Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_01_2019

MONDAY 1st July, 2019

CARICOM Day

greetings to all Guyanese

No.105685

Guyana’s patrimony belongs to all 03 –– Harmon dismisses PAGE

Jagdeo’s land-grabbing claims as divisive

All Saints Anglican Church $60M in a mission, not monument 09 PAGE

–– says President Granger at 180th anniversary sermon

PAGE

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roadworks for Wakenaam

St. Cuthbert’s youths urged to take education seriously 11 PAGE

President David Granger being escorted upon arrival at the All Saints Anglican Church, New Amsterdam on Sunday (Ministry of the Presidency photograph)

Youth leader Vishal Joseph has eyes on big prize 08 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Guyana’s patrimony belongs to all

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–– Harmon dismisses Jagdeo’s land-grabbing claims as divisive

By Vanessa Braithwaite

DIRECTOR-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon has said that Guyana’s patrimony should be to the benefit of all Guyanese, regardless of ethnic and religious persuasions.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had claimed that the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) indiscriminately disbursed some 20, 000 acres of leased land to citizens of Guyana close to the current administration.

According to Harmon, he finds it amiss that those who were subject to Jagdeo’s ridicule are of one ethnic persuasion.

Harmon, who was at the time speaking at the Linden River-Front Opening Ceremony, said the rhetoric by the former President is

divisive.

“We have always preached unity of our people; we have preached social cohesion. In fact, when we came into office, we made a whole ministry out of social cohesion, because it is our belief that social cohesion is what we need in this country for it to be developed in an equitable way,” Harmon said.

He said that despite the fact that over 1543 leases were disbursed by GLSC since 2015, Jagdeo only targeted five or six persons as he believes these persons should not personally benefit from Guyana’s patrimony.

“We believe Guyana belongs to all of us; we believe that all Guyanese must enjoy a good life,” Harmon said.

Among those who have been targetted are Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Businessman, Charles Ceres;

Businesswoman, Muriel Allen; Special Assistant at the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Eric Phillips; and a Member of Parliament.

Harmon noted that land for regular citizens is one of the most challenging matters the government is trying to

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo

correct.

At the various government outreaches, the most visited booth have been that of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

The current government, when in opposition, had noted that many in the upper echelons of the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government were allocated hundreds of acres of prime land.

The government believes that social standing should not be a deterrent for any Guyanese to own a plot of land, and the CHPA is working to fix this problem.

Popular Geo-technical Engineer and Groundwater Hydrologist, Charles Ceres had also debunked claims that he benefitted from ‘land giveaway’ by GLSC. Ceres has since accused Jagdeo of racial bias and corruption, saying that several

persons close to the former president had received several acres of land through indiscriminate allocations during his time in office.

GLSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trevor Benn has said that Opposition members have also benefited from the acquisition of land not only pre-2015 but post2015 as well.

He said that those persons that Jagdeo has singled out had applications in the GLSC system long before 2015.

“Most of the people who were named had applications long before our time; these applications were pending for a long time,” Benn said, adding, without goimg into any details: “I have dealt personally with members of the Opposition who came to me for help, and they were granted leases.”

It was also recently un-

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon earthed that PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali, was a recipient of two plots of land on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in 2015.

Scores participate in Caricom Day parade

THE Communities Development Council (CDC) of the mining town of Linden on Sunday hosted an inaugural Caricom parade and exhibition in observance of Caricom Day, today.

The parade saw participation from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and

Tobago.

Those representing these countries were delegates who will participate in a Caricom pageant slated for Monday evening.

The parade started at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) and concluded at the Christianburg Community Centre Ground, where officials from various Caricom countries addressed the audience on Caricom and how citizens can get involved.

There were 15 booths, representing the various countries, which showcased their culture, geography and way of life.

There were other fun-packed and family- oriented activities after the march, such as football and domino competition.

Sunday’s activity was one of many on a week-long calendar of activities, organised by the CDC. The most anticipated, however, will be the pageant which is open to both male and female

Scouts showcasing the 15 flags of Caricom member states

Caricom parade being led by Shellon Massiah, a delegate representing Antigua and Barbuda of varying body structure and them, Caricom Social Event and guaramas, which was signed by age group.

Skip to My Lou, among others. Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and The other events on the calCaricom brings together Trinidad and Tobago on August endar include a Green Commu- 15 member states and five as- 1, 1973. nity Development Conference, sociate member states in the The other member terridebating competition, cycling, Caribbean. Caricom was es- tories joined Caricom at later ferry boat racing, Guyana An- tablished by the Treaty of Cha- dates.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

CARICOM still divided over OAS resolution on Venezuela

Kim, Trump

MEDELIN, Colombia, CMC – The Organisation of American States (OAS) ended its 49th General Assembly here on Friday with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries still divided on the situation in Venezuela.

As they have done in the past, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas broke ranks with the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping and voted in support of a resolution on the situation in Venezuela. Bahamas will host the 50th OAS General Assembly in 2020.

But, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene, in a statement following the vote on the resolution that included a paragraph that accepted the seating of a designee of the opposition-controlled National Assembly of Venezuela as the representative of Venezuela, said his country could not accept the resolution.

“While we are concerned about the flow of migrants from Venezuela into other states and we sympathise with the burden being placed upon the governments and people of those states, we recognise that the causes of migration from Venezuela are many; some flow from external actors not reflected in this resolution,” Greene said.

He said further that the Antigua and Barbuda government has acknowledged that Venezuela has withdrawn from the OAS in accordance with the relevant article of the OAS Charter.

“Therefore, we do not consider it to be a member-state of the OAS. Antigua and Barbuda, like the vast majority of nations of the world and international organisations such as the United Nations, also recognises the de facto government of Venezuela.”

He said that it is light of this that St. John’s has rejected “each of the Resolutions adopted by a simple majority that have been named in this present resolution before us.

“Indeed, we are persuaded, by legal advice, that the method employed in the Permanent Council to seat a nominee of the National Assembly of Venezuela as a representative, was ultra vires of the OAS Charter and the rules of the Permanent Council.

“It is a matter of record that Antigua and Barbuda formally registered at the Permanent Council that it reserves its right not to accept or be bound by any resolutions, declarations or positions of the Permanent Council or any other organs of the OAS by a majority of 18 states that includes the purported representative of Venezuela.”

Greene insists that the resolution before the OAS is designed to “repeat the same process of seating a designee of the National Assembly of Venezuela that my delegation rejected in the Permanent Council.

“This General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of our Organisation. Its decisions, collectively made by all member states, bind all organs of this Institution. But, delegations cannot bound by a decision made only by a simple majority that disregards and discounts the legitimate rights and positions of other member states.

“We wish it to be noted that we continue to reserve our rights not to recognize any resolutions or declarations adopted with the participation of a non-member state or anyone purporting to be a representative of a non-member state.”

Opposition political parties in Venezuela, backed by the United States and some other western countries are seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office and replace him with Opposition Leader Juan Guaido.

CARICOM countries have repeatedly indicated their position of non-interference and non-intervention in the internal affairs of the South American country.

The OAS resolution, which had received thr support

agree to push denuclearisation talks

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as they meet at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea, June 30, 2019 (KCNA via REUTERS)

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed at their meeting on Sunday to push forward dialogue for making a new breakthrough in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, North Korean state media said on Monday.

Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met Kim in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas and agreed to resume stalled nuclear talks.

“The top leaders of the two countries agreed to keep in close touch in the future, too, and resume and push forward productive dialogues for making a new breakthrough in the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and in the bilateral relations,” KCNA news agency said.

The meeting, initiated by a Tweet by Trump that Kim said took him by surprise, displayed the rapport between the two, but analysts said they are no closer to narrowing the gap between their positions since they walked away from their summit in February in Vietnam.

Kim said it was the good personal relationship he had with Trump that such a dramatic meeting was made possible at just one day’s notice, and that the relationship with Trump would continue to produce good results, according to KCNA. KCNA said that during Trump and Kim’s one-on-one chat, the two leaders explained “issues of easing tensions on the Korean peninsula,” “issues of mutual concern and interest which become a stumbling block in solving those issues,” and “voiced full understanding and sympathy.”

The two leaders’ “bold, brave decision” that led to the historic meeting “created unprecedented trust between the two countries” that had been tangled in deeply-rooted animosity, KCNA said.

of 19 member states, urges “support the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela, led by the people of Venezuela, guided by the Venezuelan Constitution and urge that free, fair, transparent and legitimate presidential elections be convened as soon as possible” Meanwhile, the OAS Working Group on Venezuelan has presented a report on the situation in Caracas noting that if the existing problems in Venezuela continue or worsen, “the projection of Venezuelan migrants and refugees could reach between 5.3 and 5.7 million by the end of 2019 and between 7.5 and 8.2 million by the end of 2020.”

The group calls on the on the entire international community “to give a global response to the crisis of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.

“This should not be considered a regional or much less sub-regional issue. It also highlights that this crisis of migrants and refugees represents an unprecedented challenge in the region for the member countries of the OAS and the rest of the international community.

“Despite the difficulties, the migrant and refugee crisis also creates an immense opportunity to integrate millions who are willing to work, study, and positively impact the countries that receive them.”

It said defining Venezuelans who fled, and continue to flee, their country as refugees “will guarantee them permanent protection with the right to identity, access to services such as health and education, and the opportunity to enter the labour markets.

“Today, approximately two million Venezuelans are in irregular status, or at risk of being so in the shortterm,” the group said in its report, which also calls for the creation of a regional identity card so that Venezuelans can move from one country to another without major restrictions.

“At the time of this General Assembly, there are 4 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees, the largest migratory flow in the history of the region,” said the coordinator of the Working Group, David Smolansky.

“It is currently the second largest in the world, second only to Syria, which has endured a war for more than eight years,” he said, adding that given the serious situation, “it is imperative to grant Venezuelans refugee status at the regional level, according to the Cartagena Declaration.”

According to the report presented to the OAS General Assembly, while most of the Venezuelans fleeing the economic and political situation in their homeland, most of them could be found in Latin and Central America.

However, the report notes that two CARICOM countries, namely Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have between them accommodated 76,000 Venezuelans, with Port-of-Spain accounting for 40,000 people.

This is in marked contrast to statements made by the Trinidad and Tobago government following a two-week registration exercise that there are just over 16,000 Venezuelans here. The government has since introduced visa requirements for Venezuelans wanting to enter the country.

OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro, a constant critic of Maduro, told the OAS Assembly that “Venezuelans need our help and they need it now.

“We must implement all possible measures that help mitigate the drama they face. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that the exodus has only one cause: The dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro. The best solution for the crisis of Venezuelan migrants and refugees is the end of the dictatorship and the redemocratisation of Venezuela, where the most basic human rights that have been taken from people are restored,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

J’can jailed in T&T ...for robbing jewellery stores he’d sold ‘GT’ gold

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – A magistrate on Friday sentenced a Jamaican national to four years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to breaking into business places and stealing the jewellery he had previously sold them nearly four years ago.

The court heard that 35-year-old Peter Young, a graphic artist, had gone mining for gold in Guyana before arriving here and carrying out his scheme.

However, he will only serve just a few more months in jail, having already been in prison for more than three years.

Magistrate Nizam Khan imposed the sentence on Young, who pleaded guilty to the offences that took place at three stores in the capital in 2015.

Young, who was unrepresented, told the magistrate that he had gone to Demerara, Guyana, and mined for gold for more than two years.

He said that at the end of that period, he had more than 11 pounds of the precious metal, which he then attempted to ship to the United States. But after going to FedEx to export the gold, he was told he could not lawfully do so, since he needed a “special licence” to mine for gold in Guyana.

He came to Trinidad in the hope of selling the gold, which he said was estimated at TT$1.9M (One TT $=US$0.16

cents). He told the court that the store owners took the gold and paid him a fraction of its worth, on the pretext that they wanted to ensure the product was genuine.

He said he had also gone to the police to complain about the lack of payment, but was told that nothing could be done as a result of not having any sales receipt.

“This made me frustrated and angry.” Young said, adding: “I was conned and robbed,” which led to his committing the robbery, where he netted jewellery estimated at TT$909,000.

In his mitigation plea, Young told the court that while in prison, he took anger management classes, as well as biblical studies and obtained two certificates, which he presented to the court during the hearing.

But Magistrate Khan said that though Young had to be commended for the improvement he had made in his life while behind bars, the offences for which he was before the court had become too prevalent in society.

He said individuals should feel free to walk the streets and operate their businesses without the fear of being robbed.

For each of the three offences, Young was sentenced to four years imprisonment to run concurrently, minus the time he spent awaiting his trial in prison.

Guyana among five CARICOM countries chosen to pilot disaster response project PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos islands, CMC – Five Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have been chosen by the World Food Programme (WFP) to serve as a model for the Caribbean in disaster response coordination.

Jamaica, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, and St. Lucia have been identified as the regional countries that the WFP Head of Office for Barbados, Regis Chapman, said would form “part of our efforts to build evidence of shock-responsive social protection in the Caribbean”.

Chapman, who attended the just-ended Caribbean Regional Symposium, said the countries were selected “based on their level of linking social protection with disaster management”.

The symposium was organised by the WFP, the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) government.

Chapman said that Jamaica is one of the more unique cases because of the history of linking social protection with humanitarian assistance. “We actually chose Jamaica to serve as a model, particularly in the areas around

coordination,” he said.

Field work for the case studies has been conducted, and entailed interviews with government counterparts along with other stakeholders in the areas of social protection and disaster management; visits to communities; and meetings with beneficiaries of key social protection programmes.

“We are working with the ministry that oversees social protection and the ministry that oversees disaster management,” Chapman said, adding: “The idea is to share this evidence and look to see how we can link some of the experiences across the Caribbean, so that we can learn from each other and so that Caribbean countries can provide Caribbean solutions to Caribbean problems.”

Researchers are now analysing the data to submit, within a month, the findings and key recommendations to the governments of the respective countries for review. The final case studies should be ready to be shared within the next three months.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

The CARICOM Movement

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HE philosophy that led to formation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is grounded in the collective determination of the Region’s peoples and their development. Consequently, a number of attendant institutions were established with the aim of harnessing the cultural, economic, political and social resources of the Region for empowerment of its peoples.

The vision and goals of the Founding Fathers (Forbes Burnham, Errol Barrow, Eric Williams and Michael Manley) were premised on indigenous programmes, utilising the resources of the Region towards satisfying the needs of the Region, and competing internationally. Ideas emerged, such as using the energy resources of Trinidad and bauxite of Jamaica and Guyana to produce aluminium, rather than exporting the raw material to the developed world to be processed. It was also determined that while Caribbean islands concentrate on tourism and Trinidad and Tobago on manufacturing, Guyana, with its vast landmass, would be tasked with the responsibility of producing most of the food.

In that regional bodies recently engaged in discussions about the Region’s food bill, with an aim that includes channelling a focus on indigenous production and re-acculturation to taste; this focus serves as a reminder that the vision of the Founding Fathers remains relevant.

In addition to the Region shouldering a staggering and unsustainable food-import bill of more than US$2B, it serves as a reminder of the untapped potential within the Region.

The need to engage in a sustained indigenous programme has been tried before with measured success. Guyana, for instance, had a self-sustainable development policy that saw the canning of local food and fruits made into preserves for local and foreign consumption. It would be remembered that our dried carambola (five-finger) was exported to the

European market, bringing much-needed foreign exchange.

This country still has room to create a 21st century manufacturing hub that would advance the nation from a primary-product producer to being a value-added one.

As a nation that produces sugar in abundance, with the price of sugar falling on the world market, opportunities exist for value-added production in confectionery and so forth. Staples such as rice, cassava, plantain, breadfruit and other ground provisions can see value added in the form of cereals, flour and toiletries, in addition to their also being seen as healthy alternatives to wheat.

To some extent, there has been movement, such as in ethanol from sugar and the re-opening of a cassava mill; but this new era must see new challenges set and boundaries surpassed.

While CARICOM countries are signatories to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), nothing prevents the Region, individually or collectively, from creating a thriving cottage industry which would not only see opportunities for income generation, but would also generate pride in production.

It ought to raise eyebrows that the Region is yet to take its competitive place among other nations. This can be easily gleaned from a visit to the market, where plantain chips and herbal teas, for instance — which can be produced locally — are sold with labels showing they were imported from Central America, USA or Britain.

Products made in China are being sold in the region at prices that force local manufacturers out of business — affecting employment and incomes for locals. At the regional level, bringing the people together in co-opetition, a term that speaks to competitive cooperation at inter-organisational or intra-organisational levels, is deserving of attention.

Co-opetition allows for member states to collectively engage in research and development, even as they compete for mar-

kets. Competition, grounded by strong universal guidelines, allows for the unleashing of potential, sharing of ideas and looking at who best can produce what, at what cost, and with what resources.

Building on the premises that guided regional forerunners is also useful. There was a time when Guyana bought soap from the Commonwealth of Dominica at a higher price relative to cost outside the Region. Such act was guided by the principle underpinning sustainable development, inclusive of opportunities for the Region’s peoples.

Trinidad, as the oil-producing country, gave credit to member states such as Guyana with the aim of ensuring the industries of production in the various regions were operational. Other benefits were employment across the Region and minimisation of large-scale migration with potential for creating shocks to social systems, thereby contributing to inner city slums, increasing poverty, etc. Possibilities are within reach. The presence of indigenous education, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) are institutions providing the needed foundational pillars to unleash, harness and support the Region’s intellectual (human) capital.

As a new era of development approaches, wherein the world intends to make real the establishment of a Green Economy, it is apposite to note that the dreams and aspirations of CARICOM are still relevant to development today. The Region stands on the foundation needed to guide actions that would not only see reduction in its food bill, but also ensure food security, putting its peoples to work, and ultimately development for the benefit of all.

Still looking for justice Dear Editor

I

T is now five months since I was shot at my home.

As far as I know, no one has been arrested.

Reports have been made by me to the police about a certain individual who is accused of being a prominent drug dealer in at least five schools. Persons have approached me to say that this sad young man has threatened them that if they come forward to identify him, they ‘will regret it.’ All this has been given to the police.

This is the same individual who I believe was ‘involved’ in the shooting. There are, of course, more ways to be involved than pulling a trigger.

Reports have also been made to the American Embassy several weeks ago about a certain young man, living in the USA, who admitted to making the first post, back in January, to blow up our school. According to the police report, we were given the same boy was interviewed – his defence was simply ‘it was only a joke.’ Four hours after that posting I was shot and narrowly missed being murdered.

He then posted again asking for immunity and promising to give all the information about the shooting if he was given ‘protection.’ And then a few weeks ago we were given a recording from the same boy, clearly laughing at the shooting. No doubt an erudite lawyer could explain

such a recording away in a court of law – commonsense, however, would yield a different interpretation.

Five months later I have heard no more from the local police or the American Embassy. It could be, of course, that things are indeed ‘happening’ and they are not at liberty to say what, but at the same time surely one is allowed to legitimately feel otherwise.

I have now had 30 interviews by media from the UK, USA, Canada and across Guyana – what should be my response when people ask what is happening?

Regards Dr Brian O’Toole

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

$60M in roadworks for Wakenaam Section of the residents of Maria-Johanna, Wakenaam at the ministerial community engagement

A young resident of Wakenaam rides his bicycle down one of the roads on the island

PUBLIC Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said some $60 million will be allocated to fixing the main roads at Wakenaam, Region Three.

Minister Patterson, who made the disclosure on a visit to the island, said rehabilitative works on roads throughout the Essequibo island will commence soon.

“I think the road upgrade would be really, really nice since traversing the road, for me, from Maria-Johanna to Souci is a task, and it costs me $1,000 every day,” Teacher Nicola Harry said.

Soyinee Clarke, another resident of Wakenaam, who is looking forward to the upcoming works, said she is “very

Teacher of Wakenaam, Nicola Harry

thankful”.

Meanwhile, Winston Browne enthusiastically uttered, “We in Mary Johanna, Wakenaam are so satisfied with this administration because we see the kind of seriousness within the administration.”

Minister Patterson said rain is the only challenge to the execution of the rehabilitation works.

“The biggest hindrance to that is the rain... The most difficult thing for the road is rain because if you put it down when the place is wet, it’ll come up back right away,” Minister Patterson said.

The rehabilitation of Wakenaam’s main roads is slated to

commence at the beginning of the dry season. With respect to the electricity sector, Minister Patterson committed to the installation of an additional 20 LED [light-emitting-diode] lights on the island. This will complement the 60 LED lights that were erected on GPL’s poles throughout the island in 2018.

At the ministerial community engagement in Maria-Johanna, Minister Patterson was accompanied by his Cabinet colleague, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who spoke on numerous developments related to the health sector.

Meetings were also held at Leguan and Akili islands of Essequibo. (DPI)

Supt. Mc Bean’s expertise will be an asset to the GPF

an acquaintance. However, I applaud his determination for self-improvement, and his commitment to his country.

At this time, the GPF needs officers of his outlook and dedication. It can only gain from his acquired expertise, so much needed at this time, for combatting the type of modern crime challenges which have taken root during the former PPP/C administration.

Dear Editor,

A

S Carla Mendonca said in her letter of June 29, in the Guyana Chronicle captioned, “No righting of wrongs through the dangerous jaundiced eyes of ethnicity,” “It has to be the first time in the known history of the very senior echelons of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), that so senior a rank as a deputy commissioner of police has been sent on leave…”

This pertained to Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, now being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

In the same vein, but for completely different reasons, I have never known of a police rank, of any level, being reinstated after being dismissed for so long a period of 10 years; a decision that then Superintendent of Police, Simon Mc Bean, decided to challenge, and which he had overturned, won by way of Appeal Court decision, then for the Police Service Commission, to formally reinstate him at his last substantive level.

Editor, it is my honest opinion that Superintendent Mc Bean had been the victim of a well-known tradition of GPF grudge culture, especially taken against young policemen who were ambitious enough for wanting to improve and further their academic worth, for advancement in the GPF. And it is their right to do so, since such an added attribute weighs very strongly when considering a policeman’s upward mobility.

As an aside, but relevant to the thrust, I do recall, two cases of two very bright young corporals who, in the 1980s, had dreams of careers in law, only to be shot down each time they requested permission to attend the University of

Guyana. They were told afterwards, that only the very senior personnel, had been entitled to such a privilege.

This is quite the opposite to what now exists since 2015, with the coalition government. Under this administration, policemen from all ranks have been attending the University of Guyana, which last graduation of 2018 reported a batch of 29 policemen/women, inclusive of a few seniors graduating with first and second degrees, and diplomas in fields that included banking, social work, and public management. It was a first for the GPF, and it underlined the government’s commitment to not only a professional police organisation, but a wise recognition that the latter ethic is best achieved by improved academic learning for ranks, apart from the fact of such enabling a better equipped police force for combatting today’s sophisticated crimes.

There was no doubt that at that material time, the era when academic furtherance for policemen/women was never a consideration, much less a priority for the PPP/C regime, that there were orchestrated steps to frustrate and deny Mc Bean’s efforts to pursue his post-graduate study. For even if he had been denied his application for study leave, why also veto his request for no-pay leave, which would have had no cost on the force’s payroll, in respect of an officer who was not going to be on active duty. It reeks of that good ole’, well-known bad mindedness.

The fact that officer Mc Bean has decided to return to Guyana, in deference to being where he had sojourned, underlines his belief and faith in the on-going efforts to improve and renew the entire professional ethic of the GPF, inclusive of its administrative culture, taking place under the aegis of the coalition government.

I have never personally met Mr. Mc Bean, nor am I

Regards Earl Hamilton

Precious artifacts Dear Editor,

T

HE preservation of historical artifacts can be considered priceless and in my little collection of literature pieces, one can find a 1944-1945 Queens College Centenary Magazine, British Guiana.

Perhaps it might be the only copy floating around and who knows, it could be a rare historical literature material. The data are of great reading and too many names to mention that were published.

Unfortunately, I don’t think any newsprint would allow me the opportunity to have all pages printed.

Queens College celebrates its 175th anniversary in 2019 and I now share with your respective readership, a glimpse of a special historical literature artifact along with its contents.

Yours faithfully T. Pemberton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Overcoming early bumpy roads –– young Vishal Hulbert Joseph has eyes set on the future

By Telesha Ramnarine LIFE has not always been smooth sailing for Vishal Hulbert Joseph, who was forced to make a few decisions that would prove crucial to his future endeavours. In fact, at just 17, he was practically on his own, pursuing sixth form studies and a job at the same time.

Vishal shared his story just recently with the Guyana Chronicle, and he could not help but reflect on how well his life has turned out, even though he had quite a few bumpy roads to travel.

A ‘Georgetown’ boy all his life, Vishal completed all of his education on Camp Street. He began at the Starter’s Nursery School, and then pressed on to St. Margaret’s Primary and Queen’s College, where he completed sixth form.

Vishal is forever grateful

Vishal Hulbert Joseph that his parents, Lennox Joseph and Savitri Singh, along with his caring teachers, paid attention to his education, and provided the nudge he needed to excel academically.

Vishal would not elaborate on the details regarding the challenges he faced when

Vishal with some of the celebration in New York he was just about to begin sixth form, but he did say that the circumstances at the time required that he live on his own. Through it all, he came out successfully with 12 subjects at the CSEC examinations.

“Transitioning between CSEC and CAPE was a time of my life where I was forced to make a decision to live on my own for one reason or another. It was a very rough time, especially as I was accustomed to having my parents provide everything for me, and now having to balance school with finding a job.”

But he doesn’t regret dealing with the rough patches one bit. In fact, he believes that this period of his life molded and helped him find himself as a young adult.

Vishal took up residence at one of his father’s houses, but the problem he faced was that he couldn’t find a job. In time, though, he heard that the OLPF (One Laptop Per Family) project was hiring, and he took a chance at applying.

“When I went for the interview, I was told I couldn’t be hired, because I was in

military ‘reps’ at the 53rd Guyana Independence uniform. But I asked for a chance to prove that I can pull my weight and earn my coin,” Vishal recalled. He had to skip school on those days that he was required to go on outreaches across the country, and the project manager made concessions for him to work after school.

Vishal would eventually become an experienced project manager, with a demonstrated history of positive growth in venture management, and a business focus on human medicine, agriculture and technology, with skills that enable him to work with non-profit organisations, perform strategic negotiations, craft youth and political policies, and advise on disaster risk reduction and response.

He has been serving in numerous capacities such as being a member of the Red Cross’ National Disaster Intervention Team, domestic and international steering committees in the Lions/ Leos Movement, as a project ambassador of the One World Youth Project, and on the Guyana National Youth Council as a member of the Finance Committee.

Delivering remarks as chairman at the opening of the Caribbean Forum on Youth and Population Development

His affiliations also extend to other domestic, regional and international civil society organisations, and he has made contributions towards the drafting of the National Disaster Plan of Guyana, national ICT youth engagement mechanisms, fostering and catalysing civic engagement in political reform.

Vishal is currently reading for his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, whilst also participating in courses on Negotiation, Mediation and

Speaking on the role of youths in the CSME position in the future. “I PRESIDENTIAL think Guyana is at a point ASPIRATIONS in history where we need a Vishal accedes that be- new political culture; one coming the President of that promotes true cohesion Guyana is a tall order, but among the people.” this would by no means He believes that young change his mind from pur- people ought to get up and be suing it. the change that they want to “I’ve always wanted to see. “Don’t just do it because become President of Guyana. it’s something fun, or do it I know it’s quite a long shot, because it looks good; do it but I am working on it; ev- because there is purpose and erything in its own time. I am passion,” he said. making the steps that I need While Vishal holds to make,” he said. strongly to his work ethics, Regarding all of the sac- he said he loves to hang out

Hanging out with some family members Conflict Resolution with the ESSEC Business School of France, and is an aspiring statesman with a passion for the promotion of national values.

For the promotion of national values as well as his contributions to human and social development, he was appointed as a Queen’s Young Leader in 2015 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2016 as an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

He is also the recipient of a national youth award from the Government of Guyana.

rifices that he would have made, he said he views them as having built him into the person that he is today. “Had I had the luxuries… maybe I would have been a different person. Maybe I would have been spoilt and overly entitled, but being able to struggle through those things, I say that I didn’t die, and I never really fell ill. So I don’t take things for granted, because I have had to work very hard for everything that I’ve wanted.”

Vishal, with some amount of interest in politics, is aiming for a policy

with fun people. To him, there is nothing better than good Soca music. “I think that after hard work there is play. I love Soca, and I just like to have good, clean fun with good food, good wine, good friends, good company, and talking about how we can make our country and each other better.”

Vishal has founded ‘Bookworms’, a non-profit which serves children and students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds across Guyana, with the aid of civil society donations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

All Saints Anglican Church a mission, not monument ―says President Granger at 180th anniversary sermon

PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday attended the 180thanniversary sermon of the All Saints Anglican Church, Main Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, where he told the congregation that the church is a mission and not a monument.

The head of state, in his address, said the church has provided spiritual and material nourishment to the faithful and to the wider community of East Berbice-Corentyne while adding that “It has been an exemplar of Christian charity”.

“All Saints Anglican Church is an emblem of multiculturalism. Its congregations over the decades have included Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans and Indians as borne out by the church’s records and the composition of today’s congregation,” he said.

President Granger noted that the church’s multicultural character is evident through the prominent families with whom it was associated. The nominal roll of congregants includes the Allens, Archers, Baichoos, Brijmohans, Chungs, Dundases, Ganpatsinghs, Henrys, Ho Youngs, Kendalls, Kings, Odeens, Rambarrans, Sams, Steeles and many more, he said.

“The church exemplifies its egalitarian character by showing that persons of different social strata, economic backgrounds and ethnic groups could come together to worship, support each other and to serve the community.

This church is a good example of how differences can unite rather than divide,” the President said while noting that the church is part of New Amsterdam’s rich architectural heritage.

The National Trust has identified All Saints as one of the town’s 39 historical sites.

“Not only the congregation, not only the clergy, but also the government have a duty to preserve and protect it for posterity. All Saints Church celebrates, today, its

180th anniversary. Its survival helps to explain the initial intention of its construction and its impact and influence on Anglicanism and on the East Berbice-Corentyne.”

The President said All Saints Church has, over the past 180 years, shown its congregants that there is enough for everyone to be happy; there is no need for conflict or confrontation.

“Social cohesion is about preserving human dignity, protecting the vulnerable and promoting harmony. The Anglican church has a vital role to play in building social cohesion,” the President added.

PROUD TRADITION He noted too that All Saints has “a proud tradition of promoting social cohesion”.

“It is a closely-knitted faith community which has been of modest service to the Region. It built a school for the education of children in 1853. I commend the work of this church and, particularly, the efforts of the Mothers’ Union,” the head of state said.

All Saints will celebrate its bi-centenary in 2039 and the church, the President said, transformed itself in 1839 by opening its doors to adapt to the greatest demographic revolution that occurred in Guyana’s history.

“The church must not be stuck in the past or, like the dinosaurs which failed to adapt, it will become extinct.

This church is not a museum or a monument. It has a mission that will be relevant for all time. It is a living mission.

“Time does not stand still. Change everywhere – in this church, in this congregation, in this country – is continuous. The church needs no clearer guidance than the words of Jesus himself,” he stated.

In congratulating the Church on its anniversary, President Granger said it has helped to implant and promote the growth of Christianity in Guyana and, particularly, in the

A section of the congregation at the 180th anniversary sermon of the All Saints Anglican Church (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

President David Granger addressing the congregation on Sunday

East Berbice-Corentyne Region.

“All Saints Anglican Church enhanced and enlarged Anglicanism in our country. It fostered inclusion by incorporating free Africans and, later, indentured immigrants into its congregation. It has become multicultural. Its programmes and ministries continue to promote social cohesion,” President Granger said while urging both leaders and congregants to be faithful to the aforementioned principles.

He commended the church for its religious stewardship to this community and to this country.

“I urge the church, through its ministry, to continue to contribute towards the shaping of a society where differences are respected, the weak are assisted and where everyone, regardless of class or ethnicity, feels a sense of belonging,” he stated.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

The All Saints Anglican Church, New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

New-age children HOW often do we hear people make remarks about the kids of today and how different they are compared to children of yesteryear, or when they were children? Then there are others who insist that children have not changed at all and it’s only an adult perception of how children should behave that has changed.

This is usually said because today’s children are sometimes thought to be out-ofhand and beyond control.

Society has indeed changed by leaps and bounds due to technology and along with technology we now have knowledge at our fingertips. Some of it good and worthwhile, and some of it trivial and worthless, still it is an industry which continues to evolve daily.

Regardless of how much the cyber world is entwined with the real world in households, in schools and even on the streets, the necessary ethics and morals that govern our lives should remain intact. Children will always need competent adults to guide and protect them. They will need adults to look out for their best interests: to nurture and love them, to talk to them and to guide them towards adulthood. The internet is not a surrogate parent and cannot provide the warmth, care and personal interaction that is necessary during childhood.

For our children’s sake when it comes to technology and internet use, there must be a healthy balance. Adults are the only ones who can create this necessary equilibrium for their families in this new technological era, but first they will need to do an assessment on their own cyber world use.

Is it excessive or obsessive? If it is, do they care enough about their families to make a change? Every day there are more stories about the negative effects that excessive internet use can have on children and adults.

Many adults are still intrigued by what they can find and see on the internet; they spend a vast amount of time either surfing the web (for only God knows what) or chatting to people online until, what once was a useful tool, becomes a daily obsession.

Because of this engrossment, it is difficult for these adults to then moderate their children’s internet use; neither do they realise the impact that the cyber world is having on theirs and their children’s lives.

For adults to stay aware and focused they need to learn how to use the internet and not allow the internet to use them.

There should be a time for everything, which means equal amounts of indoor and outdoor activity: a time for resting and a time for interaction as a family. Adults

may need to re-programme themselves to spend less time on their phones or online and more time re-establishing sincere relationships and spending quality time with their children and spouses.

The internet has invaded our homes, our workplaces and private lives, it is hard to imagine a time when instant messaging did not exist. This doesn’t mean that you are out of touch if you turn your phone off for the evening and spend time with your children.

You are simply doing something that was considered quite normal not too long ago.

Meanwhile, your children are benefitting from your company and you theirs, in a way that is slowly diminishing, because of the technological gadgets that are taking over our lives.

There is no doubt that the internet has had the biggest influence on today’s children worldwide. It bombards them with information and social pressures more than it has any past generation. Children are walking around attached to the world and with the world at their fingertips, and the downside to this phenomenon is the bearing it could have on their health and well-being It’s true that the easiest way to keep the average child quiet for a long time, nowadays, is to give the child an Ipad or

tablet full of games. But many parents, babysitters and carers who use this method of distraction, fail to realise that to be constantly looking at screens and other gadgets, requires eye muscles to work harder to focus: this increases the chances of children and adults developing migraine headaches.

Other conditions associated with excessive internet use are: brain shrinkage, (up to 20 per cent) eye strain, bad posture, sleep deprivation and relationship stress, as well as, psychologically: anxiety, depression, sadness and loneliness.

Today’s children are no different from yesterday’s children, except for the fact that the pace of technology is seemingly overpowering most of them like a tidal wave. As many young people move along with the flow unchecked, parents alone have the chance to decide the answer to the following important question. In their children’s lives, what, when, where and how will technology be used?

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@ gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Children must be protected from harm at all cost –– childcare director

A RECENT call by Director, Childcare and Protection Agency, Anne Greene, for children to be protected from harm and abuse at all cost has also been underscored by Resident UNICEF Representative, Sylvie Fouet.

Greene, in a feature address to graduates of a Childcare Management Class 2019 by the Adult Education Association (AEA), said that data compiled by her department for the first quarter of 2019 revealed a total of 1277 reported cases that included 576 for neglect; 334 relating to abuse and 268 for physical abuse.

As such, she emphasised the need for childcare workers to be cognisant of their role of ensuring that the rights of children are not violated, while calling, too, for their protection from harm and abuse at all cost.

The Childcare and Protection Agency director further urged that good care be taken of today’s children, so that they

can indeed be the future of the nation, as without them there will be no continuation of families and no existence of mankind. The caring for children requires affection, concern, time, energy, patience, observation and commitment, she noted.

Caregivers are also expected to be role models and examples for the children they serve, in order to enhance their lives and to promote learning, she added.

Often times children are not given due respect and their rights are violated with impunity, particularly their right to be free from harm and abuse, she added.

The value placed on children must be at an all-time high, the Childcare and Protection Agency director reiterated, as she assured that the training for caregivers is highly supported by her agency.

The UNICEF Head of Mission had referenced the data, last week, during a ceremony to hand over $3.9M in equipment and supplies, donated by her

Childcare and Protection Agency Director, Anne Greene organisation, to assist in providing a safe place for abused children in this country, it was reported.

The equipment and supplies that included desktop computers, cameras and tripods, televisions, chairs and desks, will be utilised by the Child Advocacy Centres in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), .

The equipment will be used to document and record stories of child sexual abuse, which will then be passed on to the Police and other relevant authorities. Fouet said that the relevance is linking the science with the counselling, something that was never done before as the capacity to do scientific documentation was lacking.

The Convention of the Rights of the Child sets out about 42 rights, including the Basic Rights which are the right to survival; the right to develop to the fullest, the right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life and the right to be protected from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

St. Cuthbert’s youths urged to take education seriously

THOUGH challenged by school drop-outs, unemployment and drug use, youths of St. Cuthbert’s Mission can make use of the many opportunities provided by the government to further their education.

Bringing this message to the indigenous community located some 11 miles off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway were ministers who share the culture: Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock and Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton.

They visited the village also called ‘Pakuri’ on Sunday to receive one-on-one feedback from residents and the Village Council on their challenges and needs.

Speaking to residents at the village benab, Garrido-Lowe sought to convince the residents that education is the gateway out of poverty.

She stated that her ministry is collecting applications for youths interested in at-

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton (fourth left), hands over sports gear and some 14 floodlights to the St. Cuthbert’s Mission community.

Also present in the photo from left are: Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock; Toshao Beverly Clenkian; Village Councillor for Sports, Timothy Andrews; Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Four, Genevieve Allen; and Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (seventh left) (Adrian Narine photo)

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton (Adrian Narine photo) ensure that you get a scholtending institutions such as arship,” she said. the Government Technical “If you do not have resiInstitute (GTI); the Guyana dence where you can stay in School of Agriculture (GSA); Georgetown, do not worry; the Guyana Industrial Train- your government has built a ing Centre (GITC); Burrowes tertiary dorm which can cater School of Art; the Carnegie for 120 students…you’ll have School of Home Economics your own room, your own and others. desk, your own wardrobe, a Furthermore, the ministry kitchenette…and government provides scholarships for has increased scholarships of such as well as housing in indigenous peoples.” the $186M Hinterland StuIn recent times, 49 indigdent Dormitory at Liliendaal enous youths have received which can house some 100 full scholarships to attend the individuals.

University of Guyana (UG) “We’re asking all the during the new academic year youths who would have grad- beginning September 2019. uated from secondary school Meanwhile, Minister and also the youths who were Norton also informed the around for a year or two and community that opportunities need to upgrade themselves, are also available for youths we’re asking you to apply who have dropped out of and the Ministry of Indige- school and were unable to nous Peoples’ Affairs will complete their secondary

education.

“Don’t think that you have to have 12 or 13 CSECs with ones and twos. Not at all; we also cater for the dropouts,” he said.

“There are places, there are chances. There is the Kuru Kuru Training Centre; there is the Sophia Training Centre…the Guyana Youth Corps.”

At the meeting he singled out villager Mr. Leyland Clenkian as a “language champion” for his efforts to preserve the Arawak language in Guyana.

On this note, he established the importance of the preservation of indigenous languages, stating: “We don’t even know the value we have by knowing our own language, so we’ve got to try to improve on it and do everything that is possible. My commendation goes to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs for promoting our indigenous languages in the year that is dedicated for such by the United Nations.”

Later on during the question-and-answer segment, Clenkian rose to speak about the same concern and requested that he be given time regularly to teach the language at the village’s school.

The ministers extended his vision even further by requesting his participation in its pilot programme to teach primary schoolchildren in Region Nine their native Wapishana language.

Based on the pro-

gramme’s outcome, the government will be guided on how best to teach other languages like the Arawak language to persons in other parts of the country.

During his speech, Minister Norton also reminded that the Ministry of Social Cohesion was created by the coalition government after recognising an existing disunity amongst people and cultures.

He urged villagers that while they might not share the same ideas, they can decide to unify for the sake of what serves as the best interest of their community.

He commended the village for setting a good example for youths and other communities through its excellent efforts in sports such as football, softball and

cricket.

As such, at the end of the meeting, he handed over several items of sports gear and

floodlights to the community to enhance physical and social activities.

Also present on Sunday was Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Four, Genevieve Allen who, much like the others, urged the students and teachers to place greater focus on education and skills development.

She reminded that funds have been set aside in the region’s 2019 budget for the construction of a teachers’ dormitory to facilitate the housing of teachers in the village for improved education.

She highlighted this as she congratulated the students and educators for improvements already witnessed over the years in primary and secondary education.

Allen hopes this will be evident in coming examination results.

“I want to encourage our young people to focus your education on the development of skills and expertise, so that you yourselves can look back over the years to say that ‘I was involved in an initiative that put our community on the map’,” she said.

Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (Adrian Narine photo)

A number of residents from St. Cuthbert’s Mission / Pakuri Village turned out at the community’s benab on Sunday to listen to their ministers (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, july 1, 2019

National cyber-security strategy being developed GUYANA will soon have its own National Cyber Security Strategy to fight cyber-crime as, on Wednesday, the country will be hosting a stakeholder consultation towards its creation.

According to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, this is being made possible through collaboration between the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the Organisation of American States (OAS).

The two entities are expected to host roundtable consultations with representatives of the local financial sector, the judiciary, telecommunications regulators and operators.

They will also have discussions with critical infrastructure operators in aviation, energy, ports, and government agencies re-

sponsible for national security, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), education and more.

The event will be launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the consultations will also take place.

Meanwhile, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes is expected to deliver opening remarks.

The Public Telecommunications Ministry is responsible for Internet governance, digital skills, digital promotion, digital entrepreneurship, e-government, post and telecommunications and ensuring cyber security.

In the area of cybersecurity governance, a cybersecurity technical working group was established in March 2017 aimed at creating and promoting government-relevant cybersecurity

standards, policies, guidelines and best practices to the ministries, agencies, and any other relevant governmental bodies.

The working group comprises representatives from 12 public sector agencies.

Additionally, the ministry has implemented a Cybersecurity Situational Awareness Programme; an improved Government ICT Ecosystem Hygiene and a Network and Cybersecurity Operations Centre, while building capacity through investment in Cybersecurity Automation and Integration Tools and Services.

Minister Hughes has explained in the past that the development of the government cybersecurity incident-reporting system provides resilient and secure mechanisms that enable government ministries and agencies to report cybersecurity incidents.

One recent incident which took place in February 2019 was the cyberattack on the computerised systems of the Guyana Power and

Light Inc. (GPL).

With measures in place, government can work to adequately assess and monitor Guyana’s

cyber-threat landscape so that its available resources can be directed to effectively address cybersecurity issues.

Former national boxer, ‘Tiger’ seriously injured –– during altercation in Plaisance, suspect on the run

FORMER national boxer Gladwin Dorway was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) late Sunday night after being stabbed just after 21:00hrs while the suspect, known only as “Otis”, is said to be on the run.

Up to late last night, Dorway’s fiancée, Carol Ross, was at the hospital eager for word on his condition as doctors battled to save his life.

The 31-year-old is said to have been stabbed in the left side of his chest.

Dorway and the suspect, said to be in his teens, are reportedly known to each other. According to Ross, the young man was at Dorway’s home earlier in the evening making threats, but she’s not sure what caused him to do so.

“The same li’l bhai that juk him, he come at de house complainin’ fuh somebody; I don’t know is who. And he seh that how ‘Y’all want I guh back Camp Street! I could guh back Camp Street!’

That’s what de boy seh. Like he come wid intention fuh ah problem. And then he go ‘way,” Ross said, adding: “Then Dorway didn’t know no story or nutten, but he go out de house after. I don’t know where he went, and I don’t know if he see he, and that’s how the problem start.”

Former national middleweight boxer, Gladwin Dorway According to an eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, Dorway and the suspect got into a fight, during the course of which the suspect whipped out a knife and stabbed him before making good his escape, taking the murder weapon with him.

“I don’t know wha happen before de scuffle; all I notice is he geh juk, and I pick he up and rush he to de hospital,” the witness said.

The stabbing is said to have occurred a street away from Dorway’s Prince William Street home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Good life coming to St. Cuthbert’s Mission

By Lisa Hamilton

A SOLAR farm, roadworks and improvements to water quality are just some of the ways in which the small community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission will be upgraded in the near future.

Residents were made aware of this on Sunday during an outreach to their community by several ministers.

Present were Ministers of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock and Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and others.

Raising one of the concerns, one resident stated that electricity is provided to the community by generator for only some four hours daily and this affects the hours for which students and teachers can do afterschool work.

“Guyana is going green, the whole world is going green and I think it’s time that St. Cuthbert’s gets some green plan so that we can utilise renewable energy,” the resident said.

In response, Minister Allicock stated that plans are in place to significantly

improve on electricity.

“We discussed this matter with the Council and there is a plan to bring some relief. This community is identified for a solar farm and I will remind the Minister of Public Infrastructure that the people are awaiting,” he said.

In the meantime, he stated that the government will keep afloat the village’s generator through the Council.

Another resident requested that water in the village be tested; for the water pressure to be improved and for a new well to be constructed.

“I think this is very, very crucial because if you’re going to do agriculture, if you’re going to survive, you need adequate water. The drive for the government is to ensure that every community, every person, is supplied with potable water,” Minister Allicock said.

He assured that the concerns will be brought to the attention of (GWI) Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, who is well-known for his relentless efforts in ensuring efficient water supply to communities.

Regarding the conditions

of the roads, the ministers noted that they are aware of the poor conditions and plans are in place to make improvements “I understand from the Council that the Ministry of Infrastructure came in. We are aware of this trail from the main road and things are in place, it’s just to get the timing and the funds to make things happen, but you are in our plans,” Minister Allicock assured.

Even as he updated the people on the current political situation, he also noted that soon more monies will be made available to the government to assist communities as a bright future lies ahead.

He stated that under the coalition government and just days ago, Guyana was listed as the fastest growing economy in the world, with a projected growth rate of 16.3 per cent from 2018-2021 by the NASDAQ Stock Market.

Allicock also informed the residents that Guyana has been named the “Best Ecotourism” destination in the world, which forms a part of priorities taken on by government now reaping rewards.

A residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission voices his concerns during the community meeting (Adrian Narine photo)

DEVELOP GOOD PLAN With this in mind, he implored that communities such as St. Cuthbert’s Mission must develop a proper plan for their development in partnership with the government and non-governmental organisation (NGOs).

This, he explained, would ensure that they are among the many who will benefit from Guyana’s oil economy and the spill-off.

Notwithstanding the coming of oil, Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe urged residents to take up collaborative, largescale farming projects which can stand to better benefit the community as opposed to individual farming.

“We want to do better.

We’re not only giving you a tractor and ATV and things like that, we want to make sure that we sit and plan with you and you agree to this plan and understand

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affair Sydney Allicock this plan and commit to it.

Then government is going to invest in it and together we’ll see that you grow and earn,” she said.

To another concern raised, she also gave the commitment that the government can assist with training to play a set of musical instruments they received in the past, but had no tutors to provide training to play them.

She also urged them to participate in upcoming activities such as the Heritage Pageant and the re-training in indigenous languages in villages.

Speaking too, former RDC Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Vincent Henry

informed residents that there are many opportunities for development in the village and villagers must not allow these opportunities to pass them by.

One avenue through which they can receive support for their ideas he highlighted, was the Government’s Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme.

He assured them that the lone programme has benefitted numerous of indigenous communities in the Rupununi through small projects and businesses and can do the same for St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

‘Take politics out of the management of communities’ –– Minister Bulkan tells Wakenaam NDC, RDC officials

MINISTER of Communities Ronald Bulkan has sent a stern message to officials elected to serve on Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, advising them to remove politics from the management of their respective communities.

The minister was addressing a community meeting at Maria’s Pleasure, Wakenaam, on Sunday. He, along with Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, met with residents as part of an outreach to the island.

During the engagement, the residents raised many concerns, including more street lighting and improved drainage. A walkabout in the community gave the ministers a first-hand view of the impassable road. This has been the main concern for

residents.

Minister Bulkan said it is clear that the opposition-controlled NDC and RDC have not been fulfilling their mandate in the community. He reminded that the Coalition Government restored local democracy after more than two decades of nonchalance by the previous administration.

“Chapter seven of the Constitution says local government by freely elected representatives of the people is an integral part of the democratic organisation of the state.”

However, even with the government’s commitment to local democracy, persons elected by their constituencies are being influenced by the parliamentary opposition.

This, he said, needs to be on the backburn-

Ministers Holder and Bulkan and team engage with a resident at her home (DPI photo) er, as the interest of the community should be paramount.

“Take politics out of the management of our communities. Be more concerned about the well-being of the people,” the minister underscored.

Minister Bulkan said the issue of the road should have been taken care of by the NDC. “Everything from health and education to road maintenance is the responsibility of the LDO. There is nothing preventing the NDC from keeping this road in proper maintenance,” the minister chided, continuing: “It is sad that there are people who occupy these positions of authority and they are not prepared to discharge those responsibilities.”

In the meantime, the communities minister told residents that government, through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, has set aside some $60M for road works on the island.

Speaking also at the community meeting, Minister Holder said community leaders need to take stock of their work since the coming oil wealth cannot be squandered wantonly.

“Even if you have oil wealth to spread around, community leaders need to know how to spend it.”

Minister Holder also addressed some concerns of residents of the farming community. These include rice cultivation, duck rearing and production costs for plantain. (DPI)

Ministers Holder and Bulkan and Nizam Hassan listen as a resident make a point (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

234 trained in First Aid, Home Care

THE health sector will soon be boosted following the graduation of 234 young persons in the areas of First Aid – CPR and Home Nursing.

A graduation ceremony was held for the students who received training within the past year at the St. John’s Association, commonly referred to as the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade.

Among the graduates were four lone males.

Each course runs for a period of three to four months, with different class schedules available to meet all who are interested in joining and completing any

ing interventions in emergency cases, especially at accidents.

“I will be requesting of them [St. John’s Association] to partner with the Ministry of Public Health to have us do television programmes so we can teach our people, nationally, basic CPR.” The health minister also lauded the training provided in the area of Home Nursing, stressing her particular interest in Care for the Elderly.

“I am very committed to the care of our elderly, who are our priority, so we laud this programme, which

Minister Lawrence gives a prize to one of the best graduating students of the programmes.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence recognised the graduates as trained volunteers who crucially support healthcare in Guyana, and encouraged each of them to make their facilitators proud.

“It is refreshing that we can witness an Association of such longstanding giving quality service through training without money being the motivational factor, and I say bravo to you…

This certification will afford you the opportunity to be of service to others, which I exhort you to render with dignity and respect.”

The minister was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, and was pleased to observe that the group was comprised largely of young energetic persons ready and willing to serve. In her address, she spoke to the graduates not only as the Public Health Minister, but as a citizen of Guyana who recognises the critical importance and contribution of the training they have received to the country.

Minister Lawrence added that training in the area of First Aid-CPR, which is often overlooked, remains the key to first-hand lifesav-

will provide solid and sustainable outcomes for our senior citizens who deserve our best.”

She also charged the graduates to think strategically about their future, since this graduation is the stepping stone to making an impact on healthcare and saving peoples’ lives.

“I wish you to consider your career path and future,” Minister Lawrence said, adding: “This is the first fundamental step of your accomplishment, but do not stop here. You have the unique opportunity to craft an excellent career in health, so examine your options; select your area of interest and develop your potential in the health sector.”

Also attending the graduation ceremony were volunteers of the Association, as well as Chairman of the Association, Vibert Parvattan, and former Chairman, Major General (rtd) Norman McLean.

The St. John’s Association Guyana is a vibrant, humanitarian, voluntary organisation providing quality first aid training, first aid services and health care to communities, seeking at all times to promote health awareness and safety prac-

tices.

It is a non-profit organisation supporting healthcare in Guyana, and contributing to the general development of all people. The next training cycle is expected to commence in August 2019.

Persons interested in any of the programmes can visit the Association’s headquarters on Cowan Street Kingston, Georgetown to find out more.

(DPI)

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The latest batch of graduates of the St. John’s Association’s First Aid-CPR course demonstrate what they learnt (DPI photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Indigenous culture showcased at Beyuka Irekida

GUYANA’s rich Indigenous culture was showcased through music, storytelling and poetry at Friday evening’s ‘Beyuka Irekida’ – a musical gathering in Arawak, at the Heritage Village, Sophia Exhibition Centre, Georgetown.

The event was an informal one where persons voluntarily performed in their respective Indigenous language to a packed audience of students from the Hinterland Student Dormitory, other Indigenous persons residing in Georgetown

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, viewing some of the items on display

and guests. The evening of musical entertainment aims to provide a platform for Indigenous peoples on the coast to gather to share their culture through the performing arts and traditional handicraft while indulging in their unique cuisine.

Addressing the opening, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, highlighted the importance of preserving one’s identity, noting that the evening’s activity presents a great opportunity for the people to promote the

richness of the nine nations of Guyana.

“We need to use this opportunity to share and respect each other’s culture,” Minister Allicock urged. The event coincides with the United Nation’s International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Minister Allicock said the Indigenous languages play a significant role in the ‘Indigenous identity’ and therefore, it must be promoted and safeguard.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, explained that there is a sizable population of Indigenous peoples residing and pursuing studies in Georgetown. She said the

officials at the ministry realised the Heritage Village, located in the Sophia Exhibition Centre, was the ideal meeting place to share and express themselves in their various Indigenous dialects and tradition.

Minister Garrido-Lowe announced that ‘Beyuka Irekida’ will be hosted the last Friday in every month. Food, arts and craft will also be on sale. Last week, youths participated in a demonstration of craft-making at the Heritage Village.

Some of the skills displayed included Macushi hammock weaving, straw skirts making and the making of beaded necklaces.

(DPI)

One of the participants performing a song

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

E-Gov’t services, school boat, improved infrastructure for Aliki

THE village of Aliki, along the Essequibo River, Region Three, is expected to see major developments over the next few months, following a visit there by Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar.

The Director-General and the Minister of Business also participated in a community meeting. Harmon, in brief remarks, noted that the community meeting is in keeping with a mandate, which has been given by President David Granger.

“He has said that we must go out to the people, hear their concerns and make decisions on the ground. I am here to address your concerns, solve the ones we can and for those that we cannot address here, we will refer it to the relevant agencies. Your concerns are important to us. This is the clear message we want to send, that no village or person will be left out in our

developmental planning. I did a walkabout and I can see the need for certain things and we have already taken some of these things on board and we will fix them,” he said.

During the meeting, Harmon informed the residents that the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has already started work to have internet connectivity in the village. This, he said, will be up and running by the end of this year.

Following a request from the residents for a school boat to be placed in the location, Harmon disclosed that a boat is available for the community but an outboard engine has to be sourced.

In this regard, the Director-General said efforts will be made to ensure the boat is fitted with an engine. The engine will be delivered to the community in time for the new school term in September.

Further, the residents, who are primarily farmers, also

made an appeal for drainage and irrigation works in the area as well as a new playground for the youth of the community. The two government officials committed to having the works undertaken.

Residents from neighbouring Caria Caria, who were present at the meeting, were also asked to present a proposal for their community ground to be upgraded.

Additionally, one young resident made an appeal for government-sponsored programmes for young people, particularly persons who have not been able to complete their secondary education.

INTERVENTION To this end, the Director-General informed the community that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, will be starting a programme from September 2019. This programme, he said, will

Various co-op societies celebrate International Day of Cooperatives THE Anna Regina Community Centre in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be a hive of activity on Saturday, July 6, as Guyana joins the world in celebrating International Day of Co-operatives 2019 (Coops Day), under the theme: ‘Co-ops 4 Decent Work-- The Future of Work in Focus’.

The celebration in Essequibo will take the form of a rally and exhibition and will culminate a week of activities that the Department of Co-operatives in the Ministry of Social Protection, planned in collaboration with the Guyana National Co-operative Union.

Activities here began on Friday, June 28, with an Outreach in Ituni, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) that targeted Ituni Small Loggers Co-operative Society Limited and a Market Day and Exhibition at Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

On Sunday, June 30, an interfaith service was held at the Guyana Police Force Co-operative Credit Union building, Camp and Seawall Road, Eve Leary, while on Tuesday, July 3, the focus will be an outreach for the Three Door Fishermen Co-operative Society at the Three Door Fishermen Port, Cotton Tree Village, West Bank Berbice in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

That same day, July 3, a Co-operators’ Walk will be held in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), starting at Philadelphia Street and ending at the Ministry of Social Protection.

On July 4, a Co-operators’ Forum will be held at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The Ministry of Social Protection, in a release early last month, said that it has supported the revitalisation of some 170 co-operative societies and registered another 68 new ones from 2016 to date.

It said too, that the coalition government sees co-ops as the third pillar of economic

development, noting that while some of the 170 societies were active they were not in compliance with the laws, and others were dormant.

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

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

Co-operatives speak to joint ownership and management, whereby the benefits and profits are shared. With this also comes the commitment to achieve success and where challenges exist, to work together to resolve them. The development of all Guyanese, without exception, can trace instances of their lineage where co-operative associations helped weather stormy situations and pursue advancement.

According to the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), co-operatives are people-centred enterprises characterised by democratic control that prioritise human development and social justice within the workplace.

It views Co-ops Day as celebrating a future in which human development and social justice are priorities. Through Coops Day, too, local, national and global policy makers, civil society organisations and the public in general can learn how co-operatives contribute to a decent working environment, “Co-operatives help to preserve employment and promote decent work in all sectors of the economy.

Through participation, members have a motivation to change their lives, their communities and the world,” Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), has said.

Director-General Joseph Harmon shares a light moment with this little resident of Aliki as Minister of Business, Rajkumar looks on (Ministry of the Presidency photo) cater to this group of young people from Aliki.

“My understanding is that there is a programme which will be implemented from September. The aim of this project is to allow early school leavers at Aliki Village to write their secondary school examination which will then qualify you for tertiary education and employment; so I can say that something is being done about it. The next thing is to get you into secondary schools. We have some issues we have to address in that regard since persons leaving here might require a school that has live-in facilities, so we will have to speak to the community so that we can

get our young people into the education system. There are monies allocated and so it is really a matter of working out the arrangements with the community. We are a caring government and we will take care of our young people,” the Director-General shared.

Residents also raised concerns about skills training and expressed a desire to have these trainings facilitated in their village. To this end, Mr. Harmon noted that the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) have budgeted for several training in the areas of Boat-Building and Agro-Processing, among others, for

the community and these will commence as soon as funds are released by the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Jennifer FerreiraDougall, said she visited the community last Tuesday and addressed several other issues, including much-needed upgrades to the community’s health centre. She noted that some works have already started while the others will soon follow.

The REO also noted that she has been able to hire skilled personnel such as plumbers from the community to complete works on the health centre and as long as residents are skilled and able to contribute to any of the projects to be undertaken, they will be given opportunities to do so.

Additionally, in keeping with an appeal made by the senior citizens during her visit last week, Ferreira-Dougall prepared eight hampers and a quantity of sports gear for the youth, which were handed over by Harmon and Minister Rajkumar.

Chairman of the village, Danny Cummings, in his remarks said he is grateful for the visit as the community has several challenges, which they wanted to be addressed.

Minister of Business, Rajkumar assured the community that issues that require follow up or further intervention will be treated with the urgency it deserves. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

‘Festa Junina’ attracts thousands

By Vishani Ragobeer

THOUSANDS of Guyanese and Brazilians in Guyana came together on Saturday night for the annual ‘Festa Junina’, in

zilian celebration which celebrates the winter month of June and the forthcoming season of Spring, according to the ambassador. The ‘festa’ has Catholic underpin-

ed that for about 20 years, this celebration has made its way into the Guyanese society, with the celebration being held at the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre at 309 Church

day.

Patrons, young and old, would have been able to experience Brazilian culture through, music, dance, delicacies, cocktails and games. Impor-

Patrons dancing at the Festa Junina held at Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre on Saturday night (Vishani Ragobeer photo) a way that illustrates the integration of the two countries, according to Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Lineu Pupo de Paula.

Festa Junina is a Bra-

nings and in Brazil, the celebration is done for the harvesting of crops, particularly corn. The festivities are held in many parts of the country.

Ambassador Paula not-

Street, Queenstown.

“Last year we had 3,000 people, from 5:00pm to midnight, and I think that this year we might have that and even more,” he said on Satur-

tantly, the ambassador noted the presence of Guyanese who were not only

learning about the culture but actively participating in it.

“More than half of the couples out there are Guyanese, and that makes me particularly very happy because there is an integration,” he said, adding: “Among all the foreigners that we have here in Guyana, I think Brazilians are very connected to Guyanese and the Guyanese society.”

The ambassador has been in Guyana for five years, with this year being his last year as ambassador to Guyana. And during that time, he said that he has seen more Guyanese become connected to the Brazilian culture.

“What we can see is that the integration is perfect,” the ambassador said, adding that even on the governance level, there is great cooperation between the two countries.

He reminded that President Granger visited the South American neighbour thrice, which points to the excellent bilateral relations the two countries maintain.

Furthermore, he highlighted, “For Roraima, the northern state of Brazil, Guyana is very important and that is why we are still

trying to find ways to pave the roads from Linden to Lethem to connect the two countries.”

Though this is his last year in Guyana, he noted that he strived to develop those bilateral relations, particularly to promote further developments in Guyana.

Earlier this year, the majority state-owned Brazilian oil company, Petrobras, presented a five-year strategic plan for Guyana’s oil and gas industry, which includes technical assistance, export and import services and training.

“With the oil, next year Guyana will start being really rich and maybe when I come back after some years, I’ll see a new Dubai here,” Ambassador Paula said, commenting on Guyana’s developing petroleum sector. “That is what I hope because the quantity of oil is immense.”

Added to that, Paula noted that Brazilian farmers will be coming to Guyana to introduce the planting of soya and corn and plans are in train for a fibre-optic connection from Georgetown to Boa Vista in the Roraima state.

Scores of persons gather around to see the highly anticipated Square dancing

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Councillors lead massive clean-up in Constituency Eight

A NUMBER of streets that are without proper lighting in Constituency Eight have been identified, and the respective councillors are now working to see how they can provide some more street lighting.

Constituency Councillors Dawn Stew-

Councillor Dawn Stewart

art, Eon Bollers, and Gregory Fraser last Saturday organised a clean-up exercise in the constituency, which takes in the Stabroek, Wortmanville, Werk-en-Rust and Newbury communities.

Approximately 50 persons, inclusive of residents and workers from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), assembled early Saturday morning at the corner of Camp and D’Urban Streets, in Georgetown, to embark on the massive cleaning exercise.

“We sanitised the area for mosquitoes and rodents,” Councillor Stewart told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday afternoon.

The team cleaned the parapets and found that there were many abandoned vehicles on the road that were encroaching on them. It was also observed that vehicular oil was being dumped in the drains.

The co-operative efforts of employees, councillors and residents, resulted in street drains and yards being sprayed; potential and actual breeding places of mosquitoes being removed; and the weeding of parapets and the cleaning of drains on D’Urban, Princes, Norton, Camp, Creen, Bishop and John streets.

According to Stewart, residents complained that no desilting works were being done, and also that there was bad street lighting in the constituency. As a result of such poor lighting, people often get robbed at nights, the councillor pointed out.

Those areas that are very dark at nights have been identified and the coun-

cillors are now looking to see how they can provide some more lighting. According to Stewart, many robberies happen on John and Bishop Streets, between Princes to D’Urban Streets. Princes Street, in the vicinity of the cemetery, has also been identified as a ‘hot spot.’

Stewart expressed that one of her biggest dreams for the constituency is for an elderly care facility to be constructed that would serve like a daycare for senior citi-

zens. “I would give anything to make this into a reality. I am hoping that persons in the community would support by means of donations,” Stewart said, adding that to her, young people and the elderly are the two most neglected groups.

She is also hoping that a community centre for young people can be constructed, and that the avenue on Hadfield Street, between Louisa Row and Camp Street, will be upgraded.

A number of parapets were cleaned.

Cleaning was done along D’Urban, Princes, Norton, Camp, Creen, Bishop and John Streets.

It was also observed that vehicular oil was being dumped in the drains.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Gov’t takes cohesion message to Leguan

LEGUAN residents assembled in the Leguan Secondary School hours before a scheduled community meeting with their elected government ministers. For these residents, it is the first time four sitting government ministers are visiting the island, along with a sitting Mayor of Georgetown.

Present at the meeting were Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson and the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.

The team of government officials on arrival was met with a resounding reception of tassa drums and a packed hall of residents eager to meet with their elected officials. They were also treated to a rendition of “Welcome to Leguan” from the residents.

In his feature address, the Mayor of Georgetown spoke on the importance of tackling racism through social cohesion, as is the vision of President David Granger.

“There are four aspects of social cohesion and a very important one to me is unity. Let me remind you, establishing a Social Cohesion Department in this nation is what was needed to bring us unity and justice.”

Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine (from left); Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson; and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma (DPI photo)

Some of the residents at the Leguan community meeting (DPI photo)

He opined that this was a clear message that this government cares for harmony among its people. Following him was Minister Sharma who recounted the efforts of the government for Leguan.

“We completed five major sea defence projects…. We constructed 800 metres of sea defence... the value of these works is in excess of US$5.4M [$1.3B],” he related.

Minister Sharma charged the residents to make known their needs.

“For 2020, we will be carrying out the main rehabilitation of the access roads and will be conducting follow-up visits to see what else is needed… you can assist us here today by telling us what more you need.”

Minister Ally came to the podium following a special

rendition of “Let us cooperate for Guyana,” done by a student of Redeemer Primary School.

She reminded the residents that “It is important for you to live in love and unity; there must be nothing that divides you even though there have been attempts to divide our people.”

The minister reaffirmed that as far as the coalition government is concerned, it matters not which political party citizens support, but rather that they are provided with the opportunity to partake in a good life.

Meetings similar to this are being conducted on various islands in the Essequibo River as a means for residents of these communities to be able to meet with their government officials to voice their concerns. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Food, agriculture vital for sustainable future –– FAO director general

THERE is a growing realisation that food and agriculture must play a vital part in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals and that in this context, FAO provides a neutral forum to address global issues of transboundary dimensions, the UN agency’s Director-General, José Graziano da Silva said.

He made the remarks to representatives of member states at the closing of the 41st session of the FAO Conference.

“In a world in which tensions between nations or ideologies undermine progress towards a better future, your work during this Conference has helped to make FAO

more effective in responding to the many demands on its services,” Graziano da Silva said, noting that the Conference saw the highest number of participants - over 1,300 delegates from 196 countries.

“Many of the major issues related to healthy food systems, sustainable agricultural development and responsible environmental stewardship can only be addressed through joint work between countries and relevant partners,” Graziano da Silva added.

The FAO chief extended a “very warm welcome” to the FAO Director-General elect Qu Dongyu of China and his team. Qu Dongyu will start his four-year term on 1 August.

Essequibians narrowly escape death

FIVE Essequibians narrowly escaped death on Sunday after the driver of the car in which they were travelling lost control of the vehicle and it ended up in a drainage trench at Affiance, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The accident reportedly occurred around 13:30hrs Sunday afternoon.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the five occupants were in the car and they were heading in a northern direction.

After hearing a loud impact, residents immediately rushed to the scene and assisted the occupants of the car.

According to an eyewitness, the driver, along with four other young people, escaped unhurt. Efforts are currently being made to have the vehicle removed.

The police are investigating the accident.

The car that plunged into the trench at Affiance, Essequibo Coast

Graziano da Silva reiterated his call for governments to encourage the production and consumption of healthy, locally produced foods to address the growing issue of obesity and overweight.

To support this, he put forward measures such as the introduction of taxes on unhealthy food products as well as easier-to-understand and more comprehensive food labels.

He pointed out that conventional policies aimed at keeping food prices low for consumers are contributing to perpetuate rural poverty, drive internal and external migration and contribute to unhealthy eating.

In closing, the Director-General thanked the member states and staff for their support during his tenure, and he expressed his satisfaction that Brazil’s pioneering Zero Hunger programme is being replicated by many countries and could be further expanded.

The Conference approved the Programme of Work and Budget for the biennium

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva closes the 41st session of the FAO Conference 2020-21, which is closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Conference saw the election of FAO’s new Director-General - Qu Dongyu - on 23 June.

A series of side-events explored the challenges and opportunities of reaching Zero Hunger across several regions - Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and

Central Asia, the Near East and North Africa - as well as on biodiversity for food and agriculture, youth’s role in agriculture.

Government ministries in Pakistan and Rwanda, a group of Spanish journalists, a Norwegian research vessel, a group of current and former parliamentarians in Chile, and FAO field staff who worked in South Sudan and Yemen were recognized at the biennial FAO Awards ceremony,

held on the sidelines of the Conference.

On the first day of the conference, Graça Machel delivered the McDougall Lecture with an impassionate call for a disruption across the whole agricultural sector and a “game changer in agriculture” if countries are to reach the Zero Hunger goal by 2030, the target date agreed by the international community. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Rabiot moves to Juventus

Rabiot arrives in Turin as he closes in on a move to Juventus

(BBC) - Juventus are expected to complete the signing of France midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the next 48 hours.

The 24-year-old’s contract with Paris St-Germain expired on 30 June, leaving him free to sign for rival clubs.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel refused to pick Rabiot from December last year after it became clear he was not willing to extend his stay at the club.

In 2018, Rabiot refused to be named on France’s standby list for the World Cup after not being picked in the squad.

On Sunday, the Italian champions tweeted a series of pictures of Rabiot arriving in Turin by plane.

He will become Juventus’ second free transfer signing of the summer, following Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who ended his 11-year stay at Arsenal to move to Turin.

Meanwhile, Lille have signed United States international winger Timothy Weah, 19, from PSG on a five-year contract.

England boss Phil Neville says semi-final defeat would be failure (BBC) - Head coach Phil Neville says it would be considered a “failure” if England do not beat the USA to reach the Women’s World Cup final.

The Lionesses face the defending champions and world number one side in the semi-finals in Lyon on Tuesday - in a game live on BBC One (20:00 BST).

England, ranked third, have never gone beyond the last four at a World Cup. “Nobody cares who loses a semi-final, it’s all about winning,” said Neville.

“No-one cares about silver and bronze - it’s the gold medal everyone wants.”

England lost out against Japan in 2015 and went on to beat Germany in the third-place play-off to secure the team’s best-ever finish.

They then made the last four at Euro 2017 but

lost to hosts and eventual champions the Netherlands.

“My players now want to win,” he added. “If we don’t get the right result, we’ll feel the disappointment and we’ll see that as a failure.

“That’s not me being negative, that’s just our expectations, our belief and our confidence.”

Three-time champions the USA have lost just once in their last five internationals against England, and won 3-0 in their only World Cup encounter in the 2007 quarter-finals.

But Neville’s side will be boosted by their performance against Jill Ellis’ team in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, a game which they drew 2-2 on American soil.

England came away with the silverware from the invitational event and Neville said: “The March

game was a good game for both teams.

“We played really well and that game gave us great confidence and belief.

“We were the ones that stood on that platform and lifted that trophy. When you win something, it gives you the taste of it and this time the prize is even bigger.”

Neville was asked about the presence of a USA official at England’s hotel, reportedly seeing if it was suitable for them if they reach the final, which is also in Lyon.

“It’s not a concern,” he said. “The only thing I would say is it’s not something that I would want my team ops person doing. It’s not something that England would do.

“But it’s their problem. I’m sure that Jill [Ellis] probably wouldn’t have been happy with that arrangement.”

England end...

FROM PAGE 28

to do justice to his reputation as a ‘finisher’.

“We have to accept it.

We are still playing good cricket. The mood is the same in the changing room.

We will learn from it and move forward,” Kohli said.

Asked about their slow finish with Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav in the middle, the India captain said, “It

was just not coming off.

England were bowling good areas. It was not easy get to boundaries.

We will have to sit down and assess.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday July 01, 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: 2 centuries Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the first Sri Lankan to win a Man of the Match award in World Cup 2019?

How many centuries were scored in World Cup 2015?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Rishabh Pant dives to make his ground during a nervous start © Getty Images

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Vinales wins England end India’s Dutch MotoGP unbeaten run

REUTERS - SPANIARD Maverick Vinales won the Dutch TT at Assen on Sunday for Yamaha’s first win of the year while Honda’s world champion Marc Marquez settled for second to extend his MotoGP lead to 44 points.

French rookie Fabio Quartararo, who started on pole position for the second race in a row, finished third for the Petronas Yamaha team.

“Assen is one of the tracks I like more on the calendar,” said Vinales, whose last win was in Australia last October. “Right now I am living my dream because it’s been such a long period without victory.”

Marquez now has 160 points to 116 for Italian Andrea Dovizioso, who finished fourth for Ducati, after eight of 19 races won by four manufacturers.

“We knew that the Yamaha was very strong already in practice,” said Marquez, who recognised Vinales was faster but stuck with him as long as he could before easing off.

“This is like a victory. We increased the advantage of the championship, this is the most important. And in a circuit where we struggle, we were there.”

Italian great Valentino Rossi, Vinales’s team mate, crashed out after four laps after tangling with Japanese rider Takaaki Nakagami. Neither were injured.

“It was my mistake. It was also a quite big crash,” said Rossi.

Suzuki riders Alex Rins and Joan Mir led into the first corner, with Vinales also ahead of Quartararo, who had arm surgery at the beginning of June and was not helped by his bike’s handling.

Rins slid out on lap three with Mir leading until Quartararo again hit the front with Marquez between the two Yamaha team riders.

Vinales took the lead with 11 laps to go with the two Spaniards close together before the Yamaha rider pulled clear to win by 4.8 seconds.

The next race is the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring on July 7.

Monster Energy Yamaha’ Spanish rider Maverick Vinales celebrates after winning the MotoGP on the TT circuit in Assen, the Netherlands, on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Vincent Jannink / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo credit should read VINCENT JANNINK/AFP/Getty Images)

Verstappen gifts Redbull/Honda

first modern win

(REUTERS) - RED Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Austrian Grand Prix and ended Formula One champions Mercedes’s streak of success, after beating Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in a wheel-banging battle of the 21-yearolds on Sunday.

The Dutchman’s victory, confirmed by stewards some three hours after the race following an investigation, was his second successive triumph at Spielberg.

Verstappen seized the lead from Leclerc, who had led from pole position, two laps from the end with the duelling pair making contact into the tight uphill turn three as the crowd roared.

He crossed the line, acclaimed by thousands of orange-shirted Dutch fans at a circuit owned by Red Bull, 2.7 seconds ahead of the Monegasque but with stewards summoning both to an enquiry.

The decision, after a review of video evidence, was to take no further action and confirm the sport’s youngest ever toptwo finish.

Valtteri Bottas was third

“For Honda to win again here is incredible,” said the youngster, who had to fight back from eighth at the end of the first lap after getting bogged down on the front row at the start.

The Red Bull came into a league of its own after the pitstops with Verstappen scything through the field one car at a time and then chasing down Leclerc.

“After that start, I thought the race was over,” said Verstappen.

“It’s hard racing, otherwise we have to stay at home. If those things are not allowed in racing, then what’s the point of being in Formula One,” he added when asked about the summons.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said Verstappen had given Leclerc Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red enough room.

Bull Racing celebrates on the podium as second placed “These are two guys of Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari looks dejected the future and if they take during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on this victory away from Max June 30, 2019 in Spielberg, Austria. that’s stealing from Formula (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) One,” he said. “We need Five-times world chamVerstappen, now with six drivers going wheel-to-wheel pion Hamilton remains well career wins, was also the last and fighting with each other.”

Leclerc also led from in front in the standings, 31 driver to beat Mercedes — pole in Bahrain in March clear of Finland’s Bottas in the Mexican Grand Prix before losing out with an last October. after nine of 21 races. engine problem. for Mercedes, who were powerless to extend their streak of successive wins to 11 and add a ninth for the season.

Championship-leading team-mate Lewis Hamilton, winner of the previous four races, finished fifth and behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

HONDA FIRST The victory was the first for a Honda-powered car since Britain’s Jenson Button won in Hungary in 2006 for the Japanese manufacturer’s own team, and a welcome antidote to last weekend’s dull French Grand Prix.

(REUTERS) - A SPIRITED England ended India’s unbeaten run in the Cricket World Cup with a 31-run victory in a high-scoring group match to boost their semi-final prospects on Sunday.

Jonny Bairstow smashed a belligerent 111, Jason Roy returned from a hamstring injury to make 66 and Ben Stokes (79) provided the late burst in England’s commanding 337-7 after electing to bat on an Edgbaston featherbed.

Rohit Sharma smashed his third hundred of the tournament and Virat Kohli his fifth successive half-century but India did not get the late surge and finished on 306-5.

England leapfrog Pakistan to fourth place with 10 points from eight games, while India remain second on 11 from seven matches.

Eoin Morgan’s men will qualify for the semi-finals if they beat New Zealand in their final group match on Wednesday.

If they lose, they could be pipped by either Pakistan — who need to beat Bangladesh — or by Bangladesh, provided Mashrafe Mortaza’s men can pull off an unlikely double over India and Pakistan.

A no-result for England could also be enough because of their superior net run-rate.

“It’s been frustrating a little bit for the guys; we know how well we can play,” Bairstow said after collecting his man-of-thematch award.

“But today we were pretty good with bat, ball and in the field.

“It was the closest to a complete performance we’ve had in the competition but we also know we’ve got three must-win games in this World Cup up next.”

The hosts missed opener Roy particularly in their back-to-back defeats

by Sri Lanka and Australia which had jeopardised their semi-final prospects.

The 28-year-old made an instant impact on his return, forging the tournament’s highest opening stand with Bairstow and both survived some torrid moments before tearing into the Indian attack during their 160-run stand.

Bairstow nearly deflected a couple of inside edges on to the stump and

Roy got a caught-behind reprieve on 21 when he gloved Hardik Pandya.

The umpire, however, declared it wide and the Indians deliberated for a while before deciding against reviewing the decision in front of an anxious crowd of predominantly India fans.

England reached the 150 mark in the 21st over and it took a stunning catch by substitute fielder Ravindra Jadeja in the deep to send back Roy. APPLAUSE FOR BAIRSTOW Bairstow brought up his eighth ODI century off 90 balls, celebrating by dropping his helmet, stretching out his arms and soaking in the applause.

Mohammed Shami (569) returned to end Bairstow’s 109-ball blitz which included six sixes and 10 boundaries.

India managed to stem the boundary flow in the 30-40 over period, when they conceded only 43 runs while claiming two wickets.

Stokes clobbered three sixes and six boundaries in his blistering knock before Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him in the final over.

India, clad in their away orange-and-blue jerseys, wobbled early in their chase.

Chris Woakes began with three maiden overs, catching the scoreless KL Rahul off his own bowling in his second.

India could have been in a deeper crisis but Root, who made 44 with the bat, spilled Rohit, then on four, at slip off Jofra Archer.

Rohit went on to stitch a 138-run partnership with Kohli, the duo frustrating the English attack with their risk-free accumulation.

Kohli duly brought up his half-century but once again fell short of a hundred, slicing Liam Plunkett (3-55) to backward point.

Rohit could not be denied his 25th ODI century but he fell to Woakes after making 102 which included 15 boundaries.

Rishabh Pant made 32 in his World Cup debut and Hardik Pandya chipped in with a 45-run cameo but Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made 42 not out, failed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

The future of our cricket is good

West Indies aiming to end CWC on a high Much is expected of Shimron Hetmyer

– Reifer CMC – WHILE the West Indies did not live up to expectations at the ICC World Cup, head coach Floyd Reifer strongly believes the future of the team is in good hands.

Reifer, a former West Indies captain, said an abundance of talent within the region meant the regional side would be a force to reckon with in the years to come.

He pointed to players such Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell, as cricketers with much potential.

“The future of our cricket is good. You know, we have a lot of young guys here. Hope, Pooran, Hetmyer, Oshane Thomas. We have young John Campbell, he was injured from early, so our future is good. I’m confident in these youngsters that going forward we can bring West Indies cricket back to where it belongs at the top.

“Yes, it is unfortunate we didn’t get to the final four in this competition, but going forward I’m happy from what I have seen. Sheldon Cottrell had a very good World Cup,

so we have a lot of young guys that we can mould and build a strong unit going forward,” Reifer said.

The head coach said what was particularly important now was for those players to be moulded into leaders.

“We have a group of guys that for us is to create leaders and that is something we have got to focus on in the Caribbean, as well as in our franchise and first-class cricket to create more leaders amongst ourselves,” Reifer pointed out.

“We have a good young group of players. Like I said, Hetmyer, Hope, Sheldon Cottrell, Pooran. Those guys are young players and we have young guys coming up as well, Keemo Paul.”

So we have good talent in the Caribbean in the system.

We have to make sure that we nurture that talent very well. When we get back to the Caribbean it’s important that we, you know, put guys in the environment and put them in a tough situation where they have to train and train hard and prepare and prepare well.

CMC – DESPITE having already been eliminated from the knockout stage of the 2019 ICC World Cup, West Indies head coach Floyd Reifer says they will be going all out to defeat Sri Lanka when they face off on Monday.

The Windies have won just one match – against Pakistan – and currently sit in ninth position with just three points from their seven games.

However, Reifer said the regional side wanted to establish a winning culture, which meant they would be looking to win their two remaining games.

“Yes, we are out of the World Cup, but there is still a lot of cricket to play after the World Cup. It’s important for us to, you know, find the winning ways and find the winning formula going forward, so it is important for us to play this game as hard as possible.

“We want to create that winning culture. It has to start from somewhere, so we’re going to approach every game in a professional manner. The guys are still up for it. We’re good to go,” Reifer said.

“We had a long conversation in the dressing

room, so we did a lot of soul-searching. It is important for us and important for the fans in the Caribbean as well, for us to put up the performances, even at the back end of the World Cup.” With Sri Lanka also eliminated following England’s victory over India on Sunday, Reifer said that made little difference to the West Indies.

He said the regional team still had a lot to play for.

“Our mindset is to win. Obviously, there is a process to winning by playing. You have to bat, bowl and field well. You have to make sure you are on top of your game in all three departments. So, like I said, if the persons are playing a professional game, a game with intent, it is important for us to win, you know.

“Like I said at the start, winning ways. We have got to create that winning culture and it can start from here now. We had some good games in the World Cup, but we just need to get the one percenters right. Once we get the one percenters right, then you will see we will get the results,” Reifer said.

Hamilton Green Cup concludes Warner in default over today at Den Amstel CONCACAF lawsuit

FOOTBALL fans from all across the coun- in square off against De Kindren. try will converge today at the Den Amstel Bourda Blues will then match strides Community Centre ground to witness the with Sophia before host, Den Amstel Back conclusion of this year’s Hamilton Green Street, take the field against Zeelugt with 9-a-side Inter-Ward Cup. Uitvlugt taking on Bagotville in the final The final, which had to be rescheduled game of the round. due to the inclement weather, is set and ready The quarter-final matchups will see winto provide football fans with riveting action ner of game 1 versus 5; winner of game 2 to bring the curtain down on what has so far vs 6; winner of game 3 vs. 7 and winner of been an exciting tournament. game 4 vs. 8.

The action, which commences at The four surviving teams will then meet 15:00hrs with play in the round in the semi-finals to determine the two of 16, will see the respective winfinalists. ners’ progress to the quarter-finals, Among the sponsors so far are semi-finals and the highly-anticiJohn Fernandes Ltd, A.H.L Kissoon, pated final.

Techno Mills, Ready Mix, Sataur The winning team will take home Gafoor, E.C Veira, BEV En$300,000 and the winning troterprises, BK International, phy, while the second placed IPA, New Thriving, Ricks finisher will collect $100,000 and Sari, E-Networks, Starr and a trophy.

Computers, NAMILCO, In today’s opener, MaCummings Electrical, Nahaicony takes on Vreedtional Sports Commisen-Hoop, before Soesdyke sion, Star Entertainment, clash with Liliendaal. MoAlfro Alphonso, the Guycha will engage Charlesana Police Force, GuyOil, town in the game to follow. the Minister of State, the Pouderoyen then tackle Prime Minister and the Delon Lanferman will be in action today Timehri, before Goed FortuMinistry of Legal Affairs.

CMC – A US District judge has found in brazen acts of corruption for their own disgraced former FIFA vice-president personal benefit at the expense of the entire Austin “Jack” Warner in default, in a CONCACAF region,” the suit said.

US$20 million lawsuit brought against It also sought US$20 million in comhim by CONCACAF. pensatory damages and unspecified puniJudge William F Kuntz entered judge- tive damages. It includes the cost of the ment against Warner, who is facing extra- Centre of Excellence, which is also the dition to the US in a separate criminal case, focus of a separate claim in the local courts. on Monday.

Warner has already been banned from Warner, who is also the former president FIFA for life. of the North American soccer confederation, In T&T, CONCACAF filed yet another is accused of taking millions in bribes and lawsuit against Warner, in his personal kickbacks. It is alleged that Warner and capacity and as a partner in the firm Dr fellow former FIFA official Chuck Blazer Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence; the made a fortune through embezzlement. centre itself; Renraw InvestWarner never responded to the ments Ltd and CCAN and lawsuit by CONCACAF after he Company, also in its personwas served with it in October 2017. al capacity as partners in Kuntz granted CONCACAF’s mothe centre; Warner’s wife tion for default judgement against Maureen; and accountant Warner, with no opposition, as he was Kenny Rampersad and his unrepresented in court. company.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2017, That lawsuit, being mirrored allegations in the US inheard by Justice Robin dictment that resulted in charges Mohammed, seeks against several top football compensation for officials. the misappropria“There can be no tion of funds with d o u b t t h a t Wa r n e r respect to the ownand Blazer victimised ership and use of CONCACAF, stealing the Centre of Exand defrauding it out of Austin “Jack” Warner has cellence (COE) complex handed a life ban tens of millions of dollars already been in Macoya. from FIFA

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Bingo Sparta crush YMCA OFHC in Goals Galore Hockey AS the final day beckons for the 2019 Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships, all matches remaining to be played are the semi-finals and finals of both the women’s and men’s divisions.

Saturday’s matches saw the final pool round games of the lady’s division which determined the semi-finalists while the larger men’s division featured quarterfinal matches.

The lady’s program on Saturday opened with a 6-6 draw between the GBTI’s GCC Spice and Saints.

The highly ranked Spice began with a zero handicap to Saints five goals. It was a lone goal for Saints by young speedster, Charlia Web, that kept the scores even at full-time since Spice began to reel them in from the outset.

Trisha Woordoffe scored the first of a hat-trick of goals in just the second minute while Gabriella Xavier added two and Dacia Woodroffe one more to complete the six goals for Spice.

The Bingo Spartans showed that their leading position in the pool was no accident by crushing the YMCA OFHC Wolves by 9-5 after both teams started the match dead even with 5-goal handicaps.

Abosaide Cadogan was on target again for the Spartans with two goals while Sarah Klautky and Alana Chung scored the other two.

In the men’s semi-finals, the highly-anticipated matchup between Bounty GCC (+3) and the PEPSI Hikers (0) never amounted to much.

GCC seemed out of it from the inception as their lacklustre performance saw them drowned in an on-

slaught of goals from the Hikers.

Leading scorer of the tournament so far, Aroydy Branford, took his overall tally to 30 by scoring four against GCC while Jamarj Assanah added two and Randy Hope and Robert France one each.

The GCC boys saw only one glimmer of hope through a 27th- minute penalty corner goal by Meshach Sargeant, leaving the final score at 8-4 for the Hikers.

The Hikers Generals (+9) continued to impress as they got past the YMCA OFHC Pacesetters (+11) who gave a spirited performance as well.

The Generals would take a 14 – 11 lead by half-time with five unanswered goals, but the Pacesetters seemed to have been pacing themselves and had a five-goal run in the second-half against just two more for the Generals to even the game.

Devin Munroe would establish control of the midfield, however, and see the Generals to victory with two more goals before the final whistle.

GCC Vintage seemed to be outpaced by a younger, more determined YMCA OFHC Top Form who put the Bourda boys on the defensive from the outset.

With both teams starting on an even +5, Top Form had amassed a 9-5 lead by the half.

Despite GCC’s efforts to come back through a second-half penalty corner goal from Alan Fernandes, Top Form rattled in two more to seal the 11-6 win.

The final match of the night saw two youthful teams in SHC Splinters (+9) and YMCA OFHC Champs (+12)

Bowman says that YBG will keep working to promote youth basketball -NSC promises $2M at launch of National School Basketball Festival

CO-DIRECTOR of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), Chris Bowman, promised to continue pushing youth development through sport at the launch of the 14th edition of the National School Basketball Festival yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

of corporate Guyana.

The hardworking administrator told the youngsters, which included the teams that are competing in the U-18 tournament, that they need to seize the opportunities that the festival offers. “…The NSBF is the only platform for you (stu-

have to seize the moment.”

High in praise for the YBG was Director of Sports Christopher Jones, who indicated that the NSBF has helped to develop and unearth numerous talents over the years.

Although he admitted that government can do more, he also promised a

The U18 teams and officials at the launch of the competition yesterday

Bowman hailed the commitment of his team of organisers (who run the festival), sponsors and the National Sports Commission, but bemoaned the lack of support from some sections

dent athletes) to test, measure and showcase your ability at a national level.

In other words, this comes before being seen as a prospective national player.

What this means is that you

contribution of $2M from the National Sports Commission to the festival.

Jones, like Bowman, also applauded the sponsors at this year’s tournament, especially Beharry

LTD, who has been sponsoring the event consistently for 11 years, the last six of which have been as headline sponsors.

Other long-serving sponsors include Banks DIH, Bounty Farm, John Fernandes and the NSC. Joining the group this year was Exxon Mobil.

Although the festival tipped off yesterday, regional competitions have been ongoing since March over several locations in the country.

The U-18 competition was expected to move into the quarter-final stage from this afternoon while from Tuesday, the Boys’ U-14 group format and the Girls round-robin competition will commence.

The tournament continues daily up to Sunday (when the semi-finals will be played), while the three finals are scheduled for the following Sunday (July 13).

Veteran Top Form defender, Chris Low, controls against fellow veteran Patrick Edghill of GCC

battling for the last remaining semi-final spot.

With the game drawn even by half-time, it seemed to leave little doubt that the Splinters would prevail; however, the Champs relied on former national Ascofu Simon to deliver the killer blow.

Simon delivered a powerful penalty corner strike in the final minute of the match to break hearts and secure a 13-12 victory.

AAG National Senior Championships

Archibald cops sprint double with 200M Gold, Phillips gets revenge!

By Michelangelo Jacobus

YOUNG sprinting sensation, Emmanuel Archibald, cemented his status as Guyana’s ‘King of Sprint’ for 2019 by completing the sprint-double with Gold in the Men’s 200m dash while Kenisha Phillips took revenge for Saturday’s 100m loss by winning the 200m Gold ahead of new rival, Jovanna Gustave.

It was another action packed day over at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, with several nail biting events on day two of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) National Senior Championships; however none more so than the 200m and 400m races.

In the Men’s 200m, Archibald, who is a University of West Indies (UWI) student, had to dig deep to hold off local boy, Daniel Williams, to clinch Gold; the duo were neck and neck down the backstretch but Archibald held on to pip Williams by .02s, finishing in a time of 20.92 seconds while Williams had to settle for Silver with 20.94s. Arinze Chance took Bronze in 21.53 seconds, some distance behind Archibald and Williams.

Meanwhile, on the distaff side of things over the same distance, Kenisha Phillips exacted revenge after her loss in the 100m to Barbados-based Jovanna Gustave; Phillips beat her new rival on the track convincingly, clocking 24.19s while Gustave had to settle for Silver this time around with

24.79s with Natrena Hooper coming in third in 24.93s.

Over in the 400m events, Arinze Chance took Gold by totally dominating the Men’s race in 46.42s while his nearest competitor, Brian Roman, was second in 48.15s and Revon Williams third with 49.20s.

In the Women’s event, Keliza Smith was a class above the field, copping Gold in a time of 59.50s while Tiea Lowe was second in one minute 04.21s and Makeba Maxwell third in one minute 07.32s.

Devaun ‘Scooby’ Barrington made a welcome return to the top of the podium by grabbing the Men’s 800m race in one minute 51.45s ahead of Police athlete, Anfernee Headecker (one minute 54.03s) and Samuel Lynch (one minute 57.63s).

In the Women’s category, Joanna Archer, as expected, took Gold in 2 minutes 13.84s while Kissana Glen was second in 2 minutes 14.61s and Aaliyah Moore settled for Bronze with 2 minutes 23.27s.

In the field, Chantoba Bright was not her usual self as she ceded Triple Jump Gold to Natrena Hooper who had a best effort of 12.71m. Bright had to settle for Silver with her best effort recorded at 12.47m while Princess Browne finished third just behind with 12.32m.

The two day event held at the NTFC, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, was sponsored by Banks DIH and organized by the AAG.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 1, 2019

Bishops’ High edge Bartica Secondary in 14th National School Basketball Festival opener THE 14th edition of the National School Basketball Festival got off to a cracker at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday as the Bishops’ High School edged Bartica Secondary in overtime to tip off the U-18 tournament.

Newcomers to the Festival, Bartica had several opportunities to upset the more established Georgetown School, including leads within the last minute of regulation time and the last two minutes of extra time, but experience prevailed as the game ended 55-53, much to the delight of the Bishops’ supporters.

Bartica, who hosted the Eagles at home the night prior, opened the game in control, but their height in

the middle was undone by the speed of the Georgetown players as they fell behind 23-16 by the half.

Bishops’ High increased their lead early in the second half before Bartica caught a second wind and their lights out shooter Emanuel Atherley took over. The shooting guard scored 14 of his 15 points during this period, including two draggers from beyond the arc, which carried his team back into the lead.

Also finding their range from downtown were Linden Adams (12 points and nine rebounds) and McQuain Smith (six points), who both finished with two three-pointers.

At the other end of the court, Shemar Greaves

exploded with four three-pointers, which were scored in clutch moments for Bishops’. The shooting guard finished with a gamehigh 18 points.

Greaves was the driving force behind the comeback, the whole-court running coupled with foul trouble by the visiting players in the second period, which rolled over to extra time, proved the catalyst for defeat.

Supporting Greaves were Lamon Friday, who scored 12 points to go with seven rebounds and Roydon Glasgow, who scored 11 points and pulled down six rebounds.

With the win, Bishops’ High are into today’s quarterfinals.

T

Bingo Sparta crush YMCA OFHC in Goals Galore Hockey

PEPSI Hikers midfielder, Jamarj Assanah, and Bounty GCC’s Kevin Spencer battle for possession

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West Indies aiming to end CWC on a high

AAG National Senior Championships

Archibald cops sprint double with 200M Gold, Phillips gets revenge!

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Emmanuel Archibald is the new ‘Sprint King’ of Guyana having copped the sprint double at the AAG’s National Senior Championships

Chantoba Bright had a below par performance at the National Senior Championships with Silver medal performances in the Women’s Long and Triple Jump events

Bowman says that YBG will keep 30 working to promote youth basketball Page

Sheldon Cottrell celebrates during one of the West Indies Games (© IDI via Getty Images)

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MONDAY, JULY 1, 2019