Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_09_2019

TUESDAY 9th July, 2019

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Tables turned!

No.105693

GRA moves against Dipcon for US$2.5M in taxes

President nominates eight for GECOM chair

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Representatives of President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, met on Monday to hammer out names for the next chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. (From l-r Juan Edghill; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Anil Nandlall and Director-General of the Ministry of The Presidency, Joseph Harmon (Delano Williams photo)

No jail for Jordan

Mahaicony farmers holding fast …as gov’t continues work to repair sea breach

…President invokes executive order to grant respite 15 PAGE

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Scrapping of NGSA ‘ideal’ in the long-term –– Min. Henry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Mahaicony farmers holding fast …as govt continues work to repair sea breach

By Lisa Hamilton Mahaicony farmers affected by the flooding of their farmlands, due to severe erosion of the earthen embankment meant to keep out the Atlantic Ocean, are holding fast as the Government takes swift action to rectify the situation.

Due to recent heavy rain-

falls and raging waters, embankments at Broomhall, Danzigt and Prospect in Mahaicony have been breached.

Most notable is the 125 metres beach of earth dam at Danzigt which serve as barriers to the Bellamy Canal from the Atlantic Ocean.

With the barrier now broken in some areas, neighbouring farmlands have ex-

perienced flooding which can prove detrimental to crops. On Monday, the Guyana Chronicle visited the Danzigt location and spoke to several farmers who are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and other agencies to remedy the situation.

the reinforcement of the dams around their rice fields.

The dams serve as secondary barriers to the earthen embankments -- now eroded at some sections. The earthen embankment has also experienced a loss of large stretches of mangrove forest which previously served as natural

Proprietor and Farmer, Romeo Machado

Farmer, Mr. Rajin

The 125 meters breached sea dam at Danzigt

Works on-going at Prospect (Adrian Narine photos)

Proprietor of 65 acres of land in the location, Romeo Machado, told the newspaper that 40 acres of his land is being used for crops while the remainder is being used for cattle rearing. However, the spill-over of salt water into the Danzigt trench is not only affecting his rice crops but preventing access to suitable drinking water for his some 40-head of cattle.

“Really and truly it’s this water and this trench [the cattle] depend on because they can’t drink salt water and once that place broke away it’s salt water that has been coming in,” he said.

He is aware that the water has a high salt content because it was tested by experienced personnel earlier in the day.

Machado said that the Danzigt trench leads all the way to the Bellamy Canal and then on to the Mahaica Creek which means that, if salt water continues to infiltrate the fresh water source, everyone dependent on it will be affected. “What they [the Ministry] is trying to do is to block the trench off and see [to do] as much as they can do. For now, they’re trying to build an inside dam,” he said.

On Sunday, Chief Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad had told the media that a long boom excavator was mobilized on July 06 to assist rice farmers with

defences against rising sea level.

The erosion cycle at the Mahaicony area has also been attributed to a loss of large stretches of mangrove forest thereby also losing its natural defences against the raging tide and rising sea level.

Machado is pleased that the reinforcement of the dams is being done free of cost by the government, as this would have cost farmers an additional “fortune”. Although only a portion of his farmland is affected, he understands that if action isn’t taken quickly, more damage will be done.

“If this isn’t fixed in a very fast time, we’re going to lose everything,” Machado said.

“When the water comes on the land its means that [for] two-three years that land has to remain like that before you can go there and say you’re going to plant rice [because] it won’t grow [because] salt is on the land.”

Samad told the media on Sunday that some 2000 tons of boulders have already been delivered to vulnerable sections at the areas for placement along the sea dam.

Another 1000 tons of boulders will be delivered on Wednesday at the breached section at Danzigt to keep the intense Atlantic at bay while a tender was opened on July 02, 2019 for the supply of 2,500 tons more.

On July 09, 2019, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will open a tender at the

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the construction of 350 metres of riprap structure between Prospect and Broomhall. This marks Phase 2 of a project previously commenced with the awarding of a contract for the construction of 325 metres of riprap structure as Phase 1.

The total length of construction between Prospect and Broomhall is 675 metres or over 1,200 feet of works.

There are also talks amongst official about clearing of a separate section of land for the catchment of freshwater to provide for the needs of the farmers.

provide a livelihood for his family. He estimated that some $2M would be lost from the rice he cultivated.

According to Machado, this is the first time that his farmland has been affected to this extent and he believes the incident can only be attributed to the fierceness of Mother Nature. “To be honest, I have to say its Mother Nature because [although] this canal and the dam is there to block the water, there was a sea bank there with some shells built up there and when Mother Nature decided to take toll, it’s the trees, everything, everything coming in,” he said.

HOLDING FAST Speaking with another farmer, Bernard Baker, who has cultivated 45 acres rice on his portion of land, he said that he sees that action is being taken by the government.

“They’re working as fast as they could. We have to wait on the boulders to come and block the [the eroded area] because no mud or anything can’t block it. A lot of people [from the Ministry] went down there to see what it is and everybody is trying their best to see how fast they can act.”, he said.

Another farmer, Mr. Rajin, expressed the concern of not being able to farm, for at least a year, on his portion of land affected by the salt water.

However, he indicated planting cash crops will serve as an alternative for him to

PERMANENT FIX He believes that a permanent fix, though expensive, can prevent erosion from affecting the area again.

“They got to get sheet pile, plant it down and, if possible, you will get some boulders at the back to break the current of the water and the steel pile is going to prevent the water from coming over.

That is the only alternative and that is a lot of money,” he said, adding: “A lot of them were here last week…they’re doing whatever they can do but anything you do you have to get money.”

Meanwhile, Machado urges the Ministry to organise greater monitoring measures to ensure that hired contractors do the works they are being paid to do and, in an efficient manner.

Tables Turned!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

GRA moves against Dipcon for US$2.5M in taxes

DIPCON Engineering Services Limited, the Trinidadian construction company pursuing Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, for US$2.2M owed by the State, is in fact over US$2.5M in arrears in taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and has been asked to “immediately” pay up.

On Monday, a Letter of Garnishment from GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, was sent to Finance Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Michael Joseph and Dipcon disclosing the outstanding sum of G$527,846,657.

The letter comes even as on June 24, 2019, judgment given by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry stated that the money owed to DIPCON by the State, was to be paid on or before July 8, 2019 or Jordan would be liable to imprisonment for 21 days.

The matter stemmed from an inherited State debt of US$2,228,400.67 to the

company which, after not receiving its payment for contracts completed for the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration, approached the court.

However, on Monday, President David Granger issued a Grant of Respite to the judgment levied against Jordan placing any punishment on hold.

Meanwhile, the letter sent out by Statia indicated that the request for DIPCON to pay up its sum due is in keeping with Section 102 (1) of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01.

Section 102 (1) states: “When the Commissioner-General has knowledge or suspects that a person is or is about to become indebted or liable to make any payment to a person liable to make a payment of tax under this Act, he may, by registered letter or by letter served personally, require such first-mentioned person to pay the moneys otherwise

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

payable to such second- mentioned person in whole or in part to him on account of the liability of the second mentioned person under this Act.” Meanwhile, the Act states that the receipt of the Commissioner-General for moneys paid as required under the Act shall, to the extent of

the payment, be “a good and sufficient discharge of the original liability”.

This goes for both the person who pays such moneys to the Commissioner-General to the person liable to make a payment under the Act and the person liable to make a payment of tax under the Act to the Commis-

sioner-General.

Indicating that it is through this guidance that the GRA invokes its powers to garnish the sum, Statia stated: “Therefore, with immediate effect, you are required to pay over to the Revenue Authority the sum of $527,846,657 GYD due to the State by the Company. Please note that under Section 102 (2), the Revenue Authority will issue a receipt for the sum collected.”

The GRA Head also reminded that, according to the Income Tax Act, every person who has discharged any liability to a person liable to make payment of tax under the Act without complying with requirements under the section shall be liable to pay the Commissioner-General, as a debt due to the State, an amount equal to the liability discharged.

Otherwise, the Act stated that the person in question could also have to pay the amount which he was re-

FIU 2018 report confirms govt’s effort to ensure transparency, accountability – Min Jordan FOLLOWING what has been described as a successful year, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Matthew Langevine handed over the unit’s annual report to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, on Monday.

Giving a summary, Director Langevine said the report, also containing the agency’s certified 2018 financial statements by the Auditor General’s office, provides an overview of activities conducted.

“It strives to execute its mandate of working with all local and international stake-

holders in protecting the integrity of the local and international financial system, from money launderers and those trying to use our system to finance terrorism and proliferation,” Langevine stated.

The FIU has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with ten regional counterparts; the latest was with Barbados and Jamaica. “This has resulted in the sharing of information for the investigation of several money laundering cases. Increased training and outreach sessions were conducted to raise awareness of the FIU… We were

The Financial Intelligence Unit’s 2018 report

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan receiving the Financial Intelligence Unit’s (FUI) 2018 report from FIU’s Director, Matthew Langevine.

able to use these MOUs, in a couple of money laundering investigations already, so the importance of these is being seen and realised… These are even more important as we continue to strive towards having Guyana accepted as a member of the Egmont Group of international FIU’s,” Langevine explained.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, describing the report as the first of its kind received by him, said it attests to the Coalition Government’s push to increase transparency and accountability.

“Since our entry into office, we have produced reports that are required by law and even reports that are not. Even as we speak, we are working on the half-year report and we have the unenviable record of getting that report into the National Assembly, before it goes into recess, even though the law requires that it be available before the 28th of August annually,” the minister stated.

The reports are expected to be laid before the National Assembly and made available for public perusal. (DPI)

quired under the Section of the Act to pay to the Commissioner General whichever is the less.

Meanwhile, by placing on hold the execution of the punishment imposed on Jordan, the President acted within his executive powers vested onto him under Article 188(1)(b) of the Constitution.

He granted Jordan a respite “until all appeals and remedies available to him and the State have been exhausted”.

The Government intends to continue its challenge of the fact that the Finance Minister is facing punishment in his personal capacity for a decision of the Court against the State.

Furthermore, it is a case which dates back to the previous administration and a court matter more than a decade ago.

$186M Hinterland Dormitory to be dedicated next Monday PRESIDENT David Granger is expected to dedicate the $186M Hinterland Student Dormitory located in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on July 15.

Located in the same geographic space as the current Hinterland Student Dormitory, the facility will house sixteen (16) apartments, each housing six (6) students. The apartments are outfitted with a kitchenette, toilet and bath area and also a study area, while the dormitory itself has a cooking area, a library, and a playroom. There is also accommodation for two (2) supervisors.

The new facility caters for students pursuing tertiary education at the University of Guyana (UG), the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the Guyana School of Agriculture, Carnegie School of Home Economics, the E.R Burrowes School of Art and the Guyana Industrial Training Center.

Currently, several students attending tertiary institutions are being housed at the Secondary Student Dormitory, Liliendaal, and the Indigenous Residence in Princes Street.

The project is part of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs capital programme. BK. International was awarded the contract and the project was supervised by the consultancy firm Kalitech Incorporated. In recent years, an estimated 600 students have benefited from hinterland scholarships to attend tertiary institutions on the coast. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Scrapping of NGSA ‘ideal’ in the long-term …Min. Henry

DIRECTOR of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Justin Ram, has suggested that Guyana abolish its primary school exit examination, known as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and provide better educational opportunities for all children.

The CDB Director, while addressing a gathering of private sector officials on Friday night, spoke on the role

of education in transforming Guyana’s human capital.

While making his presentation, he said: “Is there still an 11-plus examination [known as the NGSA] here in Guyana? I would want to recommend to you to get rid of that.”

“We need to ensure that all students have access to good quality education and not only the few that are successful at the 11-plus [examinations],” he said,

later adding: “It shouldn't be the case that at age 11, your life chances are made up; ; too often I see that across the Caribbean.”

In Guyana, the NGSA is written while pupils are in Grade Six, which is the final grade of primary school.

After engaging in this assessment, the pupils are graded and assigned to schools based on their performances.

When ranked, the top performing pupils would gain positions in “Senior Secondary Schools”, which are Queen’s College, the Bishops’ High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Roses’ High, St. Joseph’s High and President’s College. Pupils who did not score enough to get into these schools would attend junior secondary schools, which may be close to where they reside.

Dr. Ram’s statement was met with resounding applause from the scores of businesspersons present at the gathering. But he hastened to add that abolishing the examination is one factor,

but the other factor to be considered is that the standard of education must be the same at all secondary schools.

“It’s not just getting rid of the exam, you have to ensure that whatever secondary school that student goes to, they will have access to the best quality education,” Dr. Ram said.

And according to the economist, if Guyana is going to use those significant oil revenues it expects next year come ‘first oil’ to invest into the country’s development, the government should look into investing in the country’s human capital and in good quality education for all.

Guyana’s own Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, has welcomed the suggestion from Dr. Ram, but noted that before such a decision is made, there are several steps to be taken.

“It would be ideal to have that (abolishing the NGSA), but we are not at a stage where things are ideal here.

Looking forward, in terms

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - 10:00hrs - ~11:30hrs

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Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry

of long-term, I can see so many changes taking place and who knows what we would eventually morph into in terms of when the education system is able to make even more tangible improvements,” Minister Henry told this newspaper.

Explaining some of the prerequisites, Dr. Henry said that the education system must be able to function at a rate where children will be achieving higher scores in evaluative assessments, in whatever form those may take. Additionally, she said that pupils’ attendance must also be at high rates.

What is needed, essentially, according to the Minister, is that standard of primary education must be improved first so that when children go into secondary school, they can “realise their full potential”.

Last week, as the results of this year’s NGSA were announced, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson highlighted: “We are now in the process of reforming our curriculum so that we can catch those children that need extra help and of course find the kind of content and methodology [that] will improve performances of our children.”

But when speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Minister Henry said “[Abolishing NGSA] is something that we have looked at. I think every country or every minister of education I have interacted

with, I think they would love to see their students performing at a level that you don’t have to stream them, [instead] you would just have to assist them.”

In fact, she even reminded that other countries in the region have already begun engaging on the issue and opined that this should be a topical matter when the Education Ministers within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meet soon.

Last month, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, announced that the country’s Minister of Education would begin engaging in the abolition of their 11plus examination and instead introduce “middle schools”.

“We have to create an educational system that makes every school a top school!” Mottley said then.

President David Granger, in a recent interview, said that he believes that the ‘exam’ should be seen as a normal part of a child’s education, and shouldn’t be used to label them as either ‘bright’ and ‘dull’. Ideally, he related that it is his vision for Guyana to have a completely educated nation and that as far as he and his government are concerned, education is of paramount importance to every facet of life.

And to this end, he shared that he is hoping to have a “top school” in each region.

But abolishing the NGSA in Guyana is not a practical solution, at the moment, Minister Henry reiterated.

“We are not at that place, I think in the longterm once we continue in our current trajectory… I pray for the day when we here in Guyana can begin to strategise just how we’re going to get to that,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Venezuela gov’t, Opposition to meet, talk in Barbados BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Norway has confirmed that representatives of the Venezuelan government and the Opposition will meet here this week as part of the ongoing efforts to find a solution to the economic and political crisis in the South American country.

Norway’s Foreign Ministry, which is acting as a mediator, issued a statement on Sunday confirming that talks will start “this week” in Barbados.

The ministry gave no specific date for the start of the third round of talks between the parties.

It a statement, it said that the parties will now meet to continue work on finding a negotiated and constitutional solution “as quickly as possible”.

“Norway reiterates its recognition of the parties for their efforts and willingness to cooperate,” Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said.

Opposition Leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself interim president, is seeking the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from office. Guaido is backed by the United States and several other western countries, while Russia, China, and Cuba are among countries

backing Maduro, who was sworn into office for a second consecutive term earlier this year.

Norway has joined in the efforts for a peaceful resolution to the crisis that has resulted in thousands of Venezuelans fleeing their homeland in the past few months.

Trinidad and Tobago recently ended a registration process, providing at least a one-year amnesty for the Venezuelans to live and work in the oil-rich twin island republic.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders who have in the past adopted a po-

sition of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of the South American country, last week re-affirmed that position during their annual summit held in St. Lucia.

The communique issued after the summit noted that the regional leaders had received an update on the situation in Venezuela and CARICOM’s mediation-related activities, carried out by their High-Level Representatives.

“They reiterated the importance of resolving the crisis peacefully through dialogue between the parties,” and “agreed that mediation-related activities would be continued to be pursued

by the Prime Ministers (of St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago) “who were designated as the Caribbean’s main negotiators.

The regional leaders, who met with Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg, also “expressed support for the facilitation process being carried out by Norway with both sides of the dispute”.

The European Union’s special adviser on Venezuela, Enrique Iglesias, is set to visit Caracas this week.

Late last month, the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Michelle Bachelet, left Caracas after

urging the Maduro government to release all those detained for peacefully protesting and announcing that a team from her office would remain in Caracas to monitor the human rights situation.

Bachelet had visited the beleaguered South American country at the invitation of the Venezuelan government after having expressed deep concern in an address to the Human Rights Council in March, over the country’s “dramatically” deteriorating rights situation overall, and the “continued criminalization of peaceful protest and dissent”.

ARMED with a blow torch, a gang of “professional thieves” broke into the home of a Penal family and robbed them of thousands in cash and valuables early Tuesday.

The thieves were “organised” in their approach to the robbery, with one being the mastermind and another, whose only job was to wipe away fingerprints.

The attack happened at Gayah Trace, San Francique, at a home still under construction owned by a 40-year-old man, with whom lives his 32-year-old wife and the couple’s two

children, aged eight and two.

The man is employed as a salesman, and the woman is a housewife.

While the family was not physically harmed, the 30-minute ordeal has left them so traumatised they have packed their belongings and left their new home.

“Imagine sleeping in the dead of night and you hear a banging on your door and people shouting ‘We coming in!’ This is a different level of crime,” the woman said.

It is believed that one of four men scaled the wall and unlocked a gate at the back

of the house, through which three other thieves entered the premises.

Another man waited in the getaway car parked nearby.

Using a blow torch, the thieves cut through another metal door and burglar-proofing, and entered the house.

It was around 03:30hrs when the family was awakened by the banging on the bedroom door on the ground floor of their home.

The woman said four thieves, wearing hats, faces covered with bandanas, and armed with guns and cutlasses, burst through the door.

Using duct tape, the thieves bound the couple’s hands and feet and covered their mouths.

The children awoke and cried as their parents were being accosted by the thieves.

The woman said that it appeared that the thieves had coordinated their approach in the robbery.

“They were very professional, and they knew what they were doing. One was talking on a cell-phone the whole time, and telling the others what to do and to ‘hurry up’. While one person was pulling out the drawers and grabbing things, anoth-

er man was wiping away the fingerprints the others were leaving,” she told the Express.

The woman said her husband and sons were left in the bedroom, and two of the thieves took her through each room of the house to show them where the valuables were kept.

They packed up a quantity of US and local currency, household items, the couple’s wallets, jewellery, and appliances.

However, the thieves did not get time to pack all of the loot, as one of the neighbours realised that

a robbery was in progress and turned the lights on in his house.

“The dogs were constantly barking, and apparently one of the neighbours switched on his lights. He called the police. The bandits then hurried up and left before the police came,” she said.

She said that several bottles of alcohol were left behind by the thieves. (T&TExpress)

Family abandons new home after thieves break in

School teacher dies after car hydroplanes into billboard Schoolteacher Dexter Pollard lost control of his car on the Uriah Butler Highway near Caroni some time on Thursday night.

The vehicle skidded off the highway, went airborne, and became lodged in a billboard.

No one witnessed the crash, and people living nearby did not even hear the impact.

It was only on Friday morning that the car was discovered. Pollard, 50, was in the driver’s seat, his body held in place by his seat belt. He was dead.

It is uncertain if he died on impact or sometime during the night.

The crash and the response of emergency personnel caused highway gridlock that left

thousands of commuters stranded for hours.

Pollard’s body was removed at around 10:00hrs, but only after a crane was brought to the scene to ensure the car, a Ford Focus, did not topple off the billboard.

Pollard lived at Oropune Gardens, Piarco.

(T&TExpress)

Veteran British fireman to head Cayman Islands Fire Service GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, CMC – Paul Walker, a veteran fireman in the United Kingdom has been hired to head the Cayman Islands Fire Service on a one-year contract.

Walker, who now heads the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, will take up the post later this year.

According to officials, the interim appointment will allow senior local firefighters within the service time to get the training and experience they need to be eligible for the top job.

Traditionally, the fire service has been led by a Caymanian. David Hails, a Briton, who left the island in February at the end of a three-year contract, was the first foreign national to take the job in the history of the organisation.

Dax Basdeo, Chief Officer

in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said work had been taking place on “succession planning” to ensure local officers are better prepared to advance into leadership positions.

In an official statement, Basdeo said that a one-year interim appointment is necessary to allow the three recently-promoted Deputy Chief Fire Officers adequate time to pursue further professional development and qualifications that will enable them to meet the requirements of the role of Chief Fire Officer.

“Without an interim chief, it is difficult for the deputies to manage their current job responsibilities, cover the responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer, and pursue their own professional development.”

Walker, a senior manager with 30 years of fire-and-rescue experience, said he was

delaying his retirement to take on the job.

“I am very pleased and yet a little sad to inform colleagues that I am moving onto a new challenge,” he said in a press release issued through the Cornwall Council in the UK. “It was always my intention to retire at the end of 2019, and securing this wonderful opportunity to share my 30 years’ fire-andrescue service experience with international, domestic and airport fire-and-rescue service colleagues and to support their world-class fire-and-rescue service ambitions in the Cayman Islands, provides a challenging, rewarding and enjoyable oneyear transition to my full retirement.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Improving access to potable water ANY honest analysis of the performance of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) would show that it is perhaps one of the most improved public utility companies. The results of this performance over the past four years, for those paying attention, have been improvement in the delivery of water in several communities across the country.

For instance, there were communities that were receiving 10-14 hours of water supply per day that are now receiving 24 hours supply, which not only makes this vital service accessible but also reduces the necessity of purchasing or building storage facilities. In the said communities, there has also been improvement in the water pressure and communities

that were not in receipt of potable water are being targeted in a sustained and systematic manner to benefit. These actions have led to reasonable assumption that there is focus on equity in the delivery of water, as is evident in communities in the hinterland and rural areas that are attracting attention and service.

Additionally, almost weekly we see reports of GWI establishing water connections in villages and communities where previously this seem impossible. Water is an essential commodity and considered a public health issue, given the diseases it could carry and its vital nature to sustenance and health, making it also a human right. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) ‘San-

itation and Water: Evidence for public policies focused on human rights and public health results’ Report “Lack of drinking water and basic sanitation has a devastating impact on development processes. It is the second largest cause of morbidity and mortality for children under 5 years of age in the Region, and the largest contributor to the burden of environment-related disease.”

It is understood that one of the major objectives of the present GWI management is to end dependency on the black tank and other forms of storage. Outside of economic consideration to the consumers through savings in dollars, and some may argue improvement of the aesthetics, what cannot be ignored is the sense of a vision with

a purpose.

In the day-to-day management of water, it cannot be ignored that GWI is moving to improve service through the use of technology, where efforts are presently undertaken to create two apps that will facilitate interaction and feedback between consumers, the public and contractors with the company. This approach to management is new to Guyana.

The pursuit of e-technology in service delivery in this Information Age could influence positive behavioural change, not only from the standpoint of citizens’ involvement in the management of this vital resource, but also aids in improving the management of the service.

This form of grassroots involvement in decision-mak-

ing bodes well for cultivating the needed sense of ownership that could not only result in ensuring preservation but also strengthening the system of delivery.

The idea of having multiple wells in the communities, which GWI refers to as “water field,” in that when one is down there are others to ensure continuity of service, is profound. It will not be surprising if this same perspective is applied in the management of liquid waste, which is another aspect of its operation, to bring Guyana in line with the Cartagena Convention.

Undoubtedly, an examination of Dr. Richard Van-West Charles’ international experience in public health is being brought to bear in the planning, de-

velopment, and execution of GWI’s activities. At the same time, it is instructive to note he is also bringing a refreshing culture in dealing with the public. It is being observed his hands-on approach to public engagement, in seeking the communities’ input in refining the organisation’s activities, preparedness to treat the public with respect, and also demonstrating it is not beneath a CEO to apologise for service not rendered or hiccup in the system.

It should be said such is a marked departure from the old mode of intolerance, finding excuses, and laying blame on others.

Juan Edghill has no moral authority --to pontificate on issues, whether right or wrong

Dear Editor, WE note that MP Juan Edghill has now become a forceful advocate of the PPP, and an assailant against President Granger and the Government.

This is the right of the gentleman in an open democratic society. But my wonder is: Is this the same Juan Edghill I knew in the 1990s? Is it the same Juan Edghill I knew who frequented my neighbourhood?

Is it the same person I brought into the political

arena, when he and I were in the frontline protesting the PPP’s attempt to disregard Republic Day? The PPP had organised a Party Boat Cruise that same day, the 23rd of February. Is this the same person who later travelled overseas and returned with pomp and pride, proclaiming he has been consecrated a Bishop within the Christian denomination?

His elevation to the Bishopric was greeted in Guyana with great pleasure.

(Acts 1:20)– for it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein; and his Bishopric let another take.” Has Juan Edghill embraced a Bishopric? Or has he abandoned the first half of the word, and as the boys would say personifies the second half of the word.

Does the gentleman still hold the view that the verbal assault on the outgoing US Ambassador, Mr. Brent Hardt by MP Priya Manichand was in order? We were all present and felt the PPP representative’s speech

was so vulgar and ungracious that the following day we would have seen an apology from the hierarchy of the PPP Government.

Not so! Instead, the HPS, Dr. Luncheon described it as “a ferral blast”.

To make it ugly, it was also the US Ambassador’s farewell event. After Mr. Jagdeo had broken the Code of Morality with a fake marriage, I asked him whether, as a Christian Minister, he would make a public condemnation, or at least counsel the errant young man.

And Edghill looked at me straight in the face and said, “Neither. Because it was a private, personal matter.”

This Gentleman, Preacher, Reverend or Bishop, take your pick, has no moral authority to pontificate on issues that are right or wrong.

Wonders never cease but daily increase!

Does this gentleman still preach in the building he built in D’Urban Street, compliments of a friend who will be returning to Guyana under escort shortly?

The belief of Christians is clear and unambiguous.

So, Bishop, or ex-Bishop, do you still subscribe to the principles of Christianity? Nothing is new.

Jesus of Nazareth had 12 disciples. One, Judas, betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. Which of the 12 disciples do you, Juan Edghill, represent? Earlier, I proposed a lie detector test for certain folks.

Let’s hear the truth?

Regards, Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Houston Gardens residents up in arms --against proposed ‘NALCO’ development

Dear Editor, WE the residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding areas would like to request that the following issues be addressed by the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the NALCO CHAMPIONS GUYANA PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT. We have been forced to take recourse to the press since two letters to the Environmental Protection Agency related to developments in the Houston area have received no response. The EPA Act 1996 has a clear legal requirement defined in Part II ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF AGENCY, Section (n) (3) (a). The mandated requirement is for the EPA, “In the exercise of its functions the Agency shall compile and amend from time to time with the assistance of internationally recognised environmental groups a list of approved persons who have the qualifications and experience to carry out environmental impact assessments.”

We, the residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding housing areas, would like the EPA to identify the internationally-recognised environmental group(s) which assisted it to compile the list of consultants, and which consultant on the list is being used to conduct this ESIA. This ESIA must be undertaken by a party identified on the list prepared in accordance with this dictate

of the EP ACT 1996. If no such list exists, the residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding communities regard the entire process as being flawed and call on the EPA to abort the process and to halt the chemical plant development until such time as an appropriately qualified consultant is appointed in accordance with the EP Act 1996 to conduct the ESIA. It is understood, from the Notice, that the intent is to handle chemicals at the site. The Material Safety Data Sheets must be made available for all chemicals to be stored on the site. A material breach has likely already occurred if chemicals are stored in the John Fernandes Inland Terminal, in proximity to existing residences with no evacuation plan and/or mechanism for warning residents of any releases to the environment that pose threats to both human health and the environment. Consequently, the residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding communities demand that the ESIA define both the Direct and Indirect area of Influence of this project based on mathematical analyses of the consequences of the chemical storage and possible release, based on the initial and projected scale of this development. The definition of the Direct and Indirect Areas of influence must mandatorily incorporate public health and well-being, land and property values and other resources within these areas. The target population of all areas must be identified, in addition to

costs associated with health care, loss of earnings and relocation costs in the event of a release to the environment.

Please recognize that there are residential communities in the westerly, northerly and easterly directions of this proposed development.

The residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding areas also request that an environmental cost/benefit analyses, as opposed to an economic cost-benefit analyses, be conducted for the proposed development. The analyses should identify the environmental costs and benefits of the proposed development.

We have identified as major impacts the risks to the health and well-being of our families, the detrimental impact on the quality of our community life and the depreciation in the values of our homes.

This project must only advance if is demonstrated that the environmental benefits to the residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and other impacted communities exceed such environmental costs.

Part II, 4 (a) of the EP Act 1996 mandates “In performing its functions the Agency shall make use of current principles of environmental management, namely: a. the "polluter pays" principle: the polluter should bear the cost of measures to reduce pollution decided upon by public authorities, to ensure that the environment is in an acceptable state, and should compensate citizens for the harm they suffer from pollution. The residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation

Houston Estates are therefore requesting that the developer identify appropriate relevant and applicable methods to compensate them for decreased property values occasioned by this development.

We understand that the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has zoned all lands in Houston Gardens/ Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding areas as residential and/or agricultural. The ESIA shall include confirmation from the CHPA/ GLSC whether the land identified for this and additional developments in the area of John Fernandes Inland Terminal have been altered to commercial/industrial use.

Evidence must also be presented in the ESIA to confirm that residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and surroundings were consulted if such a change was made. Our property transports clearly stipule that the Houston Gardens/ Plantation Estates are strictly for residential purposes.

It is inconceivable that the authorities responsible for regulating our country’s land use would so perilously place an activity such as chemicals handling, so close to the homes of citizens.

There are several canals, bordering our community, into which waste and stormwater from the John Fernandes Inland Terminal facility is discharged. At least one of these canals is blocked causing water to stagnate within close proximity to our homes. The risks of waste or contaminated runoff from the

proposed development must be seriously assessed given the interaction with our community’s internal drainage.

The ESIA must consequently include numerical surface water quality modeling to confirm no impacts on the surface water quality. There is a groundwater well located within 200 m of the proposed development. The ESIA must include a detailed description of structural geology and hydrogeology of the area to ensure no discharges to groundwater and a monitoring plan to confirm the conclusions of the ESIA. The propensity for the chemicals to volatilize must be documented based on the Henry’s Law constant of the chemicals to be stored at the facility. We also demand that an appropriate, relevant and applicable approach be used to model the dispersion of any chemicals released to the environment. At a minimum, the model shall be developed based on atmospheric data compiled for the project location and must at a minimum consider both wet and dry deposition. A detailed risk assessment shall follow based on life expectancy of 80 years. Further, a risk assessment must be conducted to determine the risks to human health and the environment of chemical concentrations in air. You are no doubt aware of the presence of two schools within proximity of the proposed development, increasing the risk of potential harm to our very youngest citizens.

Our previous letters to you dated of July 2018 and June 2019, sent before your

current Notice was posted, requested action from the EPA to address several threats to human health and the environment related to developments in the Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates area. This proposed chemical plant catapults the need for action from the EPA into a sphere of indisputable urgency. It is also understood that there are other impending developments in this area. We are therefore requesting that the EPA conduct a Sectoral Environmental Assessment to examine the cumulative environmental, social and economic impacts on the residents of Houston Gardens/ Plantation Houston Estates and surrounding areas of all developments planned by the current owners/lessors of the lands in this Houston area.

In closing, we the residents of Houston Gardens/ Plantation Houston Estates, appeal to the EPA for a through, high-quality ESIA, in compliance with the principles enshrined in our Laws and in the spirit of citizenry protection from which it was born. We welcome any further opportunity to represent our views as the ESIA progresses and look forward to your responses to our letters.

Regards, Residents of Houston Gardens/Plantation Houston Estates and Surrounding communities

Traffic ranks have an onerous, thankless task Dear Editor,

I HAVE always thought that a Traffic Officer within the Guyana Police Force had the easiest job, until I was in close proximity of one conducting his duty during the Road March Parade of the Anniversary over the last weekend, and

I was in for a total shock.

I ventured out to have a photography production coverage in the vicinity of the Independence Square, on Brickdam, among other locations, and there was this traffic officer in his yellow raincoat conducting his duties that he was assigned to

during this national/State event.

It was unbelievable to witness, with disgust, drivers being grossly disrespectful, rude and uncouth to the officer on duty as they passed by. To his credit, the Officer just stood there, signalling with his hand for drivers to

turn left, and from the tone of their verbal attacks, they were angry with him for just simply doing his duty during a national/State event. And all I could say to him was, “It’s admirable to see you going about your duty with so much tolerance.”

I believe that there are

quite a lot of dysfunctional drivers who ply the roads on a daily basis, and perhaps it would serve them well to check with their personal physicians or any medical personnel who are experts on mental issues.

I take this opportunity to publicly commend this particular traffic officer for a

job well done, and to say if ever there is a bonus of any kind available in the Guyana Police Force, I would like to nominate the individual in the photo image provided for it.

Regards, T.Pemberton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

‘Jagdeo is being disingenuous and misleading’ -Minister Felix on allegations of people-smuggling ring MINISTER of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, on Monday, vehemently denied allegations by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, that government officials and, more particularly, persons within the Ministry of the Presidency, are facilitating a “people smuggling ring” in Guyana.

Jagdeo made the allegation last week during his weekly press conference last Thursday.

Responding to the allegations, Minister Felix described the Opposition Leader as being disingenuous in an effort to mislead the Guyanese public.

“This coalition government has not been involved in any people smuggling ring.

As a matter of fact, we have regularised and put proper systems in place to ensure that immigration matters are dealt with in an efficient manner from passports to birth certificates to persons entering and leaving Guyana legally,” Minister Felix explained.

He noted that the Opposition Leader and his former Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, have been trying to create issues around immigration matters.

“We have not found any evidence of smuggling so Mr. Jagdeo’s reference to smuggling is quite disingenuous. The Police (Force) is the agency that must investigate smuggling not the Department of Citizenship so if Mr. Jagdeo has evidence of smuggling, he must take it to the Commissioner of Police,” he said.

Noting that the Opposition Leader is in the habit of identifying Haitians when making his allegations, Minister Felix said serious questions must be raised as to why this particular group is always targeted. Nonetheless, he is assuring Guyanese that most of the persons travelling to Guyana enter and leave legally. Minister Felix, however, noted that like any other country, there are a selected few who choose to take advantage of the country’s porous borders.

“I have been looking at this situation and what I have seen is that within Guyana there is a Haitian diaspora just as in Suriname, Cayenne, Brazil and Colombia and with the issues occurring in Haiti, they continue to leave their homeland and to seek refuge in countries where they have relatives and

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

friends.

In many cases, they use Guyana as a transit point. I have had cause to investigate Haitians in Guyana and I have found that they arrive here legally. Many of them are here legally but there is a number who take advantage of our porous borders and they exit via Guyana to Suriname to Cayenne and in more recent times, through Brazil on their way to Venezuela and Colombia,” he explained.

In responding to allegations made by Jagdeo that the Government has been affording preferential treatment to Haitians and other nationalities, Minister Felix made it clear that this is not

the case.

“The system at the airport is open to public scrutiny.

The public can witness the arrival of the Haitians and Cubans legally. There are lines at the airport to deal with CARICOM nationals, diplomats and Guyanese citizens. I don’t know that there is a special line for Haitians and Cubans. I note that he has also been saying that persons offering preferential treatment have been accessing the airside, which is a restricted area. The management of the Airport has never complained to any department that an illegal activity is occurring in their space allegedly by Haitians or Guyanese asso-

ciated. So that allegation is unfounded, untrue and unsupported by any evidence.

He is just being disingenuous in attempting to make a case of corruption against this Government. We have not departed from any practices or laws that govern migration and immigration in general,” Minister Felix said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Citizenship said that it has also been brought to his attention that the Leader of the Opposition has also called for an audit of the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) process of digitising its records since he believes that the database can and will be compromised to feed inaccurate information to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Minister Felix made it pellucid that the coalition government does not facilitate or condone such practices even as he noted that Jagdeo, and any other agency, is welcome to audit the process employed.

“We are professionalising the services falling within the Ministry of the Presidency.

When we took office, birth certificates were a very serious problem for citizens and we immediately pursued an avenue that would shorten

the time between application and issuance. When we took over it was manual. You had to go through paper records and the staff was divided into transcribers and researchers.

It was a laborious task that took between one to three months. What we have done is to engage in a process of digitising the records. We do not need to tamper with the system for any purpose. We recognise the purpose of digitising the system and once we are through, we then move to the stages where we can produce a unique identity for every Guyanese from birth to death,” he said.

The Minister continued: “Very soon we will be working on printing the birth certificates rather than writing on it and all these acts by this coalition government are intended to improve the system.

Mr. Jagdeo can say what he wants. He is probably begrudging us that we can do so much in four years that he couldn’t do in 23 years. We will continue to dazzle his eyes with excellence in how we manage the departments under our stewardship,” the Minister of Citizenship expressed.

Increases for public servants’ CDB Director pleads for easier intra-regional travel salary and allowances – Min. Jordan Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Justin Ram, has said that intra-regional travel should be made easier for Caribbean citizens so that governments can cash-in on greater cash flows within the region.

Speaking at a recent Private Sector forum, Dr Ram said, “What I'm saying to governments across the Caribbean is reduce taxes on travel and aviation and let's get more Director of Economics at the regional travel.”

He highlighted that over Caribbean Development Bank the last 10 years, a majority (CDB), Dr Justin Ram of Caribbean citizens were Moreover, he said that this travelling extra-regionally, increase in intra-regional travparticularly to destinations in el will lead to more jobs being North America and Europe, created in the local economies, while intra-regional travel hence more people will be declined. employed.

He said that the decline in Caribbean Community this intra-regional travel was (CARICOM) nationals have owed to the high taxes and long complained about the fees associated. high airfares attached to inAnd pleading with gov- tra-regional travel. In 2018, at ernments to make this in- the CARICOM Heads of Govtra-regional travel easier, the ernment meeting in Jamaica, economist said: “You will Barbadian Prime Minister Mia recoup the revenues because Mottley stressed that unless I know when people travel it becomes possible to move to your country, they will be freely within the Caribbean buying stuff and they will be using a CARICOM multi-purpaying more Value Added tax pose identification card, the (VAT).”

regional integration process was unlikely to flourish.

And she further said that “hassle-free travel” and a “single domestic space for transportation” were needed.

On Friday, Dr. Ram affirmed that travelling intra-regionally has also become a hassle because of the security systems instituted.

He recounted that on his way to St. Martin, he travelled from Barbados to St. Lucia and then to Antigua, before arriving at his destination. And at every transit country, he noted that he would have had to go through security.

“We really have to ask our policymakers to reform this… when we enter one Caribbean country, it should be like when you entered the USA-- you shouldn’t have to go through security again,” he said, quipping that he doesn’t think people would be able to get harmful devices or substances while in the sky.

To remedy this, he called for the reintroduction of the system that was used when the Cricket World Cup was held in the Caribbean in 2007. Here, the airports’ security systems provided for persons to be checked once.

— Coalition proud of its record of all-round development

— annually, gov’t has attempted to push salaries to a level where people can be comfortable PUBLIC servants can expect increases in salaries and allowances, in Budget 2020, according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. This was revealed when the minister was asked about what could be expected in the upcoming National Budget during a media engagement.

“They can look forward, again this year, to a salary increase. We are already in negotiations with the teachers. The president has set up a high-level committee on the public service, to look into issues, particularly the wages and allowances of public servants. So, we are hoping that can be concluded in time for the figures to get into the next budget,” he told reporters.

The minister explained that annually, the government has attempted to

push salaries towards the level where people generally feel that they can be comfortable. He recalled that the administration inherited a “significant lot”.

The minister reminded that these included spending $40Billion on a “poor GuySuCo, $6Billion towards the failed CLICO, a struggling National Printers, $4Billion for the indebted Marriot Hotel and billions in the payments towards various court cases concluded under the PPP.” He reminded that since taking office, a variety of measures has been introduced which included increases in salaries, pensions, minimum wages and the tax threshold. It was also pointed out that several communities have benefitted from improved infrastructure such as roads, bridges and lights.

“We are proud of our record of all-round development, given the limitation of the resources. We are proud of our human resource development. Over 1,500 scholarships given to all kinds of people, in all sectors. Our people can look forward to improved benefits, whether they be in the social sector or educational sector, and at the personal level as we go into 2020,” he said.

Last year Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented a $300.7 Billion Budget for the year 2019. It marked an increase of 12.6 percent from 2018. This year’s budget is scheduled for presentation, before the National Assembly, by the end of November.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Rice cultivation at Wales estate expanded to over 500 acres -despite initial challenges

RICE cultivation at the Wales Estate which started with just over 230 acres, when sowing first began in 2017, has been growing incrementally with each crop, and over 500 acres currently being cultivated as the operation heads into its fifth crop.

Rice cultivation is one of many activities of the diversification programme, currently being developed on the over 8000 acres of lands that supplied cane to the country’s once thriving sugar industry.

Sugar production at the Estate ceased in December 2016, and the management of the facility was handed over from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Special Purpose Unit (SPU). SPU immediately embarked on a diversification plan for the vast lands available.

Almost all of the lands have since been assigned either for rice cultivation by the SPU, or leased to private developers. SPU is aiming for a target of 1000 acres of rice fields when expansion of their rice fields is complete.

Two of the private investors will also be operating rice farms.

“Currently SPU has 510.8 acres under cultivation, and[with] each crop we take in a little more,” shared SPU Officer in Charge of the Wales Estate, Charles

A combine harvester in the process of reaping the fourth rice crop at the Wales Estate (Delano Williams photo)

A section of rice field at the Wales Estate prepared for the next rice crop (Delano Williams photo)

Browne on a drive through the farm lands while the fourth crop was in the process of being reaped.

With his pickup Browne visits the back dams at least once a week, and is responsible for supervising the entire operation at the estate.

Yields from the SPU’s rice farms currently range from 23 – 40 bags of paddy

per acre, and Browne is optimistic about improvements.

“Each crop you would find that the [fields] that were cultivated first would be yielding over 40 bags per acre now and the one that just came in would yield about 20 or 23. You would see that with each crop it would go up a little,” Browne explained.

Each crop lasts some 110

– 120 days. When the rice cultivation project first began one of the biggest challenges for SPU was converting the former sugar cane lands into the swampy lands required for the rice cultivation.

“The problem is that the land was under sugar cane and the sugar cane had these layouts - Dutch bed, English beds - so they had to be con-

verted and it takes a lot of time and a lot of money. So there is only so much that can be done for any given crop.

So every crop we put in an additional 50 acres,” Browne detailed.

“When we first began we were using some laser leveling machinery that manage to do quite a lot of acres in a crop but it was very, very expensive to convert and it moved a lot of top soil and so we were getting this problem where for the first crop the yield was not so good because of this top soil movement. We’ve learned over the successive crops how to mitigate against that movement and we’ve stopped using laser leveling.”

Aside from the challenges faced with the lands, Browne says human resources also came with its share of impediments when the project first began. The Estate currently employs approximately 100 employees, while several aspects of work on the rice farm are also contracted out including trucks to transport the paddy.

“We do face some challenges with work ethics. The general idea is when they come they have to give a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. Many times we call them in and we talk to them letting them know we can’t run anything that can’t make a profit,” Browne noted “Most of the workers are ex-GuySuco [employees] and we have been getting some challenges with those persons because of the work

ethics they have under the previous dispensation. They like to drink heavy and don’t come to work, when they come they only want to work 2 hours from an eight-hour day. We give them chances, they come, you give them a first and second chance, some of them don’t even come back.”

Browne explained that another cost cutting measure that was incorporated into the operations was having persons cover a wider job area, once they’re capable of doing so.

Once reaped, the paddy is sent to mills. However, in the long term, the facility hopes to own its own mills.

“In the original project document a mill was budgeted, and a processing plant. Some of the investors would build their own mill too. Currently, our paddy goes two ways, some of it goes to the mill, most of it goes to Hack [rice mills].

Recently for this particular crop we started to use other mills. We are still exploring other mills because we don’t want to end up in a problem. Additionally, we get better options, better prices and we have other avenues not just locked into one option. The grain paddy and the seed paddy, we keep some for ourselves and we also sell to farmers as far as in Essequibo,” Browne revealed.

Sub-committee formed to deal with ‘Restoration Fund’ A SUB-committee was formed Monday afternoon to deal with City Hall’s Restoration Fund that had been set up to aid the building in returning to its former glory days.

At the City Council’s statutory meeting, Mayor Ubraj Narine requested that the committee be set up to move the process forward.

He will now head a nine-member committee with five other councillors namely Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, Eketa Edwards, Michael Leonard, Dion Younge and Oscar Clarke; and three senior officers of the Council being, Deputy City Engineer Kenson Boston, City Treasurer John Douglas and Deputy Town Clerk (Ag) Sherry Jerrick.

Councillor Clarke recalled that, in the past, a number of agencies showed interest in the restoration of City Hall’s building, and that one of the reports done indicated that the structure is very sound, but the roof is very critical.

Mentore observed that the building is decaying rapidly and that he was happy that the mayor has decided to take a stand on it.

He offered that while persons continue to take photos of the building, it may be that their reason is to compare what the building looks like now to what it was in the past.

Consultations with the European Union (EU) had pegged the entire sum to restore the historic building at US$4.3M with the City Council rounding the figure

The statutory meeting in full swing on Monday

off to US$5M to cater for supervision expenses.

For several years

now, the restoration of City Hall has only been talked about, with officials often

citing the fact that the current situation amounts to a threat to ‘life and limb.’ In fact,

councillors had, in the past, questioned how safe it was for councillors to even sit in the building for statutory meetings.

While some describe City Hall as the ‘’Victorian Exuberance in time,’’ and others as “the most handsome building in Georgetown,” City Hall’s structure is literally falling apart and thus in need of major repairs.

City Hall was designed by Ignatius Scoles, a trained architect and the foundation stone was laid by Governor Henry Turner Irving on December 23, 1887. The building was opened in July 1889 by Lord Gormanston.

The statutory meeting in full swing on Monday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

Many adolescents’ mental health largely undiagnosed –– teachers can be effective eyes for healthcare system

By Rabindra Rooplall MANY risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse start during adolescence and mental health amongst this group is largely undiagnosed, untreated or mismanaged resulting in disastrous consequences.

This is according to the Director of the Mental Health Unit Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas during her remarks at a recent mental health training forum for teachers.

The event was held at the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Public Health Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg Georgetown. Head teachers made up majority of the participants.

Dr. Richmond-Thomas said metal health issues affect about 13-15 per cent of adolescents while hopelessness and anxiety are among the leading causes of depression, and at its worst can lead to self-harm or suicide.

This, she said, is the third leading cause of death in persons 15-19 years old.

“This situation is not unique to Guyana but is an affliction of many developing countries; this is largely due to insufficiency of mental health professionals within the health care system, as well as lack of adequate knowledge by health care workers to screen for, detect and manage mental health issues appropriately,” the doctor said.

She added that the importance of the wellbeing of children and adolescents cannot be over emphasized since they are the future. Dr. Richmond-Thomas said one in six persons affected by mental health issues is aged 10–19 years.

“Stigma and discrimination also affect persons, and prevent affected persons and their family members from seeking help. I am proud to say that the mental health unit and Guyana have turned a corner over the past three years since the unit has been very busy training hundreds of health care workers to

screen for, diagnose and manage the most common mental health disorders, among them are more than 100 doctors from primary health care,” Dr. Richmond-Thomas said.

Noting that mental health disorders include those that commonly affect children and adolescents, the mental health director said referrals are being made from the Ministry of Education and enough capacity has been built on the ground to start addressing the mental health needs of young people through primary health care.

Meanwhile, she said the harmful use of alcohol, marijuana and other substances of abuse is increasing among teenagers, and so are the risk-taking behaviours such as unsafe sex which can lead into sexually transmitted diseases, early pregnancy and unsafe abortions.

Additionally, she said such can result in the perpetration of violence which can increase the likelihood of low educational attainment, injury, involvement with crime, or death.

“Teachers are in a strategic position since they have our children more waking hours per day than we ourselves, it makes sense to empower them on how to coach children and adolescents on how to care for themselves, by developing and maintaining their social and emotional habits important for wellbeing; these include taking regular exercises, develop problem solving and personal skills,” the doctor said.

She added it also makes sense to empower teachers with techniques of creating a supportive environment in school, so that children and adolescents who are facing challenges have a soft place to fall.

The Mental Health Director noted teachers can be effective eyes for the healthcare system, in detecting those children and youth who need mental health care and to channel them through the health care system.

“Teachers can also be the eyes of society to detect, report and seek help for students affected by mental health, such as violence in cases of sexual violence,

people thrive, reach adulthood and achieve their full potential.

Meanwhile, Senior Psychologist at the Mental Health Unit, Dr Balogun

Director of the Mental Health Unit Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas

olescents living in fragile settings; adolescents with chronic illness, autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability or other neurological condition; pregnant adoles-

Senior Psychologist at the Mental Health Unit Dr Balogun Osunbiyi

Head-teachers being addressed during the mental health forum

bullyism, discrimination, educational difficulties and human rights violation,” she said.

The Director stated that the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education have commenced a partnership to ensure that young

Osunbiyi, noted that some adolescents are at greater risk of mental health conditions due to their living conditions, stigma, discrimination or exclusion, or lack of access to quality support and services.

These, he said include ad-

cents, adolescent parents, or those in early and/or forced marriages; orphans, and other discriminated groups.

The Psychologist noted that the promotion of mental health and well-being helps adolescents in building resilience so that they

can cope well in difficult situations or adversities.

These programmes, he said require a multilevel approach with varied delivery platforms as can happen in social care settings, schools, or the community.

But, for nineteen year-old Shawn, (not his real name) his experience with depression started when he was 12 years old.

The Georgetown resident said the cuts on his inner right arm are scars from the journey he wishes never to repeat.

Shawn who is from a single parent home said for many years he never spoke to anyone about how he was feeling and what was happening inside his head.

“It’s been a struggle of relapses and recovery.

Sharing my story makes things easier, but depression can suddenly creep up on you without any warning; my mother never knew for many years what I was going through,” he said.

He said all of his energy was drained in isolation and negative thoughts, something for which he received counselling.

“I never really talked about it much with anyone because I didn’t want to be called a mad man or for anybody to talk about me behind my back, it’s not easy you know, but I am happy for all these new services so youths can get professional help,” he said.

He continued: “There were so many things I didn’t understand. I definitely didn’t realise that anyone, including myself, could develop a mental health problem. But as far as I am concerned we all have mental health problems, but we need to be guided through it so it doesn’t destroy us, I am thankful and am happy for the services being provided.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

First-time access for some, as more residents in Region 9 receive potable water OVER 1,000 residents in Sand Creek, as well as residents of Aranaputa and Massara, all in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have recently been granted first time or better access to potable water, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

The efforts are a part of GWI’s intention to increase the number of Guyanese gaining potable water access in the hinterland and to ensure all communities have access to potable water by 2025.

In Sand Creek, some 1020 residents are boasting of first time and improved

Toshao, Maxie Pugsley, and Headmistress of the Sand Creek Nursery School, Olivia Gomes, also thanked GWI for responding to the water needs of the community.

According to Gomes, children at the school previously faced challenges when it came to washing their hands at the sinks after using the washroom.

Infrastructural works are also ongoing in Sand Creek for the installation of additional distribution pipes and the construction of a metal trestle on which six water tanks will be placed. These works are expected to be completed within two weeks.

project.

Meanwhile, in Aranaputa, GWI drilled a new well and installed a new Photovoltaic system to provide first time access to potable water for a large section of the community.

The fencing was done by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) while GWI’s installation of the distribution network was delayed due to weather conditions but will re-commence when the weather improves.

The release stated that Under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) programme, the network in the remaining section of the community

The Sand Creek Pump Station, which houses the newly-drilled well

access to potable water as a result of GWI’s completion of a new well in the community, in collaboration with the Pan -American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Those to benefit include the community’s Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools; School dormitory; Health Center and households.

A release from the water company stated that a photovoltaic pumping system, equipped with 18 solar panels, was installed to power the new water supply system.

Additionally, 1 KM of distribution pipes was installed in a section of the community, affording the residents access to water within close proximity to their homes.

“Not only has this eliminated the burden of fetching water which was faced by the students of the dormitory and other residents, but access to potable water has now significantly reduced the number of cases of water borne diseases,” the release said.

Residents like Elizabeth Charlie and Claudia Bernard expressed their appreciation for the potable water.

They stated that, in the past, their water challenges were made even more difficult during the dry season which would see them having to fetch water over long distances.

The community’s

This will afford an additional 240 residents in the eastern section of the community access to potable water from the newly drilled well.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, during a meeting with residents, informed them, that service men will be trained to maintain the system even as he urged the villagers to care the new water supply system.

He pleaded with the residents not to mix the water provided by GWI with the rainwater which may be contaminated.

Dr. Van West-Charles also explained to the residents that there are a few houses which are a far distance away and will be catered for in the company’s 2020 budget, so that the entire village will have access to potable water.

The Managing Director expressed gratitude to GWI’s workers for their commitment and hard work and thanked PAHO for its assistance and the Toshao and villagers for their cooperation.

GWI also launched a song and poem competition for the community, giving its members the opportunity to convey their feelings about the new water supply system as well as win prizes.

The winning entries will be performed at the commissioning ceremony for the

will be completed.

GWI is also working to rehabilitate a pre-existing well and increase the storage capacity. The water is stored in water tanks on a trestle then provided to the residents via a standpipe.

Additionally, remedial works were done by GWI at the Aranaputa Nursery school, which, together with the Primary school, is provided with water from a pre-existing well.

The water from the well is stored in water tanks and fed to the school. GWI will be installing distribution pipes to afford the kitchen area direct access to the water supply.

“The well is also the source of water for the Health Centre, which also has tanks and a stand pipe. However, due to lack of proper plumbing, the Community Health Worker often has to fetch water for the flushing of the toilet and caring for patients.

There is one sink in the Malaria Section of the Health Centre that has running water. GWI will be working to conduct remedial plumbing works to afford the Health Center adequate access to potable water,” the release indicated.

GWI will work to ensure that all of the wells in the community are interconnected and additional water tanks placed, thereby providing 24 hours water access to the

Residents of Sand Creek gather for a meeting with Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) officials.

entire community.

These works will be completed no later than September, 2019.

In Massara, remedial works were conducted on one of the community’s previously unstable trestles.

GWI will also be examining the possibility of increasing the storage capacity there.

“The section of the community where that trestle is located has a well and a distribution network. However, another section of the

community does not have access to potable water, and the residents practise rainwater harvesting. During the dry season, the residents access water from a tap which can be found in the compound of a well in the community. The water from the well is fed to storage tanks on a trestle then to the tap. GWI will be conducting additional plumbing works to ensure that water is supplied to this section of the community,” the Company stated.

This week, GWI will also commence the installation of distribution pipes and will be interconnecting the entire system in the community, inclusive of the two trestles.

The release stated “GWI remains committed to ensuring that the quality of the water provided to residents in the hinterland is maintained. Therefore, water quality testing will be done on a monthly basis and the results will be made accessible to all residents.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

Guyana briefs CARICOM on border controversy with Venezuela - Foreign Minister says heads of government meeting was ‘productive’ GUYANA has updated the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, who represented Guyana at the 40th meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, said the Venezuela border issue was raised.

“We let them know that the case is before the ICJ and they (CARICOM) were happy to know we are following a judicial process,” said Dr. Cummings, adding that the community hopes that the issue would come to a definite end.

In an effort to bring an end to the age old border controversy, on January 30, 2018 the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 Geneva Agreement, announced that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would be the means to be used for the solution of the controversy.

On March 29, 2018, then Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge filed Guyana’s application with the ICJ. Venezuela’s most recent action — the refusal to file a Counter-Memorial (CM) on the court’s jurisdiction by April 18, in defiance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), — was the latest in a series of counterproductive moves by the western neighbour.

The ICJ had requested the CM after Guyana submitted arguments in November of last year, contending that the ICJ has jurisdiction to hear and rule on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that fixed the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

The ICJ requested the CM, so that the court could hear both sides, but Venezuela refused to tell its side.

The recent refusal by Venezuela to submit the CM to the ICJ had prompted Guyana to request that the ICJ go ahead with the case. The court should now rule on whether it has jurisdiction, and, if it does, it should hear and determine the substantive issue of Venezuela’s claim to our land.

Dr. Cummings said Guyana remains optimistic about the issue, adding that Guatemala and Belize are experiencing similar difficulties. Belize recently had a referendum and they too have carried their case to the ICJ. “At the CARICOM level we wish there is something that will come out and there will be happiness on both sides as we look forward to peaceful settlement of borders and territorial issues,” said the minister.

In addition to the border controversy, Dr. Cummings said CARICOM noted the situation in Venezuela, but maintained its stance of non-interference and non-intervention.

The situation in Venezuela has led to persons fleeing the country and seeking refuge, particularly in the Caribbean.

“We hope that the situation will come to stabilisation so that persons can go to their

Minister of Foreign of Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings

homeland and enjoy the good life,” said Minister Cummings.

As the discussions continued, CARICOM made a commitment to monitor the situation in Venezuela.

In addition to those discussions, Minister Cummings said CARICOM member states had other “productive engagements” during the meeting.

According to the minister, the issue of security was discussed, since the Small Island Developing States are disaster prone.

CARICOM, in that light, has been trying to gather funds from different states to ensure that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) can respond to hurricanes.

“The onus is on each Caribbean state to ensure that they play their part of dues so that we can have this smooth running and facilitating the process of these events when disaster would have struck,” said Dr. Cummings.

The minister said there were many other discussions about blacklisting and diaspora engagement, among other things.

Diaspora engagement was discussed in the context of improving the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“We see things through our lens but we want a different perspective...we want to see through their lens how they view CSME,” said Minister Cummings.

She believes that it is time to take CSME to another level and move from rhetoric to action and from intent to implementation.

With all the ideas and plans in place, the minister said much more needs to be done as it relates to regional integration, environmental protection and preservation and trade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

Road carnage claims four lives in 24 hours CARNAGE on the roadways for the past 24 hours between Sunday and Monday resulted in several deaths.

On Sunday, 31-year-old Leon Fung-a-Fat of Lot 162 Annandale South, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was killed in an apparent hit and run accident at Annandale, ECD. Fung-a-Fat, a labourer, was reportedly struck down at about 21:30h while walking along the main access road.

He was then picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His mother, Joylyn Funga-Fat, said she was at home when she received news that her son was involved in an accident and that he was in an unconscious state.

However, upon visiting the hospital he was already dead. From all indication, she said he sustained severe head injuries.

Meanwhile, in the wee hours of Monday morning, a 28-year-old motorcyclist of lot 204, Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, lost his life while his pillion rider and friend, a 22-year-old of Perry Street, Tucville, was hospitalized.

Dead is Stephon Beckles.

He was riding motorcycle CH 9859 which crashed on Vlissengen Road, in the vicinity of Ministry of Agriculture. The pillion rider was identified as Kevin Andy.

Police said that the 29-year-old driver of the car, PTT 2510, of Thomas Street, Kitty, was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol and

is in custody assisting with investigations.

As a result of the collision the motorcyclist along with the pillion rider fell onto the road surface, and received injuries to their heads and other parts of the bodies.

The pillion rider was picked up by public-spirited citizens in a conscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

Beckles was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy.

An early Sunday morning accident at Golden Grove, West Berbice resulted in the death of a young man while his friend has been hospitalised in a critical condition.

Dead is Lincoln Carmichael, 21, while his friend, whose name was given as Shamar Hercules, also 21, has been hospitalised in a critical condition. Both men lived at Seafield, West Berbice.

Reports are that the two young men were travelling in a Nissan Bluebird motorcar PSS 2472 around 04:00hrs on Sunday when Hercules, who was driving at the time, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole.

They were seen hanging out with friends earlier at the village of Hopetown prior to the accident. Reports are that the driver may have been speeding since the car crossed the roadway and crashed into the utility pole.

Another horrific crash occurred at the village of Cullen on the Essequibo Coast on

Sunday involving motorcar HB 6973 that crashed into a tree.

Dead is Premnarine Rampersaud, 32, of Lot 191 Herstelling EBD. Enquiries disclosed that the hire car was proceeding south along the eastern driving lane of Cullen Public Road with Rampersaud in the front passenger seat and 23-year-old Fazil Salim in the rear seat.

It was reported that the driver lost control of his vehicle causing the front to collide with a tree located on the eastern side of the road.

As a result of the collision, both passengers received injuries while the driver fled the accident scene and reported to the Anna Regina Police Station.

The passengers were picked up and Rampersaud was pronounced dead on arrival while Salim who was in a conscious state was admitted to the Suddie Public Hospital.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver and he was found above the legal limit.

There has been a 20.8 percent increase in fatal accidents and a 19.2% increase in deaths resulting from fatal accidents for the period of January 1 to April 3, 2019 as compared to the corresponding period last year, said the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The GPF has been engaged in a massive education and sensitization campaign which has placed great emphasis on youths and students as well as minibus owners and operators.

Gambling debt turns deadly A 21-year-old was killed on Sunday as a result of a $500 gambling debt after his friend stabbed him twice to the chest at Third Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Mervin Squires, 21, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. He leaves to mourn his parents and two sisters.

The suspect was arrested and is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Reports are that a group of men were gambling cards when Squires and another young man had an argument over money which later turned into a deadly confrontation.

According to one eyewitness, Squires and his attacker had an argument over a $500 gambling debt.

“They were gambling cards and Squires pulled

Squires was then taken to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to one relative, Squires’ mother, who is a teacher, received the news of her son’s demise while she was at church.

The relative explained that the duo were friends and would usually socialize and hang out at the corner together.

Dead: Mervin Squires “This is very sad, they were off his attacker’s gold chain from around his neck. Then good friends who would lime and hang out and gaff is one big fight, and Squires a lot,” the relative said. get ‘juck’ with an ice pick,” “He was stabbed with an he said. ice pick and a knife.”

Dead: Leon Fung-a-Fat

Dead: Lincoln Carmichael

Dead: Premnarine Rampersaud

Dead: Stephon Beckles

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

PPP elite turned gov’t into real estate agency-PM

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo has accused the former PPP administration with turning government into a real estate agency.

The elite, he said, helped themselves and friends to prime government lands, on which some of them built mansions and resold at huge profits.

Citing the shameful and scandalous heists of state lands at “Pradoville 1” and “Pradoville 2” , the Prime Minister said that these should be the last persons in the world to criticise land distribution under the Coalition Government.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo made those remarks on Saturday evening at the Mahaica Primary School to a packed audience from the Old Road area, during a Government Outreach. He was accompanied by Sports Director, Christopher Jones, youth activist, James Bond, and Regional Vice-Chairman, Earle Lambert.

He said that he has been in public life for almost six

decades and at no time, not even while he was a government minister, has he applied for a piece of state land. “I bought my own land, built my house in North Sophia, and lived there with my family for all the years while serving as a government minister,” he said to loud applause.

Mr. Nagamootoo described the attacks by the opposition against land distribution to certain persons of African descent as racist.

“These are the people who gave away prime lands and state assets to their friends and party cronies, but now that Africans are getting titles, they cry foul,” he stated.

He noted three primary types of land entitlements, namely, communal title to our indigenous peoples; lease and hereditary lands on the coast, including lands that were allocated in lieu of repatriation of East Indian immigrants; and ancestral lands, portions of which had been purchased by freed African slaves. “There is enough land for all our peoples, and

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo speaking with residents of Mahaica

all are entitled equally to the 83,000 square miles of Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

The Mahaica Old Road residents made vigorous representation for distribution of available lands

for agricultural purposes, pointing out to the Government team that there are many young persons in the area who have nothing beneficial to do. Supporting their request for youth

involvement in agriculture, the Prime Minister retorted, “the Devil finds work for idle hands!”

They also represented that the streets and bridges in Lima Dam, Danrade

Dam, Hand-en-Veldt, Jaghai Dam and Jonestown are in dire need of maintenance, as they accused the PPP-run NDC with willful neglect of their communities.

Minister of Public Health issues statement on death of Linden nurse MINISTER of Public Health (MoPH) Volda Lawrence has, on behalf of the entire public health fraternity, expressed profound condolences to the parents of the late Nurse Schenise Apple.

She also urged those functioning in the health sector not to give up hopes but build on what the late nurse has left.

The body of the nurse, who was stationed at Mahdia, was found hanging in her room at the nurse’s hostel where she lived, on July 02, 2019.

In a live interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the minister said that the ministry, especially the late nurse’s colleagues with whom she had worked and lived, are still in shock.

“We are still in shock” they stated.

Noting that the health ministry views every nurse “as important”, the minis-

ter recalled that the nurse was deployed to Mahdia, either during November or December, 2018. She, like many of her colleagues, was asked to help out with the situation in one region or the other.

“I am quite certain she loved what she did so much that she volunteered to go and help the people in Region Number Eight,” she said.

The minister said that investigations into the nurse’s death have been ongoing by the ministries of Public Health and Public Security and that officials are currently awaiting conclusive details which will provide guidance in moving forward.

The body of the late Schenise Apple, who formerly lived at Lot 323, Block 22, Linden, Region 10, will be laid to rest in the community on July 16, 2019, following a home-going service.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

President uses executive powers to block imprisonment of Finance Minister PRESIDENT David Granger, on Monday, issued a Grant of Respite to the judgment levied on the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

The judgment handed down on June 24, 2019 by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry states that the money owed to DIPCON engineering company, by the State, is to be paid on or before July 8, 2019.

Failing to do so, Minister will be liable to imprisonment for 21 days for criminal contempt of court by deliberately subverting the previous court order. Additionally, the order stipulates that a court cost of three million dollars be paid.

However, by virtue of the powers invested in the

President under article 188(1) (b) of the Constitution, and after consultation with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; “I hereby grant to Winston Jordan, in his personal capacity and as the Honourable Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament, a respite of the execution of the punishment imposed on him until all appeals and remedies available to him and the State have been exhausted,” the president outlined in the grant order.

This matter stemmed from an inherited State debt of US$2,228,400.67 to the Trinidadian construction company, who after not receiving its payment for contracts completed for the former administration, resorted

to the court and judgment was granted in its favour.

In an interview with this newspaper, the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC said that the government is dissatisfied with the order of criminal contempt against the minister, and as such, will exercise its duty to protect against the dissatisfactory actions of the justice system.

Williams explained that the State would have been prejudiced by the Appellate Court, since the said court would have failed to constitute a panel to hear their application for stay in the substantive matter. This stay was to accommodate the hearing of the appeal of the judgment of Justice Rishi Persaud and the Oder of

Mandamus by Chief Justice, Roxane George. It was due to the time of the hearing of the appeal case, that the company was able to build a case of contempt.

“So we have really been checkmated. And because of that checkmate, it allowed Timothy Jonas, DIPCON’s attorney, to go to the high court and contend that there is no stay of the order, therefore the order is breached and the minister is in contempt.

But as we contended, the minister could not have been in contempt when there was no order that he has breached.

And there is no previous order against Minister Jordan as a private person, all the orders are against the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, and the Minister

of Finance,” the AG posited.

Adding that “We are desirous of pursuing our remedies… Because if they refuse, then we can go to the CCJ.” Williams said that the position of the government is also grounded in the fact that no injunction or coercive order could be made against the state, which includes a government minister.

Sections of the State Liabilities and Proceedings Act, protection is of ministers and even judges, are provisioned for. “The law is very clear, so we are convinced that the minister could not have been personally sued for the debt of State,” he said.

In addition to the provisions in the Act, Williams implied that the order was bad in law, since it was that

of a criminal contempt and should have taken a particular procedure, but that was not done.

“He [Jordan] hasn’t been asked to plead in that matter, which he would be required under the requirements of a criminal charge.

He hasn’t been personally served with the proceedings. In all the circumstances, the State believes that we have a duty. We’re convinced that we have a good case at the appeal. We have not been able to get a hearing of the appeal… And you must remember that this case was outsourced from since 2008,” the AG pointed out.

CARICOM looking to strengthen ties with Florida -multilateral conference set for December

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is looking to strengthen its bilateral relations with its partners in the north – Florida.

Talks of strengthening relations came up during the 40th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, in St Lucia.

During the meeting, representatives of CARICOM states met with US Congress woman, Stacey Plaskett, who is the Chairperson of the Caribbean Caucus and responsible for the US Virgin Islands.

“The continuing effort both on financial services and trade came up with the US... and as part of that for us to continue the efforts, we established a Florida-Caribbean Conference, which is due to take place early December in Florida,” said Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet during a press conference at the Sandals Grande, on Friday.

The idea of a conference was endorsed by members of the congress from both the Democratic and Republican Parties and the Mayor of Miami.

“The expectation is that at a very high level we can start integrating with the Florida politicians and they can assist with our lobbying efforts in Washington DC,”

Chairperson of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet

said Chastanet.

To answer the question “why Florida?” he said it is a state where the Caribbean has the greatest amount of economic impact and in fact almost 80 per cent of every dollar that a tourist spends in the Caribbean goes back to America through the airlines and cruise ships.

In addition to economic similarities, Florida experiences the same natural disasters, which are affecting the Caribbean.

According to Chastanet, Florida also experiences the same issues and source of

crime with regards to drug trafficking.

“There are a lot of synergies to be had by both groups,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the upcoming conference will help to stimulate relations and growth between both groups.

The Caribbean’s diaspora is significant in Florida so CARICOM’s intention would be to ensure that the diaspora is a significant part of the conference.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

Service providers in creative industry get training

Minister Norton (at centre) with officers and participants on Monday

Minister of Social Cohesion George Norton at Monday’s opening session

By Telesha Ramnarine SERVICE providers in Guyana’s creative industry are benefitting from a three-day workshop that will equip them with skills they need to better market their products and be able to tap into foreign markets.

The programme, which kicked off on Monday, is a joint effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) and is being spear-headed

by Trinidad and Tobago’s Management Consultant, Rabindra Jaggernauth.

Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton, who has responsibility for culture, youth and sport, was on hand to open the ‘Creatives Go Global’ workshop

in the presence of Director of Foreign Trade, Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow, and other government functionaries.

The workshop aims to help the service providers to be in a better position to “sell Guyana’s culture abroad,” DaSilva-Glasgow told Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment.

Participants included artists, photographers, fashion designers, writers, painters, and sculptors.

The workshop will see about 50 participants, which is a number bigger than what is usually accommodated, and a repeat workshop will be held to especially target those who are export-ready.

Mr. Jaggernauth, who is also a certified ‘Go

Global Trainer,’ told this publication that the training will help the participants know what they need to do to prepare themselves for export services. “It’s the first of its kind in Guyana and hopefully, it’s not going to be the last because this workshop can address every single service sector,” he expressed.

Minister Norton observed that within just a few weeks, many artists and other stakeholders of the creative arts industry will be heading off to Carifesta XIV in Trinidad and Tobago, and hence will have just about two weeks to promote their products and showcase their talents to the rest of the world.

“Often time, we would find that even the best of our creative minds fall short of adequate marketing of them-

Participant: Valarie Martin

selves and their products. So, they don’t always reap sufficient benefits for their hard work, and we must change that,” Norton expressed.

According to him, the workshop will address critical areas such as gathering market intelligence, starting a marketing plan, developing a marketing strategy, market entry options, financing and getting paid, contracting and legal aspects, etc.

“I want to encourage all of the participants of this workshop to make full use of it and to put their best foot forward in marketing themselves and their products. As much as we can, the Government of Guyana is here to support your growth, but your ability to market yourselves is critical to the development of the creative

T&T’s Management Consultant, Rabindra Jaggernauth interacting with a participant

arts industry,” he said, adding, “We, as policy makers are fully cognizant of the fact that your pieces form part of our identity as a country. We cannot and we must not allow inadequate compensation to hinder your creativity.”

Fashion designer, writer and craftsperson, Valerie Martin, expressed thanks for the training programme. “I truly believe that this workshop will assist me a lot in my journey as an entrepreneur as I prepare to export.”

Martin said she is hoping to learn how to be a better entrepreneur in the area of exporting and to know how to access funding. “The market is Participant: Martin Massiah

very competitive, so you must have the kind of finance you need to push your business to another level,” she said.

Another participant, Martin Massiah, deals with media acceleration and creating digital content for his clients. A workshop like this, he said, would help him expand to new markets like those in the US, Canada, and Europe.

“So we’re looking to get a perspective that will help us strategically enter these markets. This is the time for Guyana to springboard into the world and this is our opportunity to sell Guyanese culture to the world, and a workshop like this is going to give us the tools necessary,” he expressed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

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President nominates eight for GECOM chair …Justice Patterson, Stanley Ming on list

…PPP wants its list of 11 considered first

Former Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Attorney Kesaundra Alves and businessmen Kads Khan and Stanley Ming.

The names of the eight nominees were presented to the Leader of the Opposition through his representatives Anil Nandlall, Gail Teixeira and Bishop Juan Edghill by Director General of the Ministry of Presidency, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan during a meeting, on Monday, intendJustice (Ret’d) Claudette La Bennett (Guyana Times’ Photo)

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger has nominated eight persons for the Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), among them Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, who recently demitted office as Chairman, after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the process, which resulted in his appointed, was Justice (Ret’d) Stanley Moore

Businessman Kads Khan (Kaieteur News’ photo)

flawed.

The other nominees, who make up the list to add to the 11 names resubmitted by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, include: Justice (Ret’d) Stanley Moore, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette La Bennett, former Solicitor General Kim Kyte, Economist Dr. Aubrey Armstrong, Chairperson of the

ed to consider the nominees.

Moments after exiting the meeting at Castellani House, the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, in the presence of the representatives from both sides, informed reporters that the President nominated eight names for consideration to complement those submitted by the Opposition Leader on Saturday. “This afternoon the President suggested eight names to be considered as well in this hammering out process, and we agreed that we will look at those and tomorrow at 4 o clock we will meet again, at which time the real hammering out will start with respect to finding six names,” Harmon told reporters.

The Opposition Leader’s nominees are: Conservationist, Annette Arjoon-Martins; retired Justice of Appeal, B.S Roy; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission

nominees to the President in accordance with Article 161 (2) of the Constitution.

Harmon said both teams on Monday renewed their commitment to accelerating the process to have a chairman appointed soon as possible.

“We have committed to work assiduously on a daily basis if necessary, so that we can find six names in the shortest possible time, and I think that is basically our commitment,” the Director General said.

He said it is necessary to have a Chairman of the Elections Commission who has the confidence of the Presi-

(PSC), Gerry Gouveia; retired Mayor General, Joseph Singh; Attorney-at-Law, Kashir Khan; former Senior Magistrate, Krishnadatt Persaud; conflict resolution specialist, Lawrence Latchmansingh; retired Major General, Norman McLean; Onesi La Fleur, PSC executive Ramesh Dookhoo; and retired Puisne Judge, William Ramlall.

Last Thursday, President Granger and the Opposition Leader agreed to have their respective techFormer Solicitor General Kim Kyte

Economist Dr. Aubrey Armstrong (Stabroek News’ photo)

nical teams hammer out the names of persons for the post of GECOM chair before the Opposition Leader formally submits a list of six

dent, Opposition Leader, and the whole of Guyana. “This is important in our view for the people of Guyana to have a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission that both sides, in fact all sides, can find their decision fair and that they represent the best interest of the people of Guyana, and so we are looking to find such a person, whether he or she, that can deliver a fair election that the people of Guyana can feel comfortable with,” he posited.

Noting that the process is in its embryonic stage, Nandlall expressed the hope that the teams would arrive at a consensus soon, noting that both sides have agreed to expedite the process. “It is not going to happen immediately but as the names begin to exchange, hopefully

Chairperson of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Attorney Kesaundra Alves

we can continue to find commonality until we eventually arrive at a six that would be mutually acceptable to both the Leader of the Opposition and the President as is contemplated by Article 161 (2) and as the CCJ guided us to,” Nandlall told reporters.

However, Nandlall was keen on pointing out that while the CCJ has advised that the President and the Leader of the Opposition agree to a list of nominees before a formal submission is made, it is the constitutional responsibility of the Opposition Leader to make the submission for consideration by the President. He posited that ongoing meetings are an informal type of exchange before the official submission is made.

But while Nandlall expressed no concern after exiting the meeting at Castellani House, he, less than an hour after, complained bitterly that the President had suggested names for consideration during this first round of meetings with the teams.

In the presence of his colleagues Teixeira and Edghill at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Nandlall contended that the President and Opposition Leader had agreed that the Opposition Leader’s nominees would have been considered first.

“It was our clear understanding that we were going there to consider those 11 names and for the Government to indicate or rather

the President’s…delegates in that engagement, to tell us which of the 11 names, the president finds find acceptable and which he does not find acceptable. Low and below when we get there we are confronted with a list from the Government side,” Nandlall complained.

According to him, the president’s team informed them that “they had no instructions with respect to the 11 names” submitted by the Opposition.

Weighing in on the matter, Teixeira insisted that the teams must first consid-

Businessman Stanley Ming

er the 11 nominees, and if there are any objections from Government, reasons ought to be given. But during the meeting last Thursday, the Opposition Leader had indicated that he was not adverse to the President submitting names for consideration.

During a press conference at his meeting with the Opposition Leader last Thursday, President Granger said unless and until the Chairman is appointed, the work of the Commission will not be able to move ahead as quickly as possible. The process of appointing a new Chairman for the Elections Commission comes at a time when the country is preparing for early elections as a result of a no-confidence motion brought against the Government last December.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Department of Labour visits Aurora Mines -Management says will work with govt. to resolve workers’ issues amicably THE Department of Labour (DoL) is expected to meet with management of the Aurora Gold Mines, owned by Canadian company Guyana Goldfields Inc. by this coming weekend to begin discussions on several issues raised by the workers when Department officials visited the mines on Monday “The guys they made some complaints, so we are to talk with management this weekend for them to resolve it as early as possible,” reported Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle moments after returning from the Region Seven mines.

Ogle was accompanied to the mines by Minister of Labour, Keith Scott, and other labour officials.

At the meeting, chief

among the workers’ complaints was a timeline for how soon a poll could be done so that the workers could become unionized.

Many of the workers are calling to join the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG), headed by Sherwayne Downer.

The Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TUR&CB) requires that a union garner at least 40 per cent of the workers’ votes to be eligible to represent the workers at a particular company or in a particular category.

The workers were not pleased that provision was not made for Downer to attend Monday’s meeting.

As the meeting began, the workers asked that the company officials leave the

meeting, so that workers could feel safer to air their grievances. However, the company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Suresh Kalathil, was allowed to remain.

“Suresh said he’s going to work with the government to have the situation resolved and having some of our needs met,” one of the workers who attended the meeting reported.

The workers were happy for the chance to air their concerns.

“Everybody voiced their concerns, but the main focus was to have the workers unionized so that we can have proper representation.

That was the key focus, and we’re asking for a timeline for when we can get such done, and having the compa-

ny agreeing to the union and whatnot,” the worker said.

The employees also spoke of their concerns over the food provided for workers at the mines; conditions under which they travel to and from the mines, which is done by flight; their overall working conditions, and being abused by their superiors; they also had concerns over their salaries.

Monday’s meeting was prompted after unrest began last Tuesday between the employees and the company over a dispute on severance pay, which employees say, aggravated an already strained situation. Last Friday the workers agreed to return to work, even as the issues were being addressed.

It was in March that the Guyana Goldfields signed a

mining agreement with Peruvian company, STRACON, a move that would see mining employees being transferred from being employees of Guyana Goldfields Inc. to being employees of STRACON. The employees are contending that since they are leaving Guyana Goldfields Inc. and starting as new employees of STRACON, they are entitled to severance pay from Guyana Goldfields. The changeover was expected to take effect from July 1, so when that date passed and the employees still were not told about their severance payments, despite queries, they became frustrated.

However, there now exists some uncertainty over whether or not the changeover was completed, and

employees were reminded they could not receive severance until the changeover is complete.

“The workers from time to time have been threatened and intimidated by the supervisors, and the company has made a lot of promises to us that haven’t really come through. They would have you doing a lot of unsafe activity and unsafe work and if you don’t want to do it, they would threaten you to give you a dismissal letter or a warning letter, and they would like call you names and stuff like that, so it’s getting really overbearing.

It’s time that we get the company unionised,” an employee had shared with Guyana Chronicle in an earlier interview.

Wanted man, Maverick Plaisance man to sue State for $100M --for ‘malicious prosecution and wrongful imprisonment’ DeAbreu turns self in MAVERICK DeAbreu, for whom the police had issued a wanted bulletin last week in connection with the assault of Gay-Rights Activist Joel Simpson, on Monday turned himself in to the police.

DeAbreu, 29, of Broad Street, Charlestown, was accompanied by his lawyer, Siand Dhurjon, who handed him over to the police at the Brickdam Police Station.

He also gave a statement to the police, in which he reportedly denied being involved in the assault of Simpson. According to DeAbreu, he did not touch, encourage or assist in the attack of the man.

The Police had issued the bulletin for De Abreu last week after he was cited as being one of the men who assaulted Simpson on June 15, 2019, in the vicinity of the Bourda Market, here in the city.

Simpson, who is the Managing Director of the NGO, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), was reportedly beaten by a group of men who have since been labelled “homophobic”.

Following the incident, which left him nursing a number of bruises mainly to his hands, knees and sides, Simpson took to his social media page to detail what had occurred.

He began by saying that the men had deliberately thrown alcohol on him and his friends while they were out partying at popular night club, Palm Court.

Simpson said that at first,

Maverick DeAbreu

SASOD Managing Director, Joel Simpson

he and his friends assumed that it was an accident, but when it occurred again, they took action by reporting the matter to the supervisor on duty which proved to be futile.

“Sometime after midnight, as the crowd started to grow, a group of men came in and stood at the back bar just behind us. Shortly after their arrival, I felt beer being thrown on us.

I thought it must have been a drunken spill, so I ignored it, but we then felt a second douse of beer on us,” he recounted.

He added: “At this point, we realised this was very deliberate. I went to the bar and asked who was the supervisor on duty. I was directed to a man who wasn’t wearing any uniform or badge to identify him as staff. I reported to him what happened, and his response was, ‘We don’t want man wining pun man here.’”

Simpson said the response left him “perplexed” and while

some of his female friends began to verbally respond to the group of individuals who threw the drinks, he discouraged them from physically confronting the men.

In the social media post, Simpson explained that the trip to the nightclub was part of “a long-planned, bar-hopping excursion,” which saw them visiting three other locations earlier that night.

After the experience at the club, Simpson reportedly went to The Strip Restaurant & Bar at the Giftland Mall, and later the Bourda Market where he sought out a popular shop owner to get a snack.

He told his friends and followers that this is when the same group of six men, who’d thrown their drinks on him earlier in the night, pounced on him.

ATTORNEY-at-law Dexter Todd is expected to file a $100M lawsuit against the State for the wrongful imprisonment of a 32-year-old Ramos Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara man, who was last week freed from a murder charge after being on remand for the last seven years.

The lawsuit will be filed today at the Demerara High Court on behalf of Cloyde Harris, who was freed of the murder charge last Friday by Magistrate Alex Moore due to there being insufficient evidence to bring him in guilty.

Harris, who was freed at the Sparendaam Magistrates' Court, where the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was done, had been charged for the December 22, 2012 murder of his cousin, Derrick Cox, 71, a shopkeeper, at the same Ramos Street, Plaisance, where he’d lived before being incarcerated at the Camp Street Prison, where he’d been on remand for the capital offence.

Cox, called ‘Backatoo’, was reportedly shot in the chest at around 22:50hrs on the day in question by bandits outside his shop, though eyewitnesses would claim they saw Harris running away from the scene of the crime, but change their story when they testified in court.

Back in October 2013, Magistrate Moore had committed Harris to stand trial at the High Court, but owing to the negligence of the Clerk of Court attached to the Vigilance Magistrates Court, who was supposed to submit the case jacket and deposition to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) but never did, the matter was stalled.

Then in 2016, after some amount of pressure was brought to bear on the relevant authorities, the documents were finally submitted to the DPP, who subsequently wrote advising Magistrate Moore to reopen the PI, since one of the exhibits had not been properly identified.

On December 27, 2018, when the PI was reopened, Harris retained the services of Todd, who seized the opportunity to re-examine the witnesses as well as the evidence. And what he found was that the main witness had never testified, and when the case was finally put to him, he recanted, saying that he was mistaken; that he never saw Harris at the crime scene at all.

At the last hearing, which was held last Friday, Magistrate Moore dismissed the

Cloyde Harris and his attorney, Dexter Todd

free to go.

This being the case, Todd, as directed by his client, will be suing the State for $100M for malicious prosecution and wrongful imprisonment.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Harris said that since his release, all he’s done is clean his room, which he has not seen in the last seven years.

“I can't even walk in my house,” he said.

“My village looking small-small; everything just strange.” And, making the transition from being behind bars and sleeping in his own bed has been quite a task as well.

But even harder still is getting used to the stares, and being the subject of the village gossip mill.

“Everybody look at you different when you get charge for murder. From the time you pass that prison gate, whether you're guilty or not, society does look at you difmatter against Harris, and told him he was ferent,” Harris said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday July 9, 2019

CARICOM ministerial team to assess situation in Haiti

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has established a Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee to assess the situation in Haiti.

PRIME Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, said the commission will allow CARICOM to understand what is happing in Haiti.

The committee comprises the Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastanet; Prime Minister of Bahamas, Hubert Minnis; Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; and Secretary-General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque.

As part of their assessment, the team will be going to Haiti where opposition forces are seeking to remove President Jovenel Moise from office over allegations of embezzlement.

The Nation News reported that the opposition parties in Haiti have accused Moise of embezzlement, but the head of state has defended himself against the report of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Litigation (CSA/CA) into programmes and projects funded by the PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.

The report had found that significant shortcomings have been associated with the planning and implementation of development programmes and projects funded by the PetroCaribe Fund.

Last month, the state announced it had filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Port-au-Prince against those persons implicated in the PetroCaribe scandal.

The CSC/CA audit found that significant shortcomings have been associated with the planning and implementation of development programmes and projects funded by the PetroCaribe Fund during the administration of former President Michel Martelly.

According to Nation News, the Court made it clear that, overall, relevant documents were missing in most of the projects and contracts reviewed and as a result it was impossible to conduct a comprehensive audit of several projects.

As the tension continues to rise over the ongoing issue, Mottley said the sub-committee will allow CARICOM to be at the forefront of determining a “factual matrix.”

“We have no difficulty as a community… we speak the truth to power but we will do so on the basis of an independent analysis of our own and based on our understanding and appreciation of the principles which have been enshrined in the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” said Prime Minister Mottley, adding that they have been in contact with Haiti and will continue to plan the upcoming mission.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

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FROM BACK PAGE

GDF retain National Federer, Djokovic & Novices best gym title Nadal into Wimbledon -Halley and Haywood named best boxers quarter-finals

ROGER Federer reached a record-extending 17th Wimbledon quarter-final as young Italian Matteo Berrettini was overwhelmed on Centre Court.

The Swiss great, bidding for a ninth title, needed just an hour and 14 minutes to seal a 6-1 6-2 6-2 win.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also continued to breeze through the draw with equally-comfortable last-16 wins.

Defending champion Djokovic knocked out inexperienced Frenchman Ugo Humbert, while Nadal beat Portugal’s Joao Sousa.

Serbian top seed Djokovic showed the gulf in class as he won 6-3 6-2 6-3 against world number 66 Humbert, while Nadal - only tested so far by second-round opponent Nick Kyrgios - eased to a 6-2 6-2 6-2 win over Sousa.

The ‘big three’ of Federer, Djokovic and Nadal, who lead the all-time tally of Grand Slam victories with 53 major titles between them, demonstrated why they are still the men to beat with almost flawless performances on ‘Manic Monday’ - when all of the last-16 matches in the singles take place.

Federer, 37, was the last of the illustrious trio to step out on court and was arguably the most impressive as he demolished 17th seed Berrettini in a one-sided

From left: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

contest.

The Swiss second seed needed just 17 minutes to wrap up the first set, allowing Berrettini just four points as he rattled off the final five games.

Berrettini’s service game was virtually non-existent - his first serve percentage ending up at 45% - and he wore a look of bemusement as Federer relentlessly punished him in front of a sympathetic Centre Court crowd.

“I’ve got into a great groove and today I was able to read his serve, get returns back in and take control from the baseline,” Federer said.

Federer’s cause was also helped by the Italian perhaps feeling tired after a gruelling five-set match against Diego Schwartzman in the third round, then saw Japan’s eighth seed Kei Nishikori - who he plays in the quarter-finals on Wednesday - pushed to four sets by his last-16 opponent Mikhail

Kukushkin.

“I think you can always lose a Grand Slam in that first week - but you can’t win it. If you get through it with energy in the tank you’re in a good position,” Federer said.

“Five-setters are memorable and cool to play in but for the body it’s nice to avoid them.”

Nadal has struggled to go far at Wimbledon in recent years, with fitness issues and the demands of his favoured clay-court season taking their toll on the twotime champion. A run to the semi-finals last year, where he lost to Djokovic, was the first time he had progressed past the last 16 since reaching the 2011 final.

The Majorcan, whose movement was sharp against Sousa, underlined his credentials as one of the favourites with a clinical victory wrapped up in one hour and 45 minutes.

(BBC Sport)

A DOMINANT performance by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ensured that they retain the best gym title when the curtain came down on the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Andrew Lewis National Novices Boxing Championship on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium.

GDF, who had a large turnout (14 of the 30-plus boxers) in the five-gym contest, dominated the proceedings on the final night.

Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) finished second, while Young Achievers placed third.

FYF also made their mark individually, since two of their boxers finished with awards.

Fitz Haywood was named the Best Youth Boxer at the three-day event, while his gym-mate, Shemar Halley, was named best boxer in the Elite division.

The 18-year-old Halley was among the string of winners on the final night. He delivered a quality performance against GDF’s Tamar Forrester to win the Junior Welterweight division by unanimous decision.

GDF boxers won the other six weight division bouts of the evening, but in five of them, they battled among themselves. The final night opened with an exhibition clash between RBG’s Shemar Beaton and Young Achievers’ Emanuel Pompey.

Azeemul Lewis then

Forgotten Youth Foundation best boxers: (l-r) Fitz Haywood (Best Youth Boxer) and Shemar Halley (Best Elite Boxer).

won a split decision against fellow GDF boxer Dennis Yorrick in the Elite Flyweight final.

Another split decision was awarded to Jermaine Grant when he battled fellow GDF boxer, Kirk Williams in the Bantamweight division final; this was followed by a female exhibition bout between FYF’s Jackman and Young Achievers Asha Holder, and the bout with Forrester and Halley.

Neil Warden then gained a split decision victory over Cranston McAllister in the all-GDF Welterweight division final.

The fastest victory of the night went to GDF boxer, Jermaine Jones, who delivered a powerful hit to the solar plexus of gym-mate, Orin Osborne, one minute and 48 seconds into their Middleweight final, which forced the referee to stop the fight.

One of the most entertaining bouts of the night was between Jamal Hazel of Young Achievers and eventual winner Darren France of GDF. The heavyweight

clash, although bereft of boxing tactics and strategies, saw a flurry of punches and counterpunches.

Hazel had a disadvantage in height and reach and he tried to break the distance of France’s jabs, but he had to play catch up early after he was hit by a standing count in the first round.

In the superheavyweight bout, the Hunte cousins battled. The fight proved tactical with the southpaw Kevin using his right handed jabs before throwing a few with his left. Kevin proved the aggressor in the opening round, but his GDF gym-mate Kurt Hunte got a second wind in the subsequent round which drew the fight even, Kevin was however able to hold on for the win.

GDF coach, who also serves as technical director of the GBA, Terrence Poole MS, dubbed the event a success, more so because the GBA was able to complete all three nights of bouts. He was however hoping for a large turnout of gyms and boxers.

FROM BACK PAGE

Mexico win Gold Cup after Dos Santos strike MEXICO extended their record number of CONCACAF Gold Cup wins as Jonathan dos Santos’ strike gave them a narrow victory over the United States.

LA Galaxy midfielder Dos Santos latched on to a smart Raul Jimenez back heel to fire in off the bar in front of 62,493 fans at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Christian Pulisic had a good early chance but US boss Gregg Berhalter said Mexico were the “better

team”.

“I think we lacked some calmness and composure,” said Berhalter.

“When you talk about a step the team needs to take, we’re close but we weren’t there tonight.”

The Gold Cup, referred to as the CONCACAF Championship before 1991, crowns the continental champions of North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Mexico now have 11

wins in the tournament’s history, five more than the

US, who claimed the biennial tournament in 2017.

“This was what we came here for,” said Mexico’s Andres Guardado.

“We did it and in an unforgettable setting. We’re very happy. The whole team was spectacular.”

Moments after new Chelsea signing Pulisic was denied in a frenetic opening, US striker Jozy Altidore fired wide when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Guardado headed a Jordan Morris effort off the line after half-time be-

fore Dos Santos produced the game’s decisive moment with a clinical leftfoot finish.

The goal delivered Mexico their eighth success since the tournament was re-branded in 1991.

Wolves striker Jimenez finished as the tournament’s joint-second leading scorer on five goals alongside Canada striker Lucas Cavallini - with the 28-year-old’s team-mate Jonathan David on six.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Play with freedom, Williamson tells off-colour NZ batsmen …ahead of today’s first World Cup semi-final

By Amlan Chakraborty MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - New Zealand captain Kane Williamson encouraged his frontline batsmen to play with freedom in Today’s semi-finals against India to overcome their struggle for rhythm in the Cricket World Cup. Not surprisingly, Williamson is New Zealand’s leading scorer after the group stage with 481 runs from eight matches at a 96plus average.

The next Kiwi batsman in that list is veteran Ross Taylor, way down with 261 runs and an average of 37.28.

Williamson said his fel-

low batsmen had struggled to adjust to diverse English conditions where a winning total can vary greatly according to the state of the pitch on the day.

“We were certainly expecting that it would be tough. But what we didn’t quite expect coming into the tournament was the large variety of conditions that we faced,” Williamson told a news conference at Old Trafford.

“That definitely made perhaps batting with any rhythm a real challenge for everybody, so being able to adapt with the bat and just trying to contribute ... is certainly the most important

Zaha sends Ivory Coast into last eight as Mali fluff their lines SUEZ, Egypt (Reuters) - Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha gave his side a 1-0 win over Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match on Monday after their opponents had dominated most of the game and missed a flurry of chances.

Zaha, who had barely featured in the match until that point, took advantage as the Mali got into a terrible mess from an Ivory Coast goal kick in the 76th minute to earn his side a barely deserved win and quarter-final tie against Algeria.

Mali, unbeaten in the group stage, had played with verve and skill as they took their southern neighbours apart in the first half with Moussa Djenepo and Abdoulaye Diaby causing all sorts of trouble down the flanks and Moussa Marega a constant threat in attack.

But, as they began to tire after around an hour, Ivory Coast came back into the game. Jonathan Kodjia missed gilt-edged chance when he was one-on-one with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra but Zaha was not so forgiving minutes later.

thing.”

“It’s just a great occasion to be a part of. I know the guys are really excited by the opportunity to go out and try and try and play with that freedom that when we do gives us the best chance.”

Addressing a news conference before him, India captain Virat Kohli said the “special” Williamson controlled the team’s tempo and would naturally be a key wicket for the Indian bowlers.

Williamson denied New Zealand were too reliant on him to give their bowlers a decent, defendable total.

“No, I think there’s also been a number of other con-

tributions that have been really important for us to get to where we are right now,” he said.

“You never sort of put a number on it. That is why we all practice as hard as we can to try and make those contributions bigger and better.”

That, however, would not be easy against India’s varied pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, currently the topranked ODI bowler.

Bumrah’s skills with both the new and old ball have been complemented

by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Mohammed Shami has struck rich form after his delayed introduction, claiming 14 wickets from four

Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain New Zealand’s Kane Williamson during nets Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

matches, including the tournament’s first hat-trick.

Besides, India have two wily wrist-spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. “The Indian bowling attack is an outstanding bowling attack, with certainly a lot of worldclass operators in there,” Williamson said.

“As a side, they are very well-balanced with a lot of high-quality players.”

New Zealand finished

their group campaign with a hat-trick of defeats but still claimed the last semi-final berth. The 2015 finalists will hope to begin afresh on Tuesday, their captain said.

“It all starts again where the day comes and anything can happen and all sides have beaten one another on a number of occasions throughout the last few years, so it is a really exciting opportunity for all teams.”

USA’s Megan Rapinoe wins Golden Boot USA striker Megan Rapinoe has won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot after helping her side beat the Netherlands 2-0 in Sunday’s final.

The 34-year-old scored a second-half penalty to finish the tournament with six goals and three assists.

Team-mate Alex Morgan also scored six and provided three assists in France, but Rapinoe took the award on minutes per goal (428 to

490).

Rapinoe also won the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s top player. England’s Lucy Bronze finished runner-up to Rapinoe, earning the Silver Ball award.

Reign FC captain Rapinoe scored her first goal of the tournament in the 13-0 thrashing of Thailand in USA’s Group F opener.

She then scored two penalties in the 2-1 win against Spain in the last 16 before hitting another

USA co-captain Megan Rapinoe won the Golden Ball, the Golden Boot and the World Cup trophy in France

double in a 2-1 defeat of hosts France to reach the

last four.

England’s

Ellen

White also finished with six goals, but had fewer assists than the American duo.

Germany’s 20-yearold midfielder Giulia Gwinn was named the tournament’s best young player, while Netherlands keeper Sari van Veenendaal won the Golden Glove award after she made eight saves in the final.

The Fair Play award went to hosts France for picking up the fewest bookings. (BBC Sport)

Run to World T20 final can inspire England, says Root (REUTERS) - England batsman Joe Root believes his team can draw confidence from their run to the 2016 World Twenty20 final as they attempt to win their first 50-over World Cup. England, who face Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday, were beaten by West Indies in the World T20 final three years ago and the hosts have 10 members from that squad playing in this

England batsman Joe Root

year’s World Cup. “It’s been a long time since we’ve got to this stage,” Root told the BBC ahead of England’s first 50-over World Cup semi-final since 1992.

“But there’s a big crossover of guys who were in that World T20 final and they’ll draw experience from that.”

If England beat Australia, they face a final clash against India or New Zealand who meet in the first semi-final on

Tuesday.

Australia and India have won seven of the past nine 50-over World Cups between them, while England have not won a knockout match at the tournament since finishing runners-up to Pakistan in 1992.

After consecutive group-stage defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia left England’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance, the pre-tournament

favourites rallied to beat India and New Zealand and make the last four.

“What will hold us in good stead is that our last two group games were must-win games,” Root added. “We have been playing with that knockout intensity for a period now.

“It comes down to us playing in the manner we have in those last two games and, if we do that, we’ll be a very hard side to beat.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

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Local Olympians recognised for representing Guyana on the biggest stage DPI, Guyana – Several Guyanese Olympians were given the recognition they deserve after representing Guyana on the biggest stage for sports. Through the hard work and dedication of these athletes, Guyana has been placed on the map in the area of sports.

Some of those athletes participated in the Olympics as far back as 1976. The Olympians celebrated at the Pegasus Hotel last Friday evening.

Those athletes honoured include some household names such as Michael Parris, Aliann Pompey, Winston George and James Wren-Gilkes. Some of the other Olympians were Aliyah Abrams, Jennifer Innis- Stephens, Adam Harris, Geoffrey Sankies, Jeremy Bascom, Gordon Carew, Evan Parris and Andrew Harry. Missing from last night’s event were Niall Roberts, Richard Jones and June Griffith.

Sankies was present at the 1976 Olympics but did not participate due to a boycott of African Nations. He was slated to represent Guy-

ana in the discipline of Judo where he was expected to do exceptionally well. Nevertheless, he said being there and carrying the Golden Arrowhead at the march-past was an unbelievable feeling.

Sankies said the recognition is a good thing for all those who were forgotten.

“I hope they can get the recognition and be held as role models for school children who can look up to them and learn from them.”

Aliann Pompey has represented Guyana on several occasions at the prestigious games. However, she said it was always a proud moment to represent the ‘land of many waters’ on such a big stage. Pompey, who is a 400 sprinter, competed in the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. She said the pride felt when competing is wonderful but being recognised by her home country incomparable.

“I am actually very emotional because nothing like this has ever happened for us as Olympians. There are 15 Olympians here and being able to share our stories, our glory days, I am very

Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Georg e Norton, Aliann Pompey, Guyana Olympic Association president K.A Juman-Yassin,Director of Sport, Christopher Jones along with other officials and the Olympians at the event. (Keno George photo))

glad that this has happened.”

The only Guyanese to have medalled in the Olympics is Michael Parris who copped a bronze medal in boxing at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Parris said he took pride in what he did and being recognised was

just the icing in the cake.

Jennifer Innis-Stephens participated in the 100 metres sprint and long jump at the 1980 Olympics. Innis- Stephens noted that she was always confident of herself and while being at the Olympics “was a big deal”,

she was not overwhelmed by the bright lights and large crowds. However, being recognised by her home country for her efforts is another ball game. “I appreciate being honoured and recognized after so many years of service as an athlete,” she

stated.

Aaliyah Abrams, a force to be reckoned with in the 400 metres was a part of the 2016 Olympic in games in Rio. While she did not medal, Abrams said she has much more to give and is excited to keep on going.“It feels good to be recognised.

It is a lot of hard work and mentally taxing competing in sporting events. It is wonderful to have people who enjoy watching you compete, also celebrate you,” Abrams said.

Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton along with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K.A. Juman Yassin was also at the event. They commended the athletes for their contribution to Guyana and assured them that the recognition will not be a one-off event.

The Olympians received their certificates at the 4th Aliann Pompey Invitational at the National Track and Field Centre.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League –EBFA Leg

Herstelling Raiders draw with Mocha Champs

Shaquan Joseph of Diamond United FC

HERSTELLING Raiders recorded their second draw in as many matches when they were held

by Mocha Champs when play in the East Bank Football Association leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League continued on Sunday morning with one match at the GFF Facility, Providence, EBD. Mocha Champs took the lead in the 11th minute when Yohance Porter scored the first of his double to put Herstelling on the back foot but, just before the half-way mark, Daniel Lowe levelled the score with the first of his brace in the 34th minute.

Five minutes into the second half, Lowe was

again in goal-scoring mood when he converted to hand Herstelling the lead in the 40th minute. But as the minutes diminished and full-time drew near, Porter ensured that Mocha left the pitch with an equal share of the points when he rocked the nets in the 66th minute.

When Herstelling had faced Diamond United on July 1st at the same venue, it was a similar situation where Diamond United scored in the closing minutes of the match to deny Herstelling full points.

This time around though, the match was a 4-4 humdinger between two young sides; Ronald Mohamed had handed Herstelling the lead in the 9th minute. Diamond

United equalised in the 16th minute when Carlos Wilkie found the back of the nets.

Three minutes later, 12-year-old Shaquan Joseph sent Diamond into the lead when he scored the first of his two goals in the 19th minute. It was a 2-2 game in the 24th minute when Xavi Atkinson scored as the game was just about heating up.

Ronald Mohamed found the back of the nets again for Herstelling in the 27th minute to hand his team the lead again. It was ‘even-stevens’ once more when Ronaldo Adams worked his way past the Herstelling defence before tucking his shot past the goalkeeper to make it 3-3.

Shoran James placed

Herstelling back into the lead for the third time in the match when he converted in the 42nd but that was not the end of the action as Diamond fired back in the 59th minute, thanks to another Shaquan Joseph goal; both teams walked away with one point each from the encounter.

Meanwhile, given the prolonged rainy season which has rendered grounds unplayable and the fact that the GFF’s all-weather facility being the only facility in use for national teams as well as Regional Members Associations, the EBFA is exploring the possibility of playing matches at the Timehri Red Ground.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Pooran, Allen and Thomas offered central contracts by CWI ..Ambris,Bishoo and Nurse among six players to lose contracts

FABIAN Allen, Nicholas Pooran and Oshane Thomas have been awarded central contracts by Cricket West Indies who have increased the number of all-format contracts awarded to West Indies men and also expanded the list of centrally-contracted West Indies women’s players for the 2019-20 season.

However, no new contracts were offered to Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, and Raymon Reifer.

The number of all-format contracts on the men’s side has now increased from four to seven with Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul joining Test and One-Day International captain Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach on the list.

Nineteen men have been retained for the upcoming contract year which runs from July 1 this year to June 30 next year, including first-timers Allen, Pooran and Thomas, all members of the West Indies squad for the ICC Cricket World

Cup 2019 England & Wales, along with left-handed opener John Campbell.

Fifteen women – an increase of three – have also earned central contracts to run for the same period, including veteran all-rounder Stacy-Ann King, fellow left-hander Kycia Knight and newcomers Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Natasha McLean and Karishma Ramharack.

“We believe the 201920 contract list provides us with a multi-talented group of players who can represent West Indies men and women across all formats over the contract period,” said interim Chairman of the CWI Selection Panel, Robert Haynes.

“We believe the mix of players selected are important for the development of our teams going forward and we have looked to award contracts to players who have shown commitment and performance during the past year.”

Contracts were offered to players who have achieved consistent performances for

Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen

the West Indies throughout the evaluation period of April 1 last year to March 31 this year, and players who the Selection Panel believes will feature in the squads for all matches in the respective formats over the next contract year.

CWI Board policy allows up to 22 contracts to be offered each contract year to West Indies men’s players, so the Selection Panel may decide to offer additional central contracts throughout the year. CWI director of cricket Jimmy Adams said verbal offers had been made

to all players, and contracts will be issued in the next few weeks, as soon as CWI has concluded a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding with the West Indies Players Association.

“To assist in our drive of towards a new fitness and conditioning culture, the CWI board of directors has approved our recommendation that the award of all new West Indies men’s contracts this year will be conditional on each player achieving a minimum standard of fitness,” he said.

“This new policy will

also be introduced to all men’s regional franchise contracts and West Indies Women’s contracts next year for the 2020-21 season.”

This is the third year that CWI will award central contracts to West Indies men under three different categories. All-format contracts are awarded to players expected to feature in Tests, ODIs and T20Is during the coming year. Red-ball contracts are given to players who predominantly play Test cricket and white-ball contracts are awarded to players who predominantly play ODIs and T20Is. The full list of contracted players are: All-Format Contracts: Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach.

Red-Ball Contracts: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel Warrican.

White-Ball Contracts: Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Oshane

Thomas.

New players offered contracts for 2019-20 Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Nicholas Pooran, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

Players no longer on contracts Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Miguel Cummins, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer WEST INDIES WOMEN CENTRALLY-CONTRACTED PLAYERS 2019-20 Players who retained contracts: Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.

New players offered contracts for 2019-20: Shabika Gajnabi, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Stacy-Ann King, Kycia Knight, Natasha McLean, Karishma Ramharack.

Players no longer on contracts: Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Anisa Mohammed, Akeira Peters.

Dhanpaul and Shivpersaud lead Warriors to eighth straight win in Commonwealth League CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday July 9, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1. 34 matches 2. Dave Houghton-142 (ZIM vs NZ, Hyderbaad, 1987) Today’s Quiz: 1. Who is the first bowler to take a hattrick in World Cup cricket?

2. How many centuries India's Rohit Sharma hit in the preliminary round of World Cup 2019?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ZEEBURG Sports Club cricketers, Yutesh Avi Dhanpaul and Balbinder Shivpersaud, stroked half-centuries to lead the West Coast Warriors to their eighth consecutive victory when action continued on Sunday in the Commonwealth Cricket League in New York.

The Guyana-based cricketers, who travelled for the league, did the damage early after the Warriors lost the toss to the Falcons Cricket Club.

Unlike their previous dominance, the game proved to be a thrilling encounter.

Inserted to bat, the Warriors raced to 224-7 from their allotted 30 overs, due to a second-wicket partnership of 118 between Dhanpaul,

The West Coast Warriors and their support base after their eighth win.

who travelled as a player/ coach, and the consistent Shivpersaud.

Dhanpaul struck three fours and five sixes in his score of 66, while Shivpersaud was equally impressive as he belted seven fours and three sixes in a score of 65.

For the latter, it was his sixth

consecutive half-century in the tournament.

Cornelius Jaisingh supported with 29 runs. Bowling for the Falcons, Mahendra Balgobin finished with 3-45.

A. Small and R. Balkaran staged an incredible fight back against the points leaders. Small smashed four

fours and nine sixes in a top score of 104, while Balkaran added 53, but their side were restricted to 208-7 when the overs expired.

Vickash Dhaniram led the Warriors’ bowling attack with 2-43, while there was a wicket apiece for Dhanpaul and Sookdeo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 9, 2019

31

Paige Mendonca picks up first X30 Junior win at GT Motorsports Grand Prix

KARTING, to those who love it, is considered an art, like dancing on a knife’s edge between throttle and brake where the slightest of imbalances can cost you severely.

And no one understands that more than Paige Mendonca.

The second generation racer, who commenced in the 60cc Kids cup, picked up her first X30 Junior win last weekend in round two of the GT Motorsports Grand Prix.

But it was not without hard work.

Karting for the first time in pouring conditions, she found her groove on the slippery surface of the GT Motorsports track.

During the overcast qualifying session, her fourth-place time of 33.357 was just three-tenths off pole- sitter Zachary Persaud, with Jeremy TenPow and Nathan Rahaman also getting marginally better times.

In the first race, she adapted well to the interchanging surface of the track where she fought her way up from P4, to finish second on the podium.

A clinical array of buildup moves coupled with the pure grit of recovering from a tough round one were the main fuel behind this new-found confidence, which it took to produce the moves that the young Mendonca initiated.

But perhaps her most joyous moment in karting was the second race. She timed the flag perfectly, shooting off the line and leaving the boys in her spray, and from there on they never saw her till the chequered flag.

While from the outside looking in, it may have been easy; it was no means a walk in the park. The ever-changing conditions, the puddles of water that had settled from the showers before and the lack of grip on an

already ‘green’ surface were all factors. But she handled it well.

And in that moment when the chequered flag dropped and history had been created, there was a sense of satisfaction among those present.

All the hard work, the track time, the gym time and even studying, the race lines had paid off. “The feeling was great. I have to thank my dad Carlos and my mom Tammy-they are my biggest fans,” she later said.

She would go on to pick up one more second place and then the overall driver’s trophy for that round, setting herself in contention for an all-expenses paid trip to the United Sates next year for a karting series.

Apart from her sponsors, Rick’s & Sari Agro Industries Ltd and ExxonMobil, she received support from her mechanics, Kris Gonzalves and Coach Stefan Jeffrey.

Junior tournaments critical to development, says West

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Manager of Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) High Performance Programme, Graeme West has described the several age group competitions held at the regional level as “crucial” for the development of players.

West, who is currently in Trinidad to monitor the West Indies Rising Stars Under-17 Championship, said those tournaments helped to prepare players for entry into the senior team.

He said the Regional Under-15, Graeme West believes the regional junior tournaments are critical Under-17 and Under-19 competiClearly we have a high number tions, were also used to help track the of players we are trying to keep an progress of players.

“All the age=group tournaments eye on. A lot of players that are here are huge to us in terms of identifying [Regional Under-17 Championship) talent and the progress some of these have played with the West Indies players are making. It is incredibly Under-15 last year, so it’s really our important that I come to these tour- only opportunity each year to check naments and see those players that in and see how they are moving forward,” West Said. stand out and that are impressing.

He pointed to players such as Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer, who all passed through the junior competitions.

“The great thing with our system is that really talented, young players can move through the system very quickly. We’ve seen that since the 2016 World Cup with guys like Alzarri, Keemo and Hetty, who’ve moved very, very quickly into the senior team.

“So that’s a great example for young players, as to what they can achieve in such a short space of time,” West said.

He said the junior tournaments also allowed for new players to be monitored.

“We’re trying to increase the pool of potential and to have them move from junior level to adult cricket. It’s really about starting to identify the players here that we can invest in,” West added.

Regional Under-17 wins for Jamaica, Leewards and Barbados PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Results of the second round of matches played in the CWI Under-17 Championship on Sunday: Results: At National Cricket Centre: Jamaica beat Windwards by four wickets.

WINDWARD ISLANDS 81 off 27.5 overs (O’Jay Matthews 23 not out; Jahieem Bartley 5-30, Brandon

English 3-20) JAMAICA 86 for six off 24.4 overs (Nicholas Lewin 31 not out, Steven Wedderburn 26; Tiron Charles 2-19, Tyran Theodore 2-22) At Gilbert Park: T&T beat Leewards by six runs.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 91 off 35.4 overs (Kyle Ropchand 29; Akadianto Willett 4-9, Jaden Carmichael 4-18) LEEWARD ISLANDS 85 off

32.3 overs (Carlos Bowen-Tuckett 27; Sion Hackett 4-20, Isaiah Gomez 3-13) At Brian Lara Stadium: Barbados beat Guyana by seven wickets.

GUYANA 141 for nine off 50 overs (Matthew Nandu 71 not out, Sheldon Charles 21 not out; Johann Layne 4-33, Tariq O’Neale 2-24) BARBADOS 146 for three 36 overs (Hakeem Perryman 38 not out, Jaden Leacock 35)

Paige Mendonca

Participants urged to make full use of Albion Cricket Academy THE 19th edition of the Albion Cricket Academy commenced yesterday at the Albion Community Centre ground in the Ancient County of Berbice.

In declaring the one-week academy, organised by the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Human Resources Manager (ag) of Guysuco’s Albion/Port Mourant Estate, Shazad Phinapen, showered praise on the president and executives of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club for ensuring the continuation of this annual academy for the past years.

Phinapen took the opportunity to congratulate the over 40 young cricketers in attendance for having seen it fit to be part of an activity which will undoubtedly assist them tremendously in the development of all aspects of their game. He also pointed out that the game of cricket has evolved so much over the years and will continue to do so and as such, young cricketers will have to be prepared for the challenges ahead if they are to succeed, and cricket academies such as this will certainly assist.

He urged participants to pay keen attention to what they will be taught over the one-week period and to ensure that whatever is learnt is put into practice. Phinapen also mentioned Guysuco’s continued support towards the development of the club and sport in general. Vice-President of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, Imtiaz Bacchus, in his brief address to the gathering, challenged the participants to make full use of the academy so that Albion will continue to be the key to Berbice, Guyana and West Indies cricket.

President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, spoke of the contribution of the club towards Berbice, Guyana and West Indies cricket. He also applauded the work of the club to ensure that the Academy is staged on an annual basis Coordinator Orvin Mangru disclosed that the aim of the academy is to expose young cricketers to the fundamentals of the game.

The packed programme includes lectures in the morning sessions on topics such as discipline, the cricketer as a role model and as an ambassador, etiquette and social grace, importance of fitness, laws of the game, importance of education, leadership, HIV & Aids, the history of cricket among others, while in the afternoon sessions, they will be exposed to the basics in batting, bowling and fielding.

The 2019 National Novices Boxing champions GDF with their boxers, supporters and GBA officials.

GDF retain National Novices Best Gym title

See Page 27

-Halley and Haywood named best boxers

Mexico win Gold Cup after Dos Santos strike

Two Top Guns

CEO of Secure Innovations and Concepts Harold `Top Gun’ Hopkinson (left) hands over the Best Boxer Trophy to Shemar Halley of Forgotten Youth Foundation.

Halley also received a headguard from GBA president Steve Ninvalle and a monetary donation from CEO of Brisco Promotions Seon Bristol

See Page 27

See Page 31

Mexico won the Gold Cup for the first time since 2015.

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Paige Mendonca picks up first X30 Junior win at GT Motorsports Grand Prix

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019