘serious and sustained efforts’ in 2019 TIP report

GOVERNMENT’S efforts to increase funding for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) victims, as well as its ability to identify and assist more victims for the third consecutive year, are among the reasons the State Department of the United States has cited Guyana for demonstrating “serious and sustained efforts” in combating the issue.

The State Department of the United States in its 2019 report which was released yesterday, Thursday, pointed out that the Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

“The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore Guyana remained on Tier 1,” the report stated.

According to the report, the APNU+AFC government maintained law enforcement efforts during the reporting period and to this end, the report reminded that Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2005 criminalized sex trafficking and labor trafficking and prescribed penalties of three years to life imprisonment.

It was noted that such penalties were sufficiently stringent during the reporting period and, with respect to sex trafficking, commensurate with those prescribed for other serious crimes, such as rape. It said that the The Ministry of Social Protection was the lead agency responsible for coordinating trafficking efforts, overseeing the Anti-Trafficking Unit (ATU), and participating on the government’s Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (the Task Force).

It was noted that in 2018, the government reported 30 new investigations, prosecuted 11 suspected traffickers, two of whom were initiated in prior periods. It noted too that the authorities convicted one trafficker for sex trafficking compared with four investigations, 17 prosecutions, 12 of which were initiated in prior periods, and two convictions in 2017.

PREVENTION OF TIP In terms of the prevention of trafficking, the report said that government increased its efforts in this regard. Over the years, many TIP victims were discovered by the authorities in mining areas in the Hinterland and

foreign missions before the conclusion of prosecutions.

the report made mention of the establishment of an anti-trafficking unit with three trained staff within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to register and categorize workers in the interior and conduct spontaneous checks.

It was pointed out, too, that the government approved a new national action plan for 2019 but did not report on activities under the plan by the end of the reporting period and it was noted that the government last conducted research into trafficking in 2016.

The report stated that the local authorities facilitated several awareness sessions focused on the mining and logging sectors outside Georgetown. It noted that the Social Protection Ministry’s Anti-Trafficking Unit held several sensitization campaigns for teachers, students, Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs), prison staff and inmates, and malls and markets across Guyana.

In April this year, the Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with international partners, officially launched Guyana’s National Policy on Child Labour and National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), moves geared at pushing Guyana forward towards the elimination of child labour and which will promote and improve the quality of life and safety of workers.

The US Department of State acknowledged this move and it noted that labour and natural resource inspectors received informal training in identification of victims but did not report identifying any cases. It added that the government provided anti-trafficking training for 13

diplomatic personnel for the first time.

As economic fortunes in neighbouring Venezuela hit rock bottom, large numbers of migrants from that country continue to cross over the border into Guyana seeking greener pastures.

According to the 2019 TIP report, the government of Guyana here acknowledged a large increase in the number of trafficking victims from Venezuela.

It said that traffickers exploit victims in forced labor in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops.

While both sex trafficking and forced labor occur in interior mining communities, limited government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking unknown, the report said.

FINANCIAL AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE The report stated that the APNU+AFC government provided $3.5M GYD (US$16,280) for the first time in direct financial assistance to victims who chose not to stay in a shelter. It noted that victims could receive shelter, food, training, and psychological therapy.

The authorities also provided intake counselling to child victims who it placed in shelters co-managed with NGOs. It said that the Social Protection Ministry placed some children into foster care or reintegrated them with their families, while authorities placed adult male victims at non-specialized night shelters on an ad hoc basis.

Of note, the report stated that Guyanese law protects victims’ identities from release to the media.

It said too that the government reported victims could leave shelters; however, observers reported police and other authorities were not helpful to the victims.

This is one of the areas it says needs to be addressed.

The efforts of NGOs and the Social Protection Ministry to provide protection and counseling for all identified victims was noted in the report and it was pointed out too that the government provided transportation for victims who declined shelter but were willing to attend court proceedings.

The government reported multiple cases of delivering foreign victims to their respective embassies at the request of the

AREAS OF CONCERN Although the government meets the minimum standards, it did not provide adequate protection and shelter outside the capital, or for child and male victims, the report said. It was noted too that the number of trafficking investigations and new prosecutions decreased, and the number of successful convictions remained low.

It was noted that although the government increased efforts to identify and protect victims. victim assistance remained a concern, especially in areas outside Georgetown for Venezuelan, child, and male victims.

It was noted that although an increase in foreign victims has been identified , particularly Venezuelans, there is need for the establishment of standard operating procedures in dealing with such victims.

RECOMMENDATIONS The Department of State called on the authorities to finalise, implement, and train law enforcement officials and front-line responders in written victim identification and referral proce-

dures.

It also called for the funding of specialised victim services, in particular for child, adult male, and Venezuelan victims and it also urged the authorities to vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labor trafficking cases, including those involving child victims.

The holding of police and law enforcement officials accountable for intimidation of victims in shelters including restricted movement, lack of access to family visits, or telephone services were among the grey areas pointed out for attention in the report.

The APNU+AFC government has been working to combat TIP with focus being placed on enacting the law to curb the practice.

Guyana fell off the watch list for TIP back in 2016. In 2017 it moved up to Tier One and the country has since mounted numerous efforts to improve its rating in this area.

This week a businesswoman was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for trafficking two Venezuelan women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Her sentencing was given by the courts in accordance with the Trafficking in Persons Act, a clear move that the law is taking its course here.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

Trump finds it ‘hard to believe’ --downing of U.S. drone ‘was intentional’ WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump played down Iran’s downing of a U.S. military surveillance drone on Thursday, saying he suspected it was shot by mistake and “it would have made a big difference” to him had the remotely controlled aircraft been piloted.

While the comments appeared to suggest Trump was not eager to escalate the latest in a series of incidents with Iran, he also warned: “This country will not stand for it.”

Tehran said the unarmed Global Hawk surveillance drone was on a spy mission over its territory, but Washington said it was shot down over international airspace.

“I think probably Iran made a mistake; I would imagine it was a general, or somebody that made a mistake in shooting that drone down,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

“We had nobody in the drone; it would have made a big difference... Let me tell you, it would have made a big, big difference if the aircraft had been piloted,” Trump said as he met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office.

“It’s hard to believe it was intentional, if you want to know the truth,” he added, saying it could have been carried out by someone who was acting “loose and stupid,” and minimising the incident as “a new wrinkle; a new fly in the

ointment.”

The United States, which called the event an “unprovoked attack” in international airspace, is using economic sanctions to pressure Iran to contain its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and to limit its role in regional wars.

It was the latest in an escalating series of incidents in the Gulf region, a critical artery for global oil supplies, since mid-May, including explosive strikes on six oil tankers.

It was unclear how the United States might respond, and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in Congress, said Washington had no appetite for war with Iran, and should “do everything in our power to de-escalate.”

After a White House briefing for lawmakers, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters he was worried Trump “may bumble into a war” and said he and his

fellow Democrats believed congressional approval was needed to fund any conflict with Iran.

Iran has denied involvement in the tanker attacks, but global jitters about a new Middle East conflagration disrupting oil exports have triggered a jump in crude prices.

Saudi Arabia, Washington’s main Gulf ally, said Iran had created a grave situation with its “aggressive behaviour” and the kingdom was consulting other Gulf Arab states on next steps.

Tensions with Iran flared with Trump’s withdrawal last year from a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, and have worsened as Washington imposed fresh sanctions to throttle Tehran’s vital oil trade. Iran retaliated earlier this week with a threat to breach limits on its nuclear activities imposed by the deal.

Race to No. 10 now down to two

--as Johnson, Hunt fight for British PM job LONDON (Reuters) - Fervent Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson and foreign minister Jeremy Hunt emerged on Thursday as the only two candidates left in the race to become British prime minister, with the flamboyant Johnson odds-on favourite to win next month.

Despite a series of scandals in the past and criticism about his attention to detail, Johnson has dominated the race since Theresa May announced a month ago that she would step down after failing to get her Brexit deal through parliament.

About a dozen candidates put their names forward, but in a fifth and final ballot of Conservative lawmakers, which eliminated Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Johnson was again way out in front with 160 out of 313 votes, versus Hunt’s 77. One ballot paper was rejected.

Whoever wins will have to find a solution to the Brexit turmoil, Britain’s biggest political crisis in a generation, which eluded May for three years and ultimately led to her downfall.

Known for his mop of blonde hair, Johnson, 55, who served as London mayor for eight years, has cast himself as the only candidate who can deliver Brexit on Oct. 31 while fighting off the electoral threats of Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and socialist Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour.

Johnson increased his share of the vote of Conservative lawmakers at each of the ballots: 114 out of 313 votes in the first ballot on June 13, 126 on June 18, 143 on Wednesday, and 157 and 160 on Thursday.

Gove was third with 75. Interior minister Sajid Javid was knocked out in the fourth round earlier on Thursday.

Betting markets gave Johnson a 92 per cent probability of becoming prime minister and Hunt just 7 per cent.

Wednesday June 19, 2019

06 05 01 11 18 24 13

Friday June 14, 2019

C

0, 8, 1 22, 2, 14, 10, 18

4, 9, 4

2, 8, 14, 16, 17

9

15 18 19 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

Skerrit urges regional private sector to get on board LIAT ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday called on the regional private sector and other stakeholders to consider purchasing shares in the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, saying that the company is vital to the continued development of the sub-regional and wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping.

Addressing a news conference following the twoday meeting of leaders of the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Skerrit said it was necessary for regional stakeholders to move beyond mere words regarding the survival of the airline that employs over 600 people and operates 491 flights weekly across 15 destinations.

“I also believe, too, that

my regional colleagues, I have recognised that a couple have played a part, but we need to go beyond that and to consolidate their participation.

“It is not enough to just say, well LIAT is this, LIAT is that. Come to the table. If you are not around the table, it is going to be very difficult for you to influence the decisions. And so if you are party to the negotiations, if you are party to something, then the ideas which you have can very well find themselves turn into decisions.”

Skerrit said the continued complaints about the airline, which has been in existence for the past 38 years, “is not going to solve our problems.

“We just have to close our eyes for a few seconds and appreciate the impact on the way of life of ordinary citizens and businesses in

this region if LIAT were to cease its operations,” he said, noting if when the airline is delayed there are economic consequences”.

“This airline business in this small jurisdiction is very difficult,” he said, noting that even the big airlines in the United States do file for bankruptcy.

“You think they file for bankruptcy because it is a fashion. No the airline business as far as I have been told and as far as I read is a very very difficult enterprise,” he said, adding that the airline faces much wear and tear given the short distances between the various destinations.

“I think the regional private sector needs to join forces with the governments and all of us in the region need to join forces,” he added.

Earlier, Antigua and Bar-

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will discuss the sale of Scotiabank in the sub-region amid suggestions that governments of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are prepared to pool their resources to acquire the branches of the financial institution up for sale.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, who is also the chairman of the nine-member OECS grouping, told a news conference that the sale of Scotiabank will be an issue that will be discussed at the next meeting of the Council. He did not indicate when that meeting will be held.

“It is an issue that we intend to raise at the Monetary Council at the next meeting… and to try and get a consensus within the OECS as to whether or not we should conjoin and purchase the branches of Scotia,” he said following the two-day meeting of the OECS leaders here.

“I would have outlined the opportunities by so doing,” he added.

Last November, the Trinidad-based Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) announced that it was seeking to acquire Scotiabank operations in several Caribbean countries.

Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana had initially expressed reservations about the proposed acquisition, with St. John’s

indicating that it would not be issuing a vesting order to facilitate the move.

The RFHL statement said that the banks being acquired are located in Guyana, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It said that the purchase price is US$123M, which represents US$25M consideration for total shareholding of Scotiabank Anguilla Limited; and a premium of US$98M over net asset value for operations in the remaining eight countries.

Antigua and Barbuda has said that it wants assurances that local banks will be given priority to purchase Scotiabank’s operations on the island and that local persons’ investments and savings will be protected.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit told reporters that “up to this moment Scotiabank has not yet gotten back to the respective governments in respect to the final approvals required for this acquisition to be consummated.

“We will have a more indepth and focus discussion on this matter at the Monetary Council where it is better placed as opposed to the OECS Authority. But we are keen to discuss this matter.

“Obviously our interest is to ensure that in all actions taken by the various stakeholders, the governments themselves,

we always want to ensure that the best interest, first and foremost of our citizens and residents are protected and therefore we would need to have a role to play in assuring that this protected at all reasonable costs,” Skerrit added.

He said he wanted to make it clear that ‘there’s “no opposition to private transactions or the free economy. It is ensuring that the interest of our citizens and the interest of our countries are assured and protected.

‘That is the fundamental responsibility of a government and one must not allow … political ramblings in our countries to set aside that very lofty responsibility,” he said.

Last December, the ECCB, which serves as a central bank for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis and Montserrat urged citizens of and residents in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to remain calm, following the announcement of the sale by Scotiabank.

In a statement, the ECCB said then that it received an application from Republic Financial Holdings, “seeking regulatory approval to acquire the Bank of Nova Scotia’s operations and businesses in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU),” and that it has since commenced a review of this application, pursuant to the Banking Act.

buda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that while his country is soon to start negotiations with Barbados to purchase its shares in the airline, the idea is still for other countries to acquire shares and help ensure the survival of the airline.

He said he would be speaking with the Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Andrew Fahie and “we have others who we are having discussions with.

“As you know Dominica is already a shareholder and what we are trying to do here is to broaden the participation in LIAT so that LIAT would function as a truly regional institution not to be dominated by any one country.

“We are in a situation where we have offered to take over, if not all, a significant majority of the debts of Barbados and it is not a

share grab on the part of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, making reference to the fact that Bridgetown said it was having financial difficulties given the situation with its economy and having to enter into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Antigua and Barbuda currently holds 34 per cent of the shares and if it succeeds in convincing Bridgetown to part with its LIAT shares, would have 81 per cent of the airline.

The other shareholder governments are Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

Browne told reporters that if Barbados was allowed to go ahead with its original proposal “in which we sell the planes and pay off those debts” to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

“then it would place LIAT in an even more precarious position.

“LIAT would then have to lease three additional planes at a cost of about half a million US dollars a month or alternatively down size and there is no such thing as a successful shrinking institution.

“I mean LIAT has had problem serving the region with 10 planes and if they have to downsize to seven, clearly it would create a fundamental problem. So we then decided to hold discussions with the government of Barbados to acquire their shares with the understanding that we would then divest those shares to other governments,” he added.

“We are having those discussions and in due course we will notify the public,” Browne said.

Scotiabank sale under discussion

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

Towards free and fair elections

GUYANA is now experiencing what can be described as its most contradictory phase of its modern political life, in terms of long-held and time-honoured principles of governance, being threatened by the politics of dangerous convenience.

Of course, it is quite clear that this would have emanated from the background of the no-confidence motion, intended to remove the David Granger-led coalition, A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.

And since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has just given its final verdict in this seminal constitutional matter that has set the stage for national and regional elections, inevitably the spotlight must now be on the preparations for national

elections, particularly as to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) role in this most important of constitutional exercises.

First, it must be reminded, particularly to those who have since been seeking to change the mandate of this key constitutional body, that it is the only designated institution that is tasked with the sole responsibility of preparation and conduct of the national franchise.

Second, it is only when this electoral body is satisfied that all systems are in place, then it can duly make such a pronouncement, by way of informing the Head/ State/Government as to its readiness. The latter will then inform the nation, and in the process, make the proclamation for a date on which the nation fulfils this important right. Of course, Parliament

will be dissolved.

However, it is the proper preparedness of a particular process – a transparent voter’s list-- that must usher in the exercise of the electoral process which is now the subject of what is definable attempts to subvert its proper creation. Unless for those with political amnesia, it is well known that a properly prepared voters’ list is key to the exercise of national elections that are transparent, credible, free and fair. And this is in accordance with the National Registration Act. It is the sine qua non of every democratic state, since it ensures the right of citizens to become the most integral part of the electoral process, enabling them to choose the government of their choice.

But such an above-board voters’ list can only be deemed as credible if it is subjected

to a periodic sanitisation exercise, of every seven years, in Guyana’s instance, that will not only remove citizens who have become deceased, but also those who would have migrated between electoral exercises, or out of the jurisdiction. This extends crucially to the even more important fact that it will also afford the proper registration of particularly those citizens who had never been registered prior, for such a national franchise process.

It is known that a defected voters’ list – one that is not cleansed, is the type that is descriptively padded, and corrupted, and is a recipe for electoral malpractice, such as multiple voting. This has been the cause of social unrest in other states where such electoral rascality would have been challenged by democratically-minded citizens.

Also, for any electoral list that does not include wouldbe eligible voters, especially those participating in their country’s electoral process for the first time, amounts to an unfair denial of a very important human right–their right of choice.

There are those who, for political expediency and sinister motives, are frantically seeking to thwart the democratic aspirations of not only those thousands of young Guyanese, especially those who have attained the age of franchise eligibility, but which, if allowed to occur, would be a grave travesty of justice to this major category in whose hands the future of this nation belong.

It befuddles the mind, up till now one of the greatest acts of national hypocrisy, for many of those whose voices have been loudest in their

daily talk about upholding the rights of young people, and preparing them for leadership positions, to now be determined in denying this key segment such a sacred right of participation in the electoral process of their beloved country, by exclusion from national registration.

The same line of rational reasoning must also be applied to those who have been known through the decades to sermonise about the need for electoral transparency, not to be aware that it is only a properly prepared electoral list that can deliver free and fair elections, which must not be disputed when final results are declared. This is the process which the coalition government is determined to ensure.

The rights of all are enshrined in the law and all should have equal access to pursue them Dear Editor: NOW that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final recourse to legal justice, has pronounced that Article 106(6) stands and the government has been “defeated” by the no-confidence motion of 21st December 2018, let us turn to look at Article 106(7).

Article 106(7) expressly states that, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the

election.”

Whereas Article 106 (7) stipulates “election within three months,” in the pursuit of exercising a right to legal recourse Guyana is outside of the window. Whereas the Constitution does not stipulate under what condition an extension of this time is possible, Article 106(7) allows for, “such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine…”

The intention of the Constitution is to allow the parties involved to use the parliamentary process to deal with the exigencies and arrive at a decision of mutual satisfaction, in the best interest of all Guyanese.

It remains unfortunate that our political leaders were

unable to return to the National Assembly to arrive at a way forward, particularly since it was recognised that Guyana is absent of conventions and clear guidelines to navigate governance. This includes smooth transition and continued governance after a successful confidence vote. In what appears to be consistent with the Laws of Guyana, the CCJ has issued a Consequential Order for our political leadership to return on Monday, 24th June, with submissions as to how they will proceed in light of the rulings. It is safe to conclude the submissions that will be made will not be political outside of the framework of the law. The course of legal justice continues.

It is important to the discussions of the rulings [that] we recognise these factual points-

i. We are outside the 90day period stipulated in Article 106(6); ii. Elections will be held iii. GECOM has advised [that] the Voters Registration List expired April 2019 iv. Presently, the Opposition and Government differ on how to produce a valid, sanitized Voters List that will ensure no eligible Guyanese is deprived the right to vote v. Absence of a convention or clear guidelines [on] how government functions in the interim between a confidence vote and elections. To ignore them we stand the risk of falling victim to messages that seek to confuse and influence us outside of the realm of truth and reality.

Outside of the outlined there is the issue of the GECOM Chairman which the CCJ ruled the process was flawed and in breach of the

Constitution. The parties are now required to agree on a position how this matter will be resolved in the best interest of having an electoral process that is acceptable to all.

We must note the possibility of agreeing to a Chairman consistent with the law, its spirit and intent.

If the Government and Opposition fail to act in a matured way and arrive at reasonable position, consistent in their deliberation, the CCJ will intervene. Stabroek News, in reporting on the rulings stated, CCJ’s “President Justice Adrian Saunders took pains to say that the two sides should aim to reach consensus but cautioned that in the absence of such, there is room for the court to issue orders” (online edition 18th June, 2019).

The ball is in the citizens’ court to hold the politicians

accountable to the rule, spirit and intent of the law. These must be held paramount.

We cannot pursue partisanship interest in our pursuit to move this country forward. We must proceed in a lawful and orderly manner and not one merely driven by political expediency to satisfy any group or individual. Let us ensure that this period of our history signals a change in continued efforts to navigate around disputes and grievances, recognising legal justice best serves our collective interest of peace and stability. The rights of all are enshrined in the law and all should have equal access to pursue them. Both the Government and Opposition have the right to pursue them.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

The integrity of the Voters’ List is a sine qua non Dear Editor, SO, the CCJ has ruled and the President has said he will respect and abide by its ruling. This is the position of a Statesman.

Already, the Pundits are preaching and pontificating.

One such has asseverated that Elections can be held within 60 days. As one who has been in Election business since we first had Universal Adult Suffrage, to hold General Elections within 60 days is preposterous.

For example, the integrity of the Voters’ List is a sine qua non.

My other worry is that thanks to good PR of the Opposition and others, the impression is being gained that the Coalition is somewhat reluctant and/or afraid of Elections.

To the best of my knowledge, this is not the case.

Some folks are rearing to go and for some of us, the adrenaline is flowing. The President has quite rightly said we need a List of Elec-

tors that is not bloated as of the case of certain recent elections. When the two sides meet, I suggest they appoint some mediator that can help us work out a system that ensures the purity of an Election List of all persons who qualify, 18 and over, at some date to be agreed.

I have heard statements by friends and it appears that our business is everybody business. Maybe, that’s a good thing since we are committed to the concept of the comity of Nations. I, at one

time, referred to a Column in the local media, years ago, by a popular writer, titled ‘Things that bother me.’

What bothers me?

It is the statement made by the Chairman of GECOM printed in the Stabroek News of Wednesday, June 19, 2019, saying he is not sure how to respond to the CCJ ruling.

This is ludicrous and beyond belief, particularly in circumstances where I am aware that even before the CCJ’s ruling, he was advised

to graciously demit office because the writing was on the wall. The existence of this kind of folly and stubbornness is not helpful. Of course, there are other instances.

The President must be reminded that he is Commander-in-Chief and that he should not hesitate (inspite of the Herdmanston – Cummingsburg Accord and other Agreements), that when the nation faces serious challenges, he must summon the boys and girls who have crossed the line of propriety and say

sorry my friend, but the buck stops here and I can’t afford to carry the burden of your presence any longer because a non-negotiable is simply this - Guyana comes first and the efforts for a moral revival, security of the State and the well-being of the people must never be compromised.

Regards Hamilton Green

It will be a sad day for Guyana Dear Editor IT is my firm belief that GECOM is a constitutional body, which is an independent agency that governs itself and, therefore, not even the President of this beautiful land of Guyana has any authority to mandate this agency what to do or should be done.

It is also my firm belief that the judiciary is the same as the above and no one has the authority to mandate this agency what to do because it is an independent body. Therefore, it will be a sad day for Guyana when or if the courts is to mandate GECOM when to hold the elections, knowing it is an independent agency that sets out its own work programmes and timeframe.

It will be a very sad day to see that another independent agency can mandate another independent agency what to do when both are independent agencies that set their own work programmes and time frames.

It is my firm belief that the relevant court of law should allow GECOM, as an independent body, to do its work no matter what. If the court wants to mandate GECOM when to hold or set elections, first they must take into consideration the several breakups of statutory meetings by the opposition commissioners that have severely hindered the work of that agency.

Taking that alone into consideration, the court should not allow themselves to fall into a trap of governing or mandating that independent agency as to what to do or should be done.

Many may then want to say the courts should only advise GECOM on the time frame to work with. But it will be another sad day for Guyana if that is to happen because the court will then mandate an independent agency to work with what it says. I agree that because of the ruling of the CCJ on the no-confidence motion, elections must be held at its earliest, but that is only for GECOM to decide because all parties had already voted earlier for house-to-house registration to start and GECOM is preparing for such.

So we need to allow this independent agency to carry out its work without any interference. While we also need to tell GECOM elections must be held at its earliest.

The debate over the list is uncalled for because it is expired and no party should support anything that is expired because it is no good and will severely hurt us as citizens and as country. Any party who wants to use any corrupt or expired list has no good intention for its people or Guyana at large, but is just hungry and power driven to gain political power at all cost. I call on all

my Guyanese brothers and sisters-- don't allow some to influence you in starting unwanted events that can affect all of us, especially our children who are the future. Let's be united and allow due process to take its course.

I call on all right-thinking Guyanese who want free and fair elections to call on GECOM for such and we can only have such when the expired list is cleansed. I also call on all right-thinking Guyanese who want free and fair elections to call on the PPP’s Presidential Candidate to produce and provide to this nation his original qualifications before he could ask you for your support.

I firmly believe what goes for one goes for all.

We cannot ask GECOM to be fair and free when we have a man who is allegedly using fake degrees to run for President of this land.

So it is my firm and sound belief that if the courts are to mandate GECOM as an independent agency what to do then surely it will be a sad day for Guyana. Things can go anyway -- remember illegal became legal in Guyana, no matter how long you are here illegally, you are still legal when found illegal.

Regards Abel Seetaram

8

ICT revolution ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE friDay, jUNE 21, 2019

From page 2

Minister Cathy Hughes speaks to President Granger about the CEIT in the presence of students (Adrian Narine photo)

to continue over the next five years,” he underscored, lauding the work done by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, in bridging the digital divide.

The President asserted too that for the success of the ICT revolution and the digital state, Guyana needs to possess a reservoir of highly-trained persons who will drive the development of the sector, and who will lay the foundation for the establishment of knowledge-based industries.

These persons must be produced from a re-oriented education system which places greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), he said. As such, he noted that the ICT and education sectors must work in tandem.

The CEIT, which began training in April of this year, is one place where this knowledge and skills in ICT will be cultivated. In fact, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, said in the first two years, the centre is expected to train about 500 professionals from the public sector in various ICT courses.

The centre falls under the aegis of the

President David Granger delivering remarks (Adrian Narine photo) National Data Management Authority (NDMA), and General Manager of the authority, Floyd Levi, shared that the Government of India provided all the necessary hardware to outfit two laboratories and one classroom, reference books, and instructors for the initial two years of operations. In addition to this, five staff from the NDMA will receive training in India to return to Guyana as master trainers.

RIGHT DIRECTION “This CEIT is a step in the right direction,” President Granger said, adding that it is a necessary part of building hu-

man resource capacity by providing specialised ICT training which will, in turn, foster new careers and provide greater opportunities in the ICT sector.

“The digital state will falter unless it benefits from an adequate number of persons trained in ICT,” he said, and on that note, pointed out that India has the experience and expertise to help Guyana develop its ICT manpower.

“The CEIT is another example of India’s continuing support for Guyana’s development,” President Granger said, while adding that this will also form part of the legacy of the outgoing high commissioner.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, presents a token of appreciation to outgoing High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam (Adrian Narine photo)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Don’t hide behind keyboards –– make official complaints against City hospital, Minister Lawrence urges

By Tamica Garnett

MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, said persons who feel they may have been ill-treated at private City hospitals, first have to lodge official complaints in order to get their concerns addressed.

Over the past two weeks, several, mostly anonymous, posts have surfaced and are being circulated on social media site, Facebook, detailing allegations against a private city hospital, as well as against one of the hospital’s doctors.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, the doctor in question challenged the credibility of the complaints on social media, contending they were made by anonymous persons.

“Since most of those quotes don’t have a name I can’t address them. So if they have a genuine complaint they should put their names to it so that we can address it, so that’s the only point I have to make. If somebody is unwilling to put their names it makes you wonder if it’s a genuine complaint,” the doctor posited, in a telephone

interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

She noted that she has since received a lot of outpouring of support from other patients, defending her work as a doctor and her treatment of patients.

“We adhere to all the ministry’s requirements much more than any other hospital. If any patient wishes to come in and see me to discuss any matter they are very welcome to do so; if they don’t wish to put their name to a post, it’s very difficult for me to investigate the matter and see what it was about,” the doctor said.

Lawrence said she has been following the issue but agreed that anonymous complainants are not helpful to the matters raised.

“There have just been comments on Facebook. People have to understand that putting something on Facebook is not making a report.

Many times it’s a third hand information or a fourth hand information and we want to address these situations but we need to get the reports,” Lawrence noted.

“There is the Medical Council, there is the Ministry

of Public Health (MoPH) and if persons feel aggrieved by any institution, I believe they need to make a formal report to the agencies that govern these institutions.

So I just want to say to Guyanese that I see a lot of things on Facebook and if it has to do with health I would follow it up as the minister of health because we want to ensure that we give the best health service, but I cannot say it enough that persons must make a report,” the minister said.

SERIOUS CLAIMS Persons have also claimed to have been barred from seeing doctors and banned from the hospital.

“You have two issues: there you have one where a doctor refuses to treat a patient, a doctor taking the Hippocratic oath, swears to take care of any patient, anywhere, irrespective of who that person is, so when we come to patient-doctor relationship, whatever personal issues you have, you swore to put those things aside, that’s one issue. The other issue in terms of a private hospital

Man gets life for murdering Linden bus driver KERRY Cromwell was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Linden bus driver, Alvin Lorrimer, who was shot and killed during a robbery in 2016.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.

Last month, a 12-member mixed jury had found Cromwell guilty of murdering Lorrimer on March 21, 2016 on the Linden Bus Park, Georgetown. Senior Counsel Stanley Moore represented Cromwell while prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Tuanna Hardy represented the State.

When the matter was called on Thursday morning, a probation report was tendered in court in favour of Cromwell before sentencing.

In mitigation, Cromwell’s attorney told the court that his client is the father of two and comes from an underprivileged community.

Prosecutor Gibbs, in addressing the court, explained that Lorrimer was a loving father and a caring husband and his death had traumatised his wife. The deceased was the sole breadwinner and his death left the family facing financial constraints.

Gibbs also told the court that Cromwell is no stranger to the count since he was charged for possession of narcotics and escaping from the Lusignan Prison in 2017.”

I ain’t kill nobody, I’m innocent. I ain’t know what these people talking about,” Cromwell told the court as he maintained his innocence.

The defendant pleaded with the court for mercy since he is the father of two minor children. Justice Singh reminded Cromwell that Lorrimer was also a father, whom he shot and killed. In handing down his sentence, Justice Singh took into consideration that Lorrimer was killed during a robbery and a

gun was used. Cromwell will become eligible for parole after serving 50 years.

The Cromwell family, upon hearing the sentencing, ran out of court and began crying loudly. According to reports, Lorrimer was shot while he was standing outside his bus at the Linden bus park in the city, seeking passengers; Cromwell was seen by an eyewitness as the shooter.

Lorrimer was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and later succumbed to his injuries.

During the trial, the eyewitness, who is a policeman, testified and confirmed that Cromwell was indeed the shooter.

The policeman testified that he was standing in the compound of Parliament Buildings and that he saw when Cromwell approached Lorrimer, shot him, and escaped on a waiting CG motorcycle.

refusing to treat a person is one that I don’t want to comment on because I don’t think I have all of the details on whether it is treated like any other private institution, so that is something I want to withhold commenting on,” Lawrence said.

At least one young woman, Joanne Nurse, who claims her baby died at the hospital on June 1, said she has approached a lawyer and is in discussions to sue the hospital. She claimed her child died because she was advised by the doctor to induce labour when she was just 37 weeks pregnant.

“They tell me to go outside and buy a coke and

drink it and come in to test the baby heart. They said the coke is to help with the baby heartbeat but then she take the blood test. I told her is the coke that they give me to drink make the blood sugar go up and she still get me frightened,” Nurse said in tears.

She added: “Right now I’m hurt because so long I was waiting to get this baby and I did everything and they could’ve waited ‘til he reached the 40 weeks.

They could’ve allowed the baby to reach full-term.

I left with the pain now and no baby. It hurtful because I don’t know what else to do.”

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE friDay, jUNE 21, 2019

Winiperu village to get help … residents heartened at first ever visit by sitting gov’t ministers

By Lisa Hamilton

RESIDENTS of Winiperu, the small riverine community in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), have been assured that the government is well aware of their existence, and is working to transform them into a self-sufficient community.

Visiting the village on Wednesday, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings were told by Natasha Lowenfield, a resident, that in her 15 years living in the village, it was the first time that ministers has ever paid it a visit.

Gathering at a villager’s residence, the Bennet Shop, the minsters spoke directly to residents and were able to set in motion plans and ideas to improve communication, electricity, water and finance-related problems.

Between 150 to 300 per-

Winiperu residents take a photograph with the ministers following the meeting (Delano Williams photo) sons live in the village, with the majority of them being employed in a logging company in the area. Some of the company’s employees who live in the village away from their families, requested an improvement in the area’s cell phone connectivity so they can not only communicate with their relatives, but also

access government services.

Another resident, one Lawrence Williams, stated that transportation in the village is affecting access to emergency care, and there is limited staff at the community health post. Standing to speak, too, was Community Health Worker at the post, Ryan Joseph, who informed

the minister that the facility is currently utilising lamps to see at nights due to an issue with the solar panel’s battery.

Resident at the meeting requested swift “action” to fix the issues, and suggested that a river ambulance be provided for emergencies. “I think an ambulance and the transportation is very important. Being a medical doctor, when we look at some of the maternal mortality or even neonatal mortality, it has to do with delays; a delay in transportation; access to the facility,” Minister Cummings said in response.

“We want to improve in that area, and so…I’m going to follow up that personally with the Region to see what systems can be put in place,” she said.

Minister Cummings also informed the residents that interested persons with three or five CXC subjects can be trained to work at the health post in their communities as a means of giving back.

BATTERY FOR SOLAR PANEL Minister Patterson committed to supplying a battery for the solar panel at the health post shortly, while he committed to speaking directly with the Minister of Public Telecommunication about improving the signal in the village.

One Fedal Garraway had suggested that the government set up a solar farm in the village, as community residents would be only too willing to pay for the service monthly to ensure its longevity.

Minister Patterson noted that the easiest part of that suggestion is acquiring the solar farm, but connectivity will pose an issue due to how sparsely they are spread out.

“I must admit that we have never looked at [a solar farm] for Winiperu, but it’s something that can be explored,” he said.

At the meeting, there were also issues raised related to the

collection of pensions,which is also affected by transportation; access to the village’s river landing; and the need for computers at the village’s primary and nursery schools.

“I am quite distressed to hear about the pensioners, and I will raise this as an urgency,” Minister Patterson said, even as Minister Cummings took note that placement of a paymaster may be the best option.

Regarding access to the river-front, Minister Patterson said he will ask the Ministry of Natural Resources to relocate the access way and clear a path to do so. Other residents brought forward issues relating to accessing birth certificates and other documents which the ministers referred to as “hanging fruits” that can definitely be addressed.

CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE At the outreach, the ministers also took the opportunity to remind Winiperu residents that with elections now fast approaching, they must decide which group of leaders is best suited to lead them into Guyana’s prosperous future. Minister Patterson said that while members of the Opposition may very well roll into their region soon as a part of their political campaign, residents must be not be swayed by idle promises which were not fulfilled in their 23 years in government.

“We have a vision. People will come and tell you all sorts of bad things about this government. And that’s politics,” Minister Patterson said. “But when they come, I would like you to ask them: ‘What is your vision?’ We had four years, and they had 23 years, and a minister never came here.”

Residents couldn’t agree more when he said that “big thinkers” are needed to move the country forward, and not on a selective basis, but so that all Guyanese, no matter where they reside, can benefit.

As he reminded his audience, under the rule of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Guyana was deemed a ‘narco state’, a state of affairs that is now being significantly improved and reversed under the present government.

He said that after such a tainted past, people like Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo are seeking to professionally “make over” themselves as more appealing to the public. In comparison, Patterson described President David Granger as a leader “grounded in discipline” who will not allow anything

ill to befall the people of his country.

BETTER TOGETHER Meanwhile, Minister Cummings told residents that millions of dollars have been injected into the Region for projects in education, health, infrastructure and more, and that the government wants to continue doing so.

However, to achieve this, she told them that they must redouble their efforts to support the Coalition for a landslide victory in the upcoming elections.

“Now more than ever we need to work together for the good of our community and our country,” Dr Cummings said. She also urged Winiperuans to rally together to place greater emphasis on meaningful community organising techniques in their leadership structures and at the level of Party.

Among some of the projects she described as being transformative to the Region were a new CT Scanner at the Bartica Hospital; roads in housing schemes network refurbished to the tune of $11M; the construction of the Kamara Bridge to the tune of $6M; the $3M upgrade of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) section of the Bartica Hospital; and the completion of the Primary School in Parima to the tune of $28M. “After suffering 23 years of the PPP’s underdevelopment and oppressive governance, we brought a change, comrades. We brought a new lease on life, so to speak, to this beautiful country of ours,” she stated, adding: “The time has come for all of us to put aside our petty personalities and differences and work together.

We must go out there and tell our story, and be as persuasive as we can so that we can convert those who do not recognise or realise that our government is the right government to take care of Guyana.”

Following the interactive session, long-time resident, Natasha Lowenfield, who had initially noted that the ministers’ visit was much appreciated, said on behalf of her fellow villagers, “We’re very thankful for what you’re doing here today, and we’re looking forward for your support in the future.”

Before leaving Minister Cummings also paid a visit to the Winiperu Primary and Nursery Schools to examine their needs and to encourage the pupils and teachers while Minister Patterson visited the health post.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Ghana, IMF to provide assistance to operationalise NRF

GUYANA’S Natural Resource Fund (NRF) will be operationalised well in advance of ‘first oil’ in 2020, as the Ministry of Finance is in the process of engaging international experts to assist in this regard.

Plans are in the pipeline for this assistance to come from Ghana and from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This was an update provided by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on Tuesday.

In an earlier interview with the Guyana Chronicle in March, the Minister had

indicated that the process to operationalise the Fund was to implement the Act and set up the committees mandated by the legislation. These include the Macro-Investment Committee and the Public Oversight Committee (POC); the latter will examine proposals to manage the fund’s resources. The POC is slated to be the largest body with 22 members, representing a wide cross-section of society including individuals representing the interest of women, civil society, trade unions and youths.

“We are trying to get an

expert out of Ghana who serves on a similar committee, the Public Interest Committee,” Jordan explained. “…some of the representatives on that committee [to be formed in Guyana] would pose some problems in terms of who would be the nominee for youth, for women, for civil society. There’s no particular women’s group or youth group that you can point to so they have to get maybe some examples of how Ghana did theirs.”

Letters are still being sent to various groups which would be represented on the

Cyclist struck down at Vryheid’s Lust succumbs A PEDAL cyclist, who was rendered unconscious after he was struck down by a motor car on May 25, 2019, has succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday.

Ramlackhan Rup, 57, of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was struck down along the Vryheid’s Lust Railway Embankment Road, ECD, by motor car PRR 7815, allegedly driven by a soldier.

Ramlackhan was towing a friend at

the time of the accident. The friend suffered minor injuries.

Reports are that on the day in question, the two were riding along the roadway when they were knocked off the bicycle by the motor car.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the vehicle and it was discovered that his alcohol intake was above the legal limit.

Police are investigating the accident.

committee, inviting them to have sensitisation sessions at a future date. The Finance Minister stated that once the Ghanaian expert/s arrive, the government will seek to host a major workshop, perhaps in September 2019, which would see the attendance of all requisite stakeholders.

Earlier in May, the Ministry of Finance met with private sector and the Guyana Bankers Association to collect input from involved parties and inform them of a timetable for operationalistion. While the Opposition was also invited to the meeting, Jordan relayed that they were a no-show. Nonetheless, he stated: “We will continue unabated where this is concerned. As you can see, in the concluding statement [of the Interna-

tional Monetary Fund] we were given kudos for passing the legislation [and] for the strength of the legislation that we have passed and believe that it will stand the test of time and we should have that legislation operationalised well in advance of first oil,” he said.

Added to this, Jordan told the newspaper that Deputy Division Chief in the Caribbean division at the IMF, Arnold McIntyre, who recently visited Guyana had offered to bring an expert to the country or come himself to assist with education in this regard.

“We’re thinking even of broadening the participation to other sectors so we have one grand meeting that can have the benefit of the expertise from Ghana and

the International Fund,” Jordan said.

This weekend, Jordan will be heading off to Malta for a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) meeting hosted by the Commonwealth where he will seek out further assistance to operationalise Guyana’s NRF. In addition, three technical officers from the Ministry will be heading to London this weekend for a workshop on Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) They will also be speaking with the Commonwealth Secretariat for additional assistance.

The Act governing Guyana’s NRF was assented to on January 23, 2019 by President David Granger and will aid significantly in managing the country’s natural resource wealth.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE friDay, jUNE 21, 2019

Jagdeo says ready for new talks on GECOM Chair OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, said he can have a list of candidates for the post of GECOM chair ready in a matter of hours, consistent with the judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Jagdeo gave the assurance in response to President David Granger writing him to re-initiate the process of appointing

a new GECOM chairman.

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.

Jagdeo said at his press conference, on Thursday,

that the process of appointing Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as chairman of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was flawed as ruled by the CCJ and his post is now unconstitutional and there has to be a replacement as soon as possible.

“Elections have to be held in three months from the date of the CCJ ruling; we can only follow the

law,” Jagdeo said. The CCJ will make a number of consequential orders on Monday, in part with respect to the appointment of a new GECOM chairman; however, it has asked the parties to arrive at a consensus ahead of those orders.

“The current list of voters, updated consistent with the Representation of the People’s Act can be used to facilitate those elections within three months...”

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

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo ana 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 set 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 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, its appointed commissioners on the Elections Commission 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 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 houseto-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

President David Granger 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 ‘Official 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 houseto-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-tohouse 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.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Letter inviting Jagdeo for talks dispatched … Harmon says clear agenda required for meeting

PRESIDENT David Granger and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo will meet to initiate discussion on the appointment of a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and other issues of national interest stemming from the June 18 Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) landmark judgments, but that meeting will occur at their convenience.

This is according to the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. On the sideline of a commissioning ceremony at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus on Thursday, Harmon told reporters that a letter would be dispatched to the Opposition Leader later that day.

It is not likely that the high-level meeting between the President and the Opposition Leader would take place before Monday when the CCJ will make a number of consequential orders intended to guide Guyana as it prepares for early elections in light of the passage of the controversial No-Confidence Motion.

“The President has always said that he remains open to engagements with the Leader of the Opposition as it relates to developments within our country, and this certainly is an opportunity for the two of them to meet.

Certainly, it would have to be at the convenience of both parties, and a letter to that extent will be delivered or dispatched to the Leader of the Opposition later on in the day,” the Ministry’s Director General told reporters.

While the judgments on the No-Confidence Motion and the appointment of the GECOM Chairman were discussed when Cabinet met on Tuesday, Harmon said it is important to have a clear understanding of the rulings and their consequences.

“We have had a discussion on it but of course the consequential orders will elaborate on the preliminary orders that were given, and so it is important that we understand clearly the true thinking of the CCJ in these elaborations that would take place,” he explained.

It was noted too that while the leaders will meet, a clear agenda is required.

has made it clear that he is prepared to meet, and will invite the Opposition Leader to a meeting. He reiterated, however, that the meeting is dependent on their availability.

On Wednesday, President Granger told reporters that he will write the Op-

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon “The President and the an order from the CCJ to Leader of the Opposition tell us that we should meet, will meet, but they have to we have been meeting and have a very clear agenda…,” we will continue to meet,” Harmon posited while reit- Harmon stated. erating President Granger’s He added: “Monday’s position that he remains order does not set a timecommitted to having en- frame for the Leaders of gagements and dialogue our country to meet. Our with the Opposition Leader. leaders will meet at their He said the leaders have convenience, when it is conmet in the past, and will venient for them to meet but continue to do so. at all times what we have “As a nation, we don’t said as Government, is that have to wait on the CCJ to the door remains open for tell us to meet. We have our leaders to meet.” been meeting before the Harmon said the OpCCJ, before we went to the position Leader requests a CCJ, we have always met… meeting, Government will We don’t have to wait on accept but the President

position Leader this week to re-initiate the process of appointing a new chairman of the GECOM in light of the CCJ’s decision that the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, Chairman of GECOM was flawed.

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.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

50,000 more smart meters to be installed in two years – GPL loss reduction director

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL), over the next two years, will install a total of 50,000 more smart meters, allowing for reading to be done remotely and

helping the company to cut down on operational costs.

This is according to GPL’s Divisional Director of Loss Reduction, Parsram Persaud, who was at the time speaking

at a Public Utilities Commission (PUC) meeting with GPL to review the 2018 Operating Standards and Performance Targets of the state-owned power company on Thursday.

The meeting was held at Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Georgetown.

The divisional director noted that at the end of 2018, the company installed 30,000 smart meters.

He explained that the new system uses distribution boxes and insulated wires to minimise the instances of illegal connection that cause disruptions to the power distribution network.

This, he said also allows smart meters to reflect more accurate readings without the need to visit a consumer’s premises.

Further, Persaud noted that the new smart meter system was designed by a reputable company in US. He also noted that a field audit will account for all persons using GPL systems legally and illegally.

The upgrade is being funded through a grant from the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and works are executed by China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation/China

GPL Loss Reduction Divisional Director, Parsram Persaud Synergy Electric Engineering Company (CMC/CSEEC) and Ramoutar and Sons Contracting Services.

The PUC is concerned about the billions of dollars in losses being suffered by GPL due to electricity theft

and network issues.

To underscore the gravity of this matter, the commission had highlighted in its latest report that the entity has lost close to US$450M since its inauguration in 1999.

8,000 cannabis plants destroyed in Ituni backlands

By Vanessa Braithwaite RANKS of ‘E’ Division on Wednesday morning destroyed approximately 8,000 cannabis plants on a farm located at Five Miles Backdam, Ituni Trail. A number of ranks from the Mackenzie Police Station, acting on information, went into the hinterland area and conducted a narcotics eradication exercise.

The ranks discovered a marijuana farm estimated to be about three acres. The farm had about 8,000 cannabis plants ranging from two to five feet which is equivalent 13.5 kilogrammes. They also discovered about 13.6 kilogrammes of dried cannabis plants.

A make-shift camp was also part of the dis-

covery. The ranks destroyed all the plants and dried cannabis by fire and the grid location was recorded. No arrest was made.

This is the 16th marijuana eradication exercise that occurred in Region 10 for 2019.

He said that marijuana cultivators are becoming braver in the division, since discoveries are being made closer to inhabited lands. Commander of ‘E’ Division, Linden Lord, agreed that the division continues to battle with this category of crime but ranks will continue to be proactive in keeping their ears to the ground to receive intelligence-led information as well as remaining active and vigilant in not only Linden but outlying areas, where the fields are normally discovered.

The marijuana fields that were destroyed in Ituni

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

IMF statement nailed lies of naysayers – Jordan MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, says that International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission statement validating Guyana’s economy as growing and on track for major development is a nail in the coffin of naysayers.

On Tuesday, the Finance Minister told the newspaper that for some time, naysayers have been peddling a “doom and gloom” message about the performance of Guyana’s economy but proof of significant improvements under the coalition government is now visible to all.

Following a visit to Guyana from June 3-14, an IMF Staff team released a detailed statement which indicated that economic growth in Guyana strengthened in 2018 while a 4.4 per

cent real economic growth is predicted for 2019. The team commended Guyana for setting its Natural Resource Fund (NRF) into motion and anticipated that greater revenues, which will come to the economy in 2020, can be better managed through the Fund.

Speaking on the sidelines of a government outreach to Bartica, the Minister stated: “If they didn’t want to hear it from the government, you heard it from a credible, independent institution that Guyana’s economy is being well managed and on track for ‘first oil’ and our citizens can expect tremendous benefits going forward using the oil proceeds so that it will benefit not just a small cabal --- that had happened even when we

didn’t have oil --- but all the citizens of Guyana.

Jordan said that while some continue cry out about “political uncertainty”, these are the same groups of individuals that have been benefitting from an enormous upsurge in activity over the last 18-24 months. These realities, he stated, are not just a pat on the back for Guyana but they will send a signal to investors far and wide that Guyana’s economy is ripe for investment.

“You certainly can’t hide statistics from international institutions like the IMF and when they give you a stamp of approval it is taken by all donors to be the truth and from there flow investments; the international community will take note of this positive,”

he said.

The Finance Minister noted that the IMF statement also pointed out areas, such as ring-fencing, in which the government must improve.

The IMF had highlighted that Guyana does not have ring-fencing arrangement for the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which could potentially affect the projected flow of government oil revenues.

In the statement, the IMF noted that local authorities are interested and working to implement clearer ring-fencing

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan speaks on the implications of the positive International Monetary Fund (IMF) Report on Guyana’s economy (Delano Williams) rules. “We are moving fairly quickly to close that loophole. The horse might have bolted but we can see to what extent the damage can be minimised,” he said.

He added that a $20M concessionary loan to Guyana from the World Bank

will be utilised to recruit a range of experts in a variety of areas who will come on board in the next months.

Jordan assured: “By ‘first oil’, March 2020, we should be in a better positon than we are in presently to manage our oil resources

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

Barticians passionate about new registration

By Tamica Garnett WITH the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) this week ruling that the December 21 no-confidence motion against government was validly passed, and the country is gearing up for early elections, attention has now shifted to discussions over the need for countrywide houseto-house registration to create a new voters’ list for elections.

President David Granger has since affirmed his commitment to house-to-house registration and calling elec-

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.

“I am committed to credible elections. We are committed to house-to-house registration. The old list is invalid, it is expired, and it is corrupted,” the President noted. Maintaining that having fair, free and credible elections is of im-

“The house-to-house registration is a way of finding out about persons who are deceased and will be taken off the list and new ones added,” – Bartica businessman, Michael Dos Santos tions based on the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Elections Commission is

portance 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’ and added to the situation, several persons who are not on the old list, would’ve since attained the

dith David-Blair is concerned about the credibility of election with a padded voters’ list. “My concern is this: regardless of what the CCJ said the list expired in April and we cannot go to election with a padded list or a list

Businessman Michael Dos Santos (left) and his wife

age of 18 are eligible to vote.

In the township of Bartica, several residents agree.

“Once we have the houseto-house registration I would go with anything. If is elections just like that and no house-to-house to me it ain’t right. I have children who would have to vote this time who didn’t get to vote last time and if there isn’t any registration well then they can’t vote,” stressed 49-yearold Vanis Livan, a mother of 11 children.

Fifty-eight-year-old Ju-

that is not right. What the CCJ said we respect that but Guyana is a country by itself and we have to ensure our elections is run in a fair democratic transparent way,” David-Blair offered.

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 oppor-

Bartician Judith David-Blair

Bartician, Dawn McCulluch

tunity,” he said. “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.”

The commission has already begun the training of enumerators to carry out the house-to-house registration.

The CCJ is expected to make a number of consequential orders on Monday June 24, 2019 on the way forward.

Barticians will be keenly following as things play out.

“Just like everybody else I’m awaiting the outcome of the 24,” conveyed Michael Dos Santos, a Bartica businessman. “House-to-house registration is always a good thing because it takes five years for an election and within five years you have a number of persons who will

grow to the age of 18 years who are eligible to vote and you would always want an updated voters’ or electorate list to be there. The house-tohouse registration is a way of finding out about persons who are deceased and will be taken off the list and new ones added.’

Also looking forward to house-to-house registration, Dawn McCulluch hopes that the government and the opposition will be able to work together on a way forward. “The CCJ did act in accordance with the law and the constitution and I think it’s only fair we work together to sort out the issues that is in front of us. I really think that’s what we should do,” said the mother of four.

Women trained to use puppetry as tool for social change MERUNDOI, in collaboration with the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO, ended the first phase of “Puppetry: a viable Industry for Social Change” workshop with a simple ceremony last Friday.

The event saw 18 elderly women receiving certificates of participation in puppetry design and performance at the Catholic Life Centre, Brickdam, Georgetown.

The women, who are all over 60 years of age, were drawn from the 60+ blazers seniors club. They took part in a five-day workshop which started on June 10 and ended on June 14.

Equipped with a skill to take them through their twilight years, the women expressed optimism in using their new-found knowledge to provide edutainment for the younger generation and

to become entrepreneurs in the field.

Merundoi collaborated with the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO to roll out the “Puppetry: a viable Industry for Social Change” project in four phases last year. The aim was

to create a puppetry network where people can use the skill as a form of edutainment and also become entrepreneurs.

Executive Director of Merundoi, Margaret Lawrence, in her short address to the gathering, said the first workshop was done with

seniors to propagate oral traditions.

“Because they have so many stories that they could tell and they could share with young people,” she said The other three phases will target councillors and librarians, teachers and dra-

Master puppeteers and facilitators, Michael khan better known as "Ol Man Paapy” addressing the workshop participants

Some of the puppets on display

matists and persons in the performing arts. To this end, Merundoi has collaborated with librarians at the National Library, the Unit of Allied Arts and the National Drama School.

Lawrence said that these groups of people are identified since they are better suited to deal with children who might be vulnerable to abuse and they can use puppetry to get stories of behavioural

change across to them.

Merundoi applied for the puppetry project under UNESCO because of the nature of its work.

“We do radio drama, street theatre and so on; this is another edutainment tool that facilitates skills to tell the stories. It is targeting victims of trafficking-in-persons, vulnerable populations like the seniors etc,” she said.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

18 restaurants signed on to Restaurant Week

By Naomi Marshall PRESIDENT of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, said that Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW) will be a “culinary adventure,” one that you can “explore, eat, and repeat.”

This was said on Thursday at the official opening ceremony of Restaurant Week, which was held at Herdmanston’s Lodge. Some 18 restaurants will be providing a fine dining experience for Guyanese and tourists, as Guyana hosts its sixth year of Restaurant Week.

This is the first Restaurant Week of 2019.

Guyana Restaurant Week is usually held twice per year, since it’s commencement in November 2014. The next season of Restaurant Week will be in November 2019, of which 30 restaurants are scheduled to participate.

For the week, 18 participating restaurants would have their meals listed at a fixed price.

Lunch at any of the restaurants is $2,500 and dinner is either $4000 or $5,000.

In his feature address, Ramkumar said that standards have been placed on restaurants in order to encourage domestic tourism. This includes that lunch must be a twocourse meal, while dinner must be a three-course meal.

Carla Chandra, Deputy Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), stated that Restaurant Week has had great success over the years, which is why it continues to be an anticipated event on the tourism calendar that showcases Guyanese culture and cuisine. Chandra noted that the event is a perfect opportunity for one to enjoy great prices at their favourite restaurants and to even discover new ones.

“Enjoy all the foods that our talented chefs in Guyana have prepared for you during this Restaurant Week,” she implored.

Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and will be offering multicourse signature lunch and dinner menus, catering for everyone and their taste buds.

According to Chan-

dra, the GTA is presently working with event managers to implement ‘green’ event practices in an attempt to mitigate the environmental impact associated with events such as GRW. She added: “we started this with Guyana Carnival and it is our plan to continue to do so with signature events.”

Participating restaurants have been asked to use biodegradable boxes and paper bags when patrons would like to take away their food. If dining, patrons will only be offered a plastic straw upon request. Chandra indicated that the feedback of patrons is important “because we want to be able to improve services over time so we look forward to receiving your feedback.”

Participating restaurants of Restaurant Week are, Aagman Restaurant, Antonio's Grille, Bistro Cafe and Bar, Cafe Bellvana, Grand Coastal Hotel, Hibiscus Restaurant, El Dorado Italiano, Pegasus Hotel Guyana, Java Coffee Bar, New Thriving Restaurant, OMG! Restaurant, Sucre Restaurant, Herdmanston Lodge, Terra Mare, Guyana Marriott Hotel, The Duke, Roraima Duke Lodge, The Vintage Wine Bar and Lounge, Windjammer Restaurant, Xie Xie, Beach Specialties, Caribbean Inn and Park Vue Restaurant.

Guyana Restaurant Week will run from June 21 to June 30, 2019.

Meanwhile, President of the THAG, in response to a question posed, explained that Restaurant Week is opened to all restaurants providing that they meet the minimum standards including being a licensed restau rant, having a food handling certificate and a sanitation certificate.

“We want to ensure that the standards are there to provide that fine dining experience. We are not excluding any one; we want to be as inclusive as possible so we would help you to work to get the standard,” he explained.

L-r: Mitra Ramkumar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana; Carla Chandra, Deputy Director of Guyana Tourism Authority and Treina Butts, Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (Adrian Narine’s photo)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

GuySuCo eyes 50,000 tonnes of white sugar by 2021 …join Belize, SAC in regional search for markets

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) in collaboration with Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL) and the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC), has commenced a Joint-Work Programme to engage critical stakeholders on both brown and white sugars, as well as related trade matters in the Caribbean Region.

An essential aspect of this collaboration is the protection of the local and regional sugar market and advancement and creation of additional market opportunities, GuySuCo said in a statement on Thursday. Representatives from GuySuCo met on Wednesday with officers from the Foreign Trade Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions at the meeting centered on GuySuCo’s Strategic Plan 2019 -2021 and beyond; value-added products such as, white sugar, co-generation and cultural heritage (sugar) tourism and strengthening the working relationship with the Foreign Trade Department, the statement read.

Under the value-added

From left: Mr. Sherwin Naughton, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – Coordinator; Ms. Cindy Sauers, Foreign Service Officer, Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED); Ms. Bevon McDonald, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Foreign Trade Department; Ms. Kerrlene Wills, Legal Officer and Mr. Lidon Charles, Foreign Service Officer – Legal Issues

aspect, white sugar (Plantation white) was specifically discussed. GuySuCo is aiming to develop the capacity to produce over 50,000 tonnes of white sugar by the end of 2021 or early 2022. This will be done at the Albion Estate and the factory will be reconfigured with the flexibility to produce both brown and white sugar. The local market consumption for white sugar is approximately 20,000 tonnes and the corporation intends to meet all or most of the local market requirements.

The Foreign Service Officers were informed that annually, GuySuCo supplies the local market with 25,000 tonnes of brown sugar, the regional market with about 30,000 tonnes, the United States of America Market with 12,000 -14,000 tonnes under the Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) and the remainder is sold mostly on the European Market at World Market prices which fluctuates between US$260 - $300.

With the production of white sugar, GuySuCo will be able to meet the demand

on the local market and part of the regional market. The application of the Common External Tariff (CET) was also a key aspect of the discussion. Currently, there is a 40 per cent CET that is applied by CARICOM Member States for non-regional brown sugar, however, GuySuCo, Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL) and other sugar producing countries in the Region, have proposed for the 40 per cent CET to be applied to all sugar entering the Region, inclusive of white and brown sugars.

Another sore point for GuySuCo has been the strength of enforcement of the CET by the relevant authorities, such as Customs Departments by ensuring that proper classification for sugars entering Guyana and the Region is done. Representatives from the Foreign Trade Department, provided invaluable advice and information on the ministry’s efforts in areas of ‘Dumping’, current process of revision of the CET, widening partnerships and the corporation aligning its products with

trade agreements.

The Foreign Service Officers also indicated that assistance could be provided to GuySuCo with identifying solutions for bottlenecks in the marketing of sugar with other Caribbean countries. The general aim of this initiative on the ‘Partnership and Awareness Building Programme on Direct Consumption White Sugar’, is to engage more strategically with key local and regional stakeholders; increase confidence in the regional sugar industry and promote its significance to economic, social and environmental development, locally and regionally. The next steps would be engaging representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority, Customs Department. Other meetings will be held with the CARICOM Secretariat, Bureau of Standards, Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturing Association, as well as manufacturers such as, Banks DIH Limited, Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) and Fernandes in Suriname.

Spiritualist remanded on rape charge Youth in court for attempting A SELF-PROCLAIMED spiritualist, who allegedly raped a 23-yearold woman whom he claimed had a bad omen in her, was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, after making an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Dion Liverpool of Mackenzie, Linden was not required to plead to the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Liverpool on June 2, 2019, at Linden, engaged in sexual penetration with the woman. The matter was heard in camera and Liverpool was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for June 26, 2019.

According to police reports, Liverpool and another man went to the victim’s home to give her a ‘spiritual bath’ because he surmised that she had a bad omen on her. It is alleged that when the men arrived at the home, Liverpool pulled out a deck of cards and told the woman to pick one and place it on part of her body. The victim complied and when she took the cards out, Liverpool showed her two beetles, which he claimed came out

to murder stepfather

Dion Liverpool

of her body.

It is alleged that Liverpool told the woman that the insects are a sign that something bad was going to happen to her. A few minutes later, Liverpool forced himself onto the victim and raped her without using protection, which he claimed would release the bad omen. His friend, also allegedly raped the woman. The woman became fearful and reported the matter to the police and Liverpool was arrested.

The police are still on the hunt for his co-accused.

A 22-year-old man, who is accused of stabbing his stepfather, was on Thursday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an attempted murder charge.

Joel Persaud, a welder of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Persaud, on June 16, 2019, at Little Diamond, with intent to commit murder, wounded his stepfather, George Jones. In court on Thursday, Persaud explained that he was at home eating when his stepfather approached him from behind with a cutlass and dealt him several chops about his back. However, according to the police statement which was read in court by Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in

Joel Persaud at court on Thursday

question, Persaud had asked his mother for some food and became abusive when the woman refused.

Jones intervened and an argument ensued. It is alleged that Persaud became annoyed, armed himself with a sharp object and stabbed his step- father about his body. The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where his condition is listed as critical.

Prosecutor Mansfield also told the court that based on police investigation, it is alleged that Persaud sustained his injures after he scaled his neighbour’s fence which had spikes on it, following the incident.

The Chief Magistrate refused Persaud bail and remanded him to prison until July 8, 2019.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Some 200,000 incorrect entries on Voters’ list … Essequibo residents up pressure for house-to-house registration

By Indrawattie Natram WITH the voters’ list reportedly containing some 200,000 incorrect entries, scores of Essequibo residents, on Thursday, protested in front of the Guyana Elections Commission, Region Two office, as part of a national call for House-to-House Registration before the holding of the impending general elections.

The protest was led by the PNC/R Regional Chairman, Prince Holder, accompanied by other supporters and even some residents.

Chanting “We want Houseto-House registration or else no Elections” protesters kept up a lively chant in front of the GECOM office.

the picket line. Residents are therefore calling on GECOM to cleanse the list and to ensure the names of young voters are included on it. Some of the slogans on the placards read: “GECOM, the present list is no good,’ ‘We need a new voters’ list;” “houseto-house registration before Elections.

President David Granger, earlier this week, said it is now clear that the Guyanese people need certainty about the future and a way forward. “I want to outline a clear path. It is essential that we hold fair, free and credible elections. We cannot proceed on the current list of voters. It is outdated and corrupted. It may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect

has previously informed me that the Commission will be ready to hold elections in November 2019. This will be after the completion of house-to-house registration.

I now await a recommendation for a specific date from GECOM and I will then issue a proclamation.”

He noted that the country will be heading to the polls and there is going to be a crucial choice for our citizens. “A choice to decide the future of our country and, most importantly, the future with regard to jobs, living standards, and education for our children,” President Granger said.

He alluded to the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Guyana in which the fund

The protesters kept up a lively chant during their demonstration According to Holder, many Essequibians are calling for the registration process to commence before the hosting of elections. He said a lot of young people want to be able to vote at the upcoming elections but are not on the list. “The house-to-house registration will allow persons to be part of the electoral process, it’s only fair that we register persons who want to be a part of such,” Holder told the Guyana Chronicle on

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

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

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

indicated that the government was on the right path in respect to management of Guyana’s oil resources.

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

Protestors standing in front of GECOM’s Anna Regina Office

A section of the protesters

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

‘Family Matters’ programme making impact –– high risk behaviour in families significantly reduced

SINCE the implementation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) pilot programme Family Matters in 2017, high risk behaviours in families from several communities have significantly reduced.

This was revealed by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Administration, Ministry of Social Protection, Shelton Daniels at a Fam-

ily matters: Sustainability Planning Workshop. The forum on Thursday held at the Regency Suites Hotel was attended by various department heads of the ministry, USAID/CFYR officials and other stakeholders.

The CFYR Family Matters programme applies a public health approach to youth violence prevention by implementing comprehensive, evidence-informed prevention strategies in defined high risk communities and

by focusing on youth at the highest risk of engaging in violence. Target beneficiaries are youths between the ages of 10-17 in Guyana.

The Ministry of Social Protection received US $267, 791 in 2017 for the pilot project. CFYR worked with the ministry to recruit family counsellors who were trained while 10 representatives from the ministry were trained to support the process of managing the family counselling intervention.

Daniels stated that the project is progressing and the ministry is well prepared to continue the programme on its own when it concludes in 2020. He noted that systems are already in place and several persons will be employed.

Daniels related that youths must become productive citizens and empowered to make positive contributions to the society. He added that youths account for a large percentage of the population and the proportion of youth involvement in crime is growing.

There is also an increase in teenage pregnancy which results in absentee fathers and single female-headed homes and the rise of social media which is replacing quality family time.

“We at the Ministry of Social Protection are cognisant of the fact that these issues confront the society and approaches to correct them cannot be our responsibility only.

There is need for a holistic approach both in design and implementation. I therefore, encourage my colleagues from the Ministries of Education, Public Health, Indigenous

People’s affairs and the Department of Social Cohesion to collaborate with us to address these issues,” Daniels explained.

USAID’s representative, Ryssa Braithwaite, commended the ministry for its efforts in reducing high risk behaviours.

Braithwaite explained that since the project officially ends in 2020, the plan is to now work on an exit strategy.

“We want to work with you to do a planned process of transition without the programme which ends in 2020. Next year we will see the technical responsibility shifted to the ministry, while we support you. So you will be testing how to supervise family councilors etc. on your own. Transferring responsibility to the government is a process other countries also benefitting from this project including St. Lucia, have gone through before,” Braithwaite noted.

In addition to training family counsellors, the project developed a database -- the Model Fidelity Database (MFD) -- to track all facets of the family counselling intervention.

The MFD monitors progress, trends - the extent to

USAID representative, Ryssa Braithwaite which the programme is delivered according to the model.

Following the mass assessment last year, eligible youths were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group by USAID’s contracted external evaluator. To date, a total of 87 families are actively participating in family matters.

Topics on how the family fits in the government’s priorities, stakeholder assessment and sustainability assessment were also discussed at the workshop. (DPI)

Officers of the GDF graduate from courses INSPECTOR General, Colonel Trevor Bowman, of the Guyana Defence Force, in an address to Officers who graduated from the Junior Leaders Course (JLC) 2019-02 and the Platoon Sergeants’ Course 2019- 02 urged them to develop their necessary skills which will ultimately take them to the next level of leadership.

Bowman was at the time addressing graduates, on Tuesday, at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama.

Twenty two Sergeants and seven-

ty seven lance Corporals underwent training, according to a release.

The release also added that the Platoon Sergeant’ Course equipped Senior Non-Commissioned Officers with the skills to train and administer an infantry platoon in peacetime or combat and the Junior Leaders Course prepared Lance Corporals to lead and administer a section, squad or equivalent in peacetime or combat.

The Graduating batch was also urged to dedicate themselves to ensure the successful completion of their courses.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

SBM Offshore observes first ‘Life Day’event in Guyana

WITH an eye on the safety and wellbeing of its employees, SBM Offshore observed its sixth annual Life Day event on Wednesday.

Life Day, which is observed globally, was held in Guyana for the first time.

Life Day is an annual event for which SBM employees worldwide cease work to take the time to engage with the corporation’s Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) specialists as well as reconnect with the elements of its ongoing LIFE365 campaign.

SBM Offshore’s HSSE director and the founder of Life Day, Erik Van Kuijk, explained the significance of the event.

“The key focus of the programme is to protect life.

Very simple. But extremely important. Every second.

Every day, 365 days a year…

The global Life Day event supports the company-wide engagement on our shared commitment to never compromise when it comes to protecting life,” he said.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Choice’. Building on that theme, Country Manager for SBM Offshore’s Guyana Operations, Herve

The management and staff of SBM Offshore pause for a photo on June 12, 2019 during the company’s first Life Day event in Guyana Laurioux, encouraged employees to maintain a culture of safety.

“Life Day is an opportunity for us to share the HSSE culture and it is an opportunity for us as well to focus on what we do every day; the choice that we make from the morning, when we wake up until we go back to bed. We make the choice to ensure that we stay safe… We need to stay focused on our HSSE

and ensure that we take all the necessary precautions to work safely and to protect all of our personnel, assets, and the environment,” Laurioux said.

SBM Offshore Managing Director of Operations, Oivind Tangen, visited Guyana to observe the company’s first Life Day event in the country.

“Encouraging a culture of safety remains a top pri-

ority of SBM Offshore in every location in which we operate around the world.

We are proud to be adding yet another location to this annual global observance and welcome Guyana to the SBM family,” he commented.

Life Day is part of the company’s ‘Life 365’ programme to increase awareness of health, safety, security and environmental issues across the SBM community,

including partnering organisations. This is evident in ExxonMobil Guyana’s support of the day’s event.

Production Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Mike Ryan, expressed appreciation with the day, stating that it is beneficial for all stakeholders in the Oil and Gas industry. He said SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil Guyana share several core principles, including

prioritising employee safety.

Ryan stated: “We have a moral obligation to protect the people that come onto our worksites. Their families loan our team members to us, to come work with us, and we have to take that responsibility very seriously. Common fundamentals, objectives, and goals are extremely important. Nobody gets hurt and no business objective will be pursued at the sacrifice of safety are key examples.”

Every year, employees acquire new knowledge through the various workshops that comprise Life Day and share experiences, while learning from each other. Two workshops were held on situational awareness and plastic in the ocean at the Guyana Life Day event.

Celebrated in more than 40 locations worldwide, ‘Life Day’ offers a multidisciplinary approach to employee safety and wellness.

The management of SBM Offshore considers the adoption and daily practice of safer work practices as the true measure of the programme’s success.

Youths die in Naarstigheid accident Arjune, who was seated in the back seat managed to exit the vehicle and was picked up in a semi-conscious state and taken to Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor.

Dhaniram Dhanraj

Kelvin Artherly Warde

Survivor: Parmanand Arjune

TWO youths have died after their speeding car crashed into a coconut tree off the Naarstigheid Public Road, West Coast Berbice, around 21:00hrs on Wednesday.

The vehicle exploded, resulting in the deaths of the driver, Dhaniram Dhanraj, 22, and Kelvin Artherly

Warde, 25, both of Chester Village, West Coast Berbice.

Another passenger, Parmanand Arjune, 17, managed to escape but not before receiving burns to his back and hands. He is hospitalised at Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital.

Reports revealed that

motor car PVV 7792 was proceeding west along the south carriageway along the Naarstigheid Public Road at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control.

The vehicle ran off the road and collided with a coconut tree before exploding.

He was admitted and is currently being treated for first degree burns to the back. Meanwhile, the driver and passenger were burnt beyond recognition in the car.

Firefighters attached to the Onverwagt Fire Sta-

tion responded and extinguished the blaze. The remains of the men were taken to a nearby health institution where their deaths were confirmed.

Their bodies are at Anthony Funeral Parlour awaiting post-mortem.

The car involved in the deadly accident on Wednesday

22

$800M Bartica powerplant 90 per cent complete

WITH the mission of providing reliable electricity to all Guyanese, the government, through the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), will soon officially open its third power plant for the year, this time in Bartica, Region Seven.

In an exclusive interview with the Department of

Public Information, Project Engineer with oversight for the new Bartica Power Plant, Julian Reddy, provided an update on works to be done at the site.

Engineer Reddy explained, “The civil works are approximately 90 per cent complete. The mechanical works are also 90 per cent complete. The next phase

that we are looking at is to have the engine manufacturers here on the 30th. We have confirmed this with them to begin test runs and trials.”

The $800 million power station will be sufficiently powered by three 1.1 megawatt high-speed diesel engines, which will have a total output of 3.3 megawatts

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

The new Bartica Power Plant is near completion (DPI photo) of electricity. This is expected to meet the demand of the residents of Bartica.

The civil engineer also cited a few challenges faced during the project.

“Last year, we encountered a challenge with the closing of the sandpit. This caused some delays of the project also and the rain again sometime when the project started,” the project engineer said.

The older power plant had faced significant failures due to the ageing engines. Reddy outlined GPL’s vision for the new power plant.

“So, we expect that with these new gensets to have better reliability to the

customers to serve them 24/7 without any sort of interruptions,” the engineer mentioned.

While the power generation needs will be met, minor interruptions to the power supply, which will aid in the maintenance of transmission lines, may occur.

The state-of-the-art power plant will be completed by August and was designed with the future in mind. For the year thus far, GPL had its power plants in Anna Regina and Canefield commissioned.

Those power plants produce 5.4 megawatts and 5.5 megawatts respectively. (DPI)

Student hit down by teacher battling for life A STUDENT of the Linden Foundation Secondary School (LFFS) is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was knocked down by a teacher on Wednesday.

Fifteen-year- old pedal cyclist, Derrick Rambharrat, of Speightland, Lower Kara Kara, is battling for his life after he was flung from his bicycle by a car driven by a female teacher of Amelia’s Ward Primary School.

According to police reports, the accident occurred around 11:40 hrs on the Central Amelia’s Ward access road. Motor car PTT 4790, driven by a female teacher, was proceeding north along the western side of Amelia’s Ward Access Road,reportedly at a fast rate of speed, when it collided with the bicycle.

As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist

LFFS student, Derrick Rambharat received multiple injuries about his body.

He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he remains in a critical state.

The teacher is in custody assisting with the investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 21, 2019

Friday, June 21, 2019 - 05:00 hrs

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 21, 2019

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

Lloyd decries Windies tactics, urges turnaround against Black Caps LONDON, England (CMC) – Legendary captain Clive Lloyd has joined a growing chorus of great former West Indies players in questioning the Caribbean side’s match strategy at the ICC World Cup here, and has urged them to change course and “raise their game” if they are to get the better of New Zealand in tomorrow’s door-die clash in Manchester.

In reference to the tactic of short-pitching bowling throughout the tournament, the 74-year-old Lloyd said the Windies lacked “variation to their game plan” and had failed to adjust to the English conditions which had so far proved batsman-friendly.

West Indies were left on the brink of elimination last Monday after Bangladesh comfortably chased down a national team record 322, to win by seven wickets in Taunton with 51 balls remaining.

“I was disappointed with the West Indies performance against Bangladesh.

It would appear that they only have one way to play with no variation to their game plan,” Lloyd wrote in his ICC tournament column.

“They are trying to blast people out and I don’t think they understand the English conditions. You cannot always do that here because the pitches during this competition have been batsman-friendly despite the rain.

It might be green but it doesn’t always fly around.”

He continued: “Bangladesh were ready for that sort of onslaught and to chase down 320 with eight overs to spare is a great effort, but it is poor cricket by the West Indies.

“They have themselves to blame if they miss the semi-finals. They should have beaten Australia and they definitely should have seen off Bangladesh as well. But the Bangladesh side did their homework and deserved their victory.”

Lloyd’s sentiments echoed those of contemporaries Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Andy Roberts who earlier this week criticised the Windies bowling strategy as “one-dimensional”.

West Indies used short-pitched bowling to good effect in their opener against Pakistan as they won by seven wickets, and also

stunned Australia with the same strategy before the reigning world champions recovered to win by 15 runs.

The Jason Holder-led unit then struggled against England in an eight-wicket defeat at Southampton, and Lloyd warned if there was not significant improvement against the Black Caps, a similar fate also awaited them.

“The bowlers need to stick to a line and length instead of being wayward in both, which leads to leaking runs profusely,” said Lloyd, who oversaw West Indies’ triumphs at the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 in England.

“If they do that against New Zealand they will be punished, and yet I still believe the West Indies can perform very well against them if they stick to the right script.”

West Indies are seventh in the 10-team standings on three points from their five matches. In order to move into the top four, they need to win their remaining matches against New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and hope other results go in their favour.

And while Lloyd said it was “increasingly unlikely” the Windies would reach the semis, he said it was important they produced winning performances going forward, starting with the critical fixture against New Zealand.

“There is still a mathematical chance that the West Indies can make the semi-finals.

And even though it is looking increasingly unlikely, it is absolutely vital that they try and finish the tournament on a high note,” Lloyd stressed.

“New Zealand are one of the teams I said would surprise most people before the tournament started and I have been proved right.

The West Indies need to raise their game if they are to have a chance against New Zealand at Old Trafford tomorrow.

“In Kane Williamson, the Black Caps have a terrific captain and an even more impressive batsman. His innings to knock off South Africa was absolutely masterful, one of the finest I have ever seen in an ODI game. He is a fantastic reader of the game and knows how to adapt to what is going on around him.

“The West Indies would benefit from learning a thing or two from Williamson.”

BM Soat, Motor Trend ... one of the leading auto suppliers in Guyana, and Motor Trend Service Centre, located in Area L Foulis East Coast Demerara, are no strangers to the sport.”

Additional documentation explained that “The GMR&SC are constantly looking to upgrade the South Dakota Circuit. This year, the club made a target of completing the Launch Pad and extending the strip to a full quarter-mile. Both objectives were reached due to the generous contributions of sponsors, support by the fans and very importantly the competitors.”

President of the GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed, confirmed via correspondence to the media earli-

er in the month that Team Mohamed’s newly acquired white Nissan GT-R is set to finally make its competitive debut at the event after missing out in March due to transmission issues.

Over 100 competitors are expected to register for the event which will see the driver with the fastest reaction win $20 000.

More importantly, DEL Ice Co has sponsored cash prizes for the fastest 10-second ($200 000), 11-second ($150 000) and 12-second ($100 000) cars.

Admission stands at $500 for children and $1 000 for adults.

Action begins at 10:00hrs.

Other sponsors are Platinum Car Show, Ram-

FROM PAGE 28

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

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

Tokyo 2020 refugee team to be Nchout sends Cameroon through with last kick of game bigger than in Rio - IOC’s Bach Ajara Nchout strikes twice, including an injury-time winner, as Cameroon beat New Zealand.

MONTPELLIER, France (Reuters) - Cameroon qualified for the Women’s World Cup last 16 when Ajara Nchout earned them a 2-1 win over New Zealand with the last kick of their Group E match yesterday.

Nchout, whose opener was cancelled out by Aurelle Awona’s own goal 10 minutes from time, found the back of the net five minutes into stoppage time to put the African side on three points.

Cameroon go through as one of the four best thirdplaced teams while New Zealand were eliminated after

three defeats.

The result means Argentina are also knocked out of the tournament.

The Netherlands topped the group with a maximum nine points after beating Canada, who ended with six points, 2-1 yesterday.

“I know the girls inside out; we’ve spent 10 years together. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I talk to them here and there,” Cameroon coach Alain Djeumfa told a news conference.

“I told them ‘I know you’ve taken a hit with the equaliser but keep your heads up and focus and do what’s necessary’. We’ve played against Canada, we’ve played against the team that’s top of the Group; we’ll play our best and look forward to what’s next.”

Nchout opened the scoring 12 minutes into the second half, netting with a left-foot shot after dribbling past Abby Erceg.

All their efforts appeared to have counted for nothing when Awona deflected Katie Bowen’s cross into her own net, the scoreline then meaning both teams were eliminated.

New Zealand pushed hard as Cameroon looked increasingly shaky, but Nchout kept her cool deep into stoppage-time, beating Erin Nayler with a right-foot effort from inside the area.

By Karolos Grohmann LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The Tokyo 2020 Olympics refugee team will be bigger than the inaugural 10-member squad in Rio de Janeiro four years ago, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday.

The IOC unveiled a list of 37 refugees who are currently receiving Olympic scholarships and who will attempt to make the final cut for Japan next year.

Among those are the 10 athletes who took part at the Rio Games in 2016.

“At this stage we cannot say how big the team will finally be,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. “What we can say with some confidence is that it will be bigger than the team for Rio 2016.”

“All these 37 want to qualify for the final refugee Olympic team.”

The IOC unveiled its first team of refugees in Rio in an effort to raise awareness of the issue and it was one of the feel-good stories of those Games.

The 10-member team from Syria, Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan were in the spotlight after marching as the penultimate team before host nation Brazil in the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic stadium. They com-

peted in athletics, swimming and judo.

The 37 athletes working towards a spot in Tokyo will not necessarily need to meet international qualifications to get a place in the team, but will need to come close.

“Qualification does not mean the overall international standards,” Bach said.

“We want to identify those athletes who either fulfil these (international) criteria or at least come as close as possible to these criteria.”

The 37 are refugees from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, South Sudan, Sudan and Syria.

They are training in athletics, badminton, boxing, judo, karate, swimming, taekwondo and weightlifting in 11 host countries, but would come together in April next year for a joint training camp, Bach said.

More than a million refugees entered Europe in 2016 alone as they fled fighting in the Middle East and elsewhere, prompting the IOC to create the first Olympic refugee team.

Tens of millions more are housed in camps in countries across the world, having escaped wars or armed conflicts in their home nations.

BM Soat, Motor Trend and CHOKE reaffirm commitment to GMR&SC THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has secured three companies’ commitment CHOKE Gas Station, B.M. Soat Auto Sales and Motor Trend Service Centre - for the second round of the Drag Racing championship on this weekend.

In a release to the media, GMR&SC acknowledged their gratitude for the support given and explained that running off a motor racing event is very costly so every dollar earned is appreciated.

The correspondence further noted that “These companies have long been

American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Incredible Miss Race 2 Kuduro Race 3 Market Bubble Race 4 Starship Zeus Race 5 Kickin Kimberly Race 6 Mutakatif Race 7 Cloudbased Race 8 Catch A Thrill Race 9 Pickle Rick

10:10 hrs Wheel Of Time 10:45 hrs Weston

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Juan Two Three 09:00 hrs Pepper Oak 09:35 hrs Maple Syrup

English Racing Tips Newmarket 12:05 hrs Zodiakos 12:40 hrs Edmond Dantes 13:10 hrs King’s Command 13:45 hrs House Deposit 14:15 hrs Antico Lady 14:50 hrs Agincourt 15:25 hrs Logician 15:55 hrs Lethal Angel Ascot 09:30 hrs Silent Wave

supporters of Motor Sport in Guyana, with Choke Gas Station, well known for the Choke Starlet Cup, being the only Starlet championship in the entire region.

Meanwhile, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, TURN TO PAGE 27 ►

10:05 hrs Japan 10:40 hrs Hello Youmzain 11:20 hrs Hermosa 12:00 hrs Desirous 10:55 hrs Baghdad Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 12:45 hrs Havingagoodtime 13:15 hrs Ificudiwud 13:50 hrs Rashaan 14:20 hrs Ashqar 14:55 hrs The Red Menace 15:30 hrs Hophornbeam 16:00 hrs Sneaky Getaway

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

BCB continues to invest in its Youth players THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to invest heavily in the development of young players across the Ancient County by using the current rainy season to visit every corner of Berbice with the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh coaching programme.

The Programme started early this year with the preparation of the Berbice Under-15, U-17, U-19 and the female Under-19 and senior teams, along with several coaching clinics.

Last weekend, BCB launched another aspect of the comprehensive programme with new members of the Berbice Under-15 and U-17 teams involved in an intense four-hour coaching clinic.

Under the guidance of coach Balram Samaroo, special emphasis was

placed on fielding, physical fitness, batting techniques and game situation.

Samaroo, a former national junior player and Berbice senior player, is

The players at the camp pose with coach Balram Samaroo.

Tyrone Pottaya receives his Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh award from BCB president Hilbert Foster.

Vettori says Williamson is New Zealand’s greatest ODI player (REUTERS) - New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s superb World Cup century in Wednesday’s win over South Africa is proof that he is the country’s greatest one-day international (ODI) player, according to former Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori.

The Black Caps edged out South Africa in the final over on a tricky batting surface at Edgbaston with Williamson’s composed 106 not out guiding them home in a tense run chase.

The 28-year-old earned plaudits for his patience at the crease, with many praising his calmness and clever leadership.

“Williamson has to be New Zealand’s greatest ODI player of all-time, and an innings like that against South Africa tells you exactly why,” Vettori said in a column for the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“He’s already there now

Kane Williamson hit a composed 106 not out to guide New Zealand to victory over South Africa

and by the end of his career his record will far exceed anything we’ve had in the past or present, he really is

that good.”

Vettori, who is New Zealand’s most-capped ODI player and guided the Kiwis to the 2011 World Cup semis, said Williamson’s mature approach to batting is what sets him apart from most other batsmen.

“What differentiates him from a lot of batsmen in this day and age is his sole focus of winning the game and he tailors his batting towards that,” Vettori added. “The way he understood that situation and got his team across the line was exceptional.

“It’s what makes him one of the greatest in the world now and by the end of his career he’ll be up there with some of the greats of all-time.”

New Zealand, who are unbeaten at the tournament and in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals, next play West Indies in Manchester tomorrow.

currently heading the programme in the absence of Winston Smith, who is on vacation overseas.

Twenty-five players were involved in the session at the Albion Community Centre ground.

BCB president Hilbert Foster disclosed that the sessions would continue every weekend with sessions for fast bowlers, batsmen, wicketkeepers and spinners.

The panel of coaches would also be visiting every club in Berbice which has a junior cricket team for a two-day clinic.

Over the next few

weeks, the coaches, including Samaroo and Delbert Hicks, would be visiting clubs like East Bank Blazer, Edinburgh Warriors, Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, No. 73 and Scottsburg United among others.

The coaches would also visit clubs in the West Coast Berbice area. At the completion of the visits, the coaches would select a squad of 70 youths for the second edition of the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Academy that would be held in August.

Meanwhile, BCB last Saturday honoured Tyrone Pottaya of Belvedere Village as its Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Father-of-the-Year awardee for 2019. Pottaya, a cane-cutter attached to the Albion Estate is the proud father of three. His only son and youngest child, Matthew represented Guyana at the Under-15 level in 2019.

Further, BCB Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, expressed gratitude to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh for his massive investment in Berbice cricket.

Perfect U.S. beat Sweden 2-0 to top Group F LE HAVRE, France (Reuters) - Holders United States beat Sweden 2-0 on Thursday to maintain their perfect women’s World Cup record and top Group F, setting up a last-16 clash with Spain.

Lindsey Horan netted the tournament’s fastest goal after three minutes and Jonna Andersson scored an own goal as the U.S. beat the record for most goals (18) in the Women’s World Cup group stage.

Sweden, who had also qualified before kickoff, finished second in the group with six points and will face Canada for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It’s a good performance and we wanted to

continue to build momentum,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis told a news conference.

“We have things to work on to make sure we’re sharper next game, and the players know that. It was a rival game and I thought the players showed a great mentality.”

The U.S. did not concede a goal in the group phase.

“It’s huge and a big part of what we’re trying to do both offensively and defensively. We talk about the idea of 360-degree defending where everyone is defending,” said midfielder Tobin Heath.

The U.S. made a fast start when Horan tapped in the opening goal from

close range from Megan Rapinoe’s corner.

That equalled Norway’s record group-stage tally of 17, set in 1995, but despite Sweden’s determined resistance, the mark seemed destined to be beaten at the Stade Oceane.

Five minutes into the second half, Heath’s header took a deflection off Andersson as the U.S. doubled their lead.

The goal was confirmed after a VAR review which ruled that Heath was not offside.

Chile beat Thailand 2-0 to finish third in the group, but were eliminated from the tournament.

Thailand ended without a point.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

Warner’s blitz puts Aussies within reach of World Cup semis

By Louis Cameron at Trent Bridge, Nottingham AUSTRALIA have one foot in the semi-finals after a cunningly calculated David Warner century fired them to a 48-run victory over Bangladesh in the highest-scoring match in World Cup history.

Warner smashed 166 off just 147 balls as he exploded upon reaching triple figures to see the Aussies post 3815 - their second highest score ever at the tournament.

A brave 127-run partnership off just 100 deliveries between fifth-wicket pair Mushfiqur Rahim (102 n.o. off 97 balls) and Mahmudullah (69 off 50) briefly sent Bangladeshi fans wild as they threatened to pull off the impossible.

But Australia’s total proved a bridge too far as their bowlers held their nerve at the death after removing Mahmudullah.

Bangladesh’s 333-8 was still their largest ever ODI total, while the 714 total runs scored between two teams was a World Cup record, eclipsing the 688 scored between Australia and Sri Lanka in 2015.

While a top four spot is not yet guaranteed for Australia, they’d need to lose all three of their remaining games (against England, New

Zealand and South Africa) and see other results go against them to miss out.

Warner first shared in a 121-run partnership with skipper Aaron Finch (53 off 51 balls) before going even bigger with No.3 Usman Khawaja (89 off 72) as they put on 192 runs off just 142 deliveries.

The 32-year-old Warner paced his innings expertly, going 49 balls without finding the boundary through the middle overs, before teeing off after he’d reached his 16th ODI century.

It saw him draw level with Adam Gilchrist in third spot among Australia’s alltime leading ODI century-makers.

Warner, now with 447 runs at 89.40 for the tournament, and Finch, 396 runs at 66, occupy the top and third spots on the tournament’s leading run-scorer chart, with Shakib Al Hasan (who scored a run-a-ball 41) splitting them with 425 at 106.25.

Glenn Maxwell applied the finishing touches to the Australian innings, spanking three of his 10 balls over the rope on the way to a quickfire 32, but threw his hands up in frustration when he was stranded mid-pitch in a mixup with Khawaja and run-out on a direct hit.

The diminutive Mushfiqur showed no fear on the

way to his seventh ODI century, while Mahmudullah

to claim two wickets in two balls in his final over.

Australia’s David Warner celebrates his century against Bangladesh.

cleared the ropes three times to lead their side’s fightback.

Tamim Iqbal had led the early reply, stroking 62 off 74 balls before chopping on to Mitchell Starc, who covered his mouth as he ran down the pitch in a pointed celebration.

The innocuous medium-pacers of Soumya Sarkar (3-58 off eight overs) claimed the wickets of Australia’s top three, but Bangladesh will regret a ragged fielding effort underlined by a costly dropped chance from Sabbir Rahman when Warner was on 10.

Sabbir’s miserable day was compounded when he was dismissed for a golden duck as Nathan CoulterNile (2-58 off 10 overs) hit back from some earlier tap

Starc (2-55 off 10) and fit-again all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (2-54 off eight), back in the side after recovering from a side strain, finished as Australia’s other multiple wicket-takers.

After winning the toss for the first time in eight ODIs, Finch was initially the more aggressive of Australia’s openers, as he and Warner scored 51 between overs 9-15 to kick-start their side’s innings.

It represented another successful opening union between the duo, who only reunited at the top of the order at the start of the tournament, but have now put on at least 50 runs for the first wicket in five of their six World Cup games.

Finch’s exit to part-timer Sarkar was something of a surprise as was the call to send Khawaja out, to join Warner given Australia have preferred right- and left-hand combinations in their top order in this tournament.

It proved a sound decision as Khawaja looked at his fluent best in hitting 10 fours and took 25 off one Mustafizur Rahman (1-69 off nine) over.

Rain stopped play after the 49th over, but no overs were lost.

Finch showed tremendous composure to hand his side their first wicket with a direct-hit run-out, gathering the ball cleanly off a Tamim drive, with the Australian waiting to sum up the extent of the mix-up before knocking down the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

Tamim and Shakib proceeded to put on 72 for the second wicket, but Stoinis got the key wicket of Shakib with a clever slower ball.

The extra pace of Starc proved telling as he knocked over Tamim and then smashed Liton Das in the helmet on his first ball.

Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah fought bravely, taking 26 and 24 off Adam Zampa’s and Pat Cummins’ final two overs respectively.

But the asking rate, which ballooned out to

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA innings D. Warner c Rubel Hossain b Soumya Sarkar 166 A. Finch c Rubel Hossain b Soumya Sarkar 53 U. Khawaja c Mushfiqur Rahim b Soumya Sarkar 89 G. Maxwell run-out (Rubel Hossain) 32 M. Stoinis not out 17 S. Smith lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 1 A. Carey not out 11 Extras: (b-1, lb-5, nb-1, w-5) 12 Total: (five wkts, 50 overs) 381 Fall of wickets: 1-121, 2-313, 3-352, 4-353, 5-354.

Bowling: Mashrafe 8-0-56-0, Mustafizur 9-0-69-1 (w-1), Shakib 6-0-50-0, Rubel 9-083-0 (nb-1, w-3), Mehidy 10-0-59-0 (w-1), Soumya 8-0-58-3.

BANGLADESH innings Tamim Iqbal b Starc 62 Soumya Sarkar run-out (Finch) 10 Shakib Al Hasan c Warner b Stoinis 41 Mushfiqur Rahim not out 102 Liton Das lbw b Zampa 20 Mahmudullah c Cummins b Coulter-Nile 69 Sabbir Rahman b Coulter-Nile 0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Warner b Starc 6 Mashrafe Mortaza c Maxwell b Stoinis 6 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, w-9) 17 Total: (eight wkts, 50 overs) 333 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-102, 3-144, 4-175, 5-302, 6-302, 7-323, 8-333.

Bowling: Starc 10-0-55-2, Cummins 10-165-0 (w-3), Maxwell 3-0-25-0, Coulter-Nile 10-0-58-2 (w-1), Stoinis 8-0-54-2, Zampa 9-0-68-1 (w-1).

10-an-over from the final 20 overs and then nearly 14 with 10 overs to go, proved too much as Mushfiqur brought up a consolation century in the penultimate over of the match. (Cricket.comau)

Wine Cellar and Massy Distribution Golf set for tomorrow GOLF action will return to the Lusignan Golf Club this

weekend, compliments of the Wine Cellar and Massy

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday June 21, 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)

South Africa & Kenya

(2)

1992 (vs SA)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which umpire has stood in most World Cup games to date? How many?

(2) Name the WI that have won ‘Man of the Final’ awards in World Cup cricket to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Distribution.

The medal play tournament, launched yesterday morning at the MovieTowne Mall will see some of the sport’s best on show tomorrow.

Owner and CEO of Wine Cellar, Mrs Marcia Nadir-Sharma, indicated the Wine Cellar has several premium wines and being cognizant of golf being a premium sport, she gladly collaborated with the LGC to sponsor a tournament.

She also indicated that the company would offer the side attraction of free wine-tasting, complemented with appropriate cheeses, so that the Club’s desire to offer an international standard of service would be supported.

Tee-off for tomorrow’s tournament starts at 09:00hrs

From left, Ms Rema Ramlall, staff of Wine Cellar, Mr Guy Griffith, PRO LGC; Mrs Marcia Nadir-Sharma, CEO of Wine Cellar; and Mr Aleem Hussain, president of LGC,

and runs until 12:30hrs, allowing those who would golf early to enjoy the side attractions sooner.

Wine Cellar and Massy Distribution side presentations would take place from 14:00hrs.

Prizes would be given for 1st and 2nd Best Net scores in each of three Flights (of handicaps 0-9, 10-19, 20-28) as well as the Longest Drive and Nearest The Pin specialty prizes.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 21, 2019

England tour key part of development of Windies Under-15 programme ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has underscored the value of its Under-15 programme after naming a 14-member squad to tour England in August.

The tour, which runs from August 8 to 18, marks the fourth straight year a West Indies Under-15 side will be involved in the series and high performance coach Graeme West said the move was a critical one in the regional developmental process.

“Selection for the West Indies Under-15s is a signifi-

cant step on the development pathway to representing the West Indies at the elite level,” West pointed out.

“This tour gives these players a great opportunity and experience as a squad to develop their skills in different cricket conditions, also to develop their teamwork and build camaraderie with new teammates.

“It’s also an important part of CWI’s ongoing development and investment plans for youth cricket at every age group, especially since some of this group are likely to be wearing the maroon shirt more and more as they aim to

High Court orders DCB elections by August 11 Sanasie, Kalladeen to pay $200 000 costs THE High Court of Guyana has ordered the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) to hold its elections no later than August 11, 2019.

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA), Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) and the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) are the constituents.

According to Justice Navendra Singh, “The Cricket Ombudsman has responsibility at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) elections and not the DCB elections.”’

He noted, “The existence of a cricket ombudsman does not and cannot prevent the court from making orders to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act are achieved.”

Meanwhile, costs of $200 000 were awarded against Anand Kalladeen and Anand Sanasie.

The application to the court for the holding of the election was filed by GCA president Roger Harper, ECCB secretary Davteerth Anandjit and Bradley Fredericks as UDCA president.

The respondents were Kalladeen, Sanasie, Raj Singh, Alfred Mentore, Ravindranauth Persaud, Sudesh Persaud, Lalta Digamber, Colin Europe, Rohan Sarjoo and Ray Persaud.

The court also confirmed that there was no legal executive of the DCB since January 24, 2015 and any action by members purporting to be associated with that body was null and void.

The applicants were represented by Mr Arudranauth Gossai while Roysdale Forde and OIayne Joseph represented Kalladeen and Sanasie.

CWI high performance coach Graeme West

progress through to Under-17 and Under-19 levels.”

Two captains have been named to lead the squad

– left-arm spinners Andrew Rambarran and Nathan Sealy – with former Leeward Islands batsman

Steve Liburd named as head coach and manager.

West said the decision to name two captains was in an effort to develop the leadership skills of both players.

“The panel has identified Nathan and Andrew as two potential leaders and that they should be given the opportunity to share the captaincy during the period of the tour,” the Englishman explained.

“When one is captain, the other will be vice-captain.

Both young men have led their respective sides during the recent West Indies Under-15 Championship and

were impressive.”

The squad is scheduled to play four 50-overs matches, four Twenty20s and a 25over match on the tour.

SQUAD – Andrew Rambarran (co-captain), Nathan Sealy (co-captain), Solomon Bascombe, Mavendra Dindyal, Kamario Grant, Justin Jagessar, Jordan Johnson, Divonie Joseph, Joshua Morris, Rampertab Ramnauth, Isaiah Thorne, Devin Tyson, Steven Wedderburn, Rashad Worrell.

Two errors behind T&T defeat, says head coach Lawrence ST PAUL, Minnesota (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago head coach Dennis Lawrence has lamented the two errors which cost his side in their CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Panama last Tuesday.

Following a goalless first half at Allianz Field, T&T conceded through Armando Cooper in the 53rd minute and Edgar Barcenas in the 69th minute, to fall to a 2-0 defeat.

I didn’t feel it was much in the game,” Lawrence said following the encounter.

“The two critical moments in the game (were) one, our error – we gave the ball and we got caught and the second one was we almost scoring and then getting done in transition, so two soft goals to give away.

“We have dug ourselves in a bit of a hole now which means we have to start thinking about getting two wins from the next two games. That’s international football. If you don’t take your chances and you give away sloppy possession you

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Dennis Lawrence

can get hurt.

“Panama have got quality players that can do that to you. We now need to recover very quickly, pull away from all the negatives and go onto the next game.”

For the first goal, captain Khaleem Hyland failed to close down Cooper who slid in his low shot from a tight angle

at point blank range, with goalkeeper Marvin Phillips beaten after rushing off his line.

T&T’s defence were in disarray for the second goal as Phillips made two saves in quick succession but could not keep out the third shot from Barcenas.

Lawrence said T&T had enjoyed the better of the exchanges in the first half but let themselves down in the second.

“I actually thought in the first half we had the better of the chances in better situations without putting the ball in the back of the net,” he said.

“We changed our shape a bit (for the game) and tried to be a bit more offensive.

We put in a number 10 to try and see if we can create more chances which we got in good situations (but) never took the chances we created.”

T&T face a massive challenge in their second game when they clash with powerhouse United States in Cleveland tomorrow.

Martinique roll over Cuba for first Gold Cup win DENVER, Colorado (CMC) – French Caribbean side Martinique claimed their first points of the CONCACAF Gold Cup while handing Cuba their second defeat, in a 3-0 victory here Wednesday night.

In an all-Caribbean Football Union Group A clash at the Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Martinique broke the deadlock through Joris Marveaux on the stroke of halftime, before Stephane Abaul and Kevin Fortune scored in the last 20 minutes of the contest.

In the other match of the doubleheader, Andres Guardado hit a brace as Mexico trounced Canada 3-1, with all goals coming

in the second half.

Both Martinique and Cuba suffered heavy drubbings on the opening day of the tournament last Saturday, making Wednesday’s fixture key to their progress.

And both teams squandered chances in an open first half before Marveaux capitalised in the 45th, heading in a powerful left-sided corner kick.

Kévin Parsemain wasted a great opportunity to double the lead from the spot in the 59th minute when he blasted his shot well over the crossbar, after Daniel Luis was adjudged to have pulled down Mickael

Biron in the area.

However, Abaul made amends in the 70th minutes from another corner, eluding his marker to head past goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez.

There was further misery for Cuba in the 80th minute when Erick Rizo was sent off for an elbow to the face of Fortune, who then produced a clinical finish from 10 yards out, five minutes later, to put the cap on a strong Martinique performance.

In their next outings on Sunday, Cuba clash with Canada while Martinique take on Mexico, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

FLASHBACK: The Refugee Olympic team received a standing ovation at the Rio Games in 2016. (Getty Images)

Tokyo 2020

refugee team to be bigger than in Rio - IOC’s Bach SEE STORY ON PAGE 28 ►

BM Soat, Motor Trend and CHOKE reaffirm commitment to GMR&SC SEE STORY ON PAGE 28 ►

Lloyd decries Windies tactics, urges turnaround against Black Caps Former legendary Windies captain Clive Lloyd

SEE STORY ON PAGE 27 ►

High Court orders DCB elections by August 11 SEE STORY ON PAGE 31 ►

GMR&SC representative Teekaram Jainarine (left) receives the cheque from Motor Trends’ Neshana Deodass.

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019