Guyana Chronicle Epaper 07 13 2019

SATURDAY 13th July, 2019

Not our role to set date for polls No.105697

–– CCJ blanks Jagdeo’s September 18 elections date –– urges parties to make appointment of GECOM chair a matter of greatest public importance 02 PAGE

Appointment of GECOM chair key to elections 03 PAGE

... President urges good faith negotiations by Jagdeo ... commits to the holding of credible elections in the shortest possible time

Gov’t will respect the orders 05 of the CCJ – AG PAGE

–– says meaning of caretaker gov’t must now be ‘fleshed out’

Guyana, US ties remain strong 17 PAGE

Veteran presidential photographer, Sandra Prince A.A, who recently retired from her post, shares a light moment with President David Granger during a luncheon which was held in her honour at State House on Friday.

Prince had photographed seven Heads of State during her tenure. (Adrian Narine photo)

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Not our role to set date for polls –– CCJ blanks Jagdeo’s September 18 elections date

–– urges parties to make appointment of GECOM chair a matter of greatest public importance THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on Friday, ruled that it had no authority to set a timeline or date for the holding of elections in Guyana, noting that the country’s Constitution invests that power in the President and the National Assembly.

In delivering the Consequential Orders in the aftermath of the landmark ruling that the No-Confidence Motion brought against the Government was validly passed, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, while noting that Article 106 of the Constitution clearly outlines the responsibilities of the President and the National Assembly, said CCJ had no authority to issue coercive orders or detailed directives instructing the President and the National Assembly on how they should act.

“It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives.

The Court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no-confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21 December 2018,” Justice Saunders explained.

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, through his

attorney Anil Nandlall, had asked the CCJ to order the President to name a date for elections on or before September 18, 2019 but the CCJ has made it clear that only the President can set that date for elections.

According to Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution, the Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated on a vote of confidence; however, notwithstanding that defeat, the Government must remain in office, and hold an election within three months, or during an extended period approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

Justice Saunders said while the judiciary interprets the Constitution, the provisions outlined in Article 106 (6) and (7) require no gloss on the part of the Court.

“Their meaning is clear and it is the responsibility of constitutional actors in Guyana to honour them.

Upon the passage of a vote of no-confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding such resignation, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held ‘within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine…,’” Justice Saunders reasoned on Friday as he

delivered the consequential orders in Trinidad-based CCJ. He said the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has the responsibility to conduct the election and it must abide by the provisions of the Constitution. On the basis that the No-Confidence Motion was passed on December 21, 2018, the CCJ President said elections in Guyana ought to have been held by March 21, 2019 in accordance with the Constitution, if there was no extension granted by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly is yet to extend the period. The filing of the court proceedings in January challenging the validity of the no confidence vote effectively placed matters on pause, but this Court rendered its decision on 18 June 2019. There is no appeal from that judgment,” he pointed out.

Upholding a submission made by the Attorney General of Guyana Basil Williams, through his attorney Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, the CCJ maintained that though it has ruled that the No-Confidence Motion in the Government stands, it is the President, the National Assembly and GECOM that have responsibilities that impact the precise timing of the elections which must be held.

But while it did not set a date or timeline for the holding of elections, the CCJ said until those elections are held, the Govern-

ment must operate as an “interim government” or a “caretaker government.”

Justice Saunders explained that in mandating that the Government remains in office notwithstanding its defeat and the resignation of the President and the Cabinet, Article 106 requires that Cabinet’s tenure in office be on a different footing from that which existed before the No-Confidence Motion.

He posited that the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in citing Hogg – the Canadian Constitutional expert, was right to note that: “…the government continues in office as a caretaker government or an interim government until the next elections ensue and a President is appointed (or reappointed) depending on the results of that elections.”

Justice Saunders told the parties in the matter, “by convention, the government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority.” He added: “It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the threemonth deadline, in the first instance that the Article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections.”

Based on those lines of reasoning, Justice Saunders together with Justice Jacob Wit, Justice David Hayton (not retired), Justice Winston Anderson and Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, made a total of eight declarations with respect to

the consolidated No-Confidence Motion cases.

The CCJ, Guyana’s final appellate court, declared that the provisions of Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution apply to a No-Confidence Motion, while reiterating its June 18 decision that 33 votes constitute a majority of the 65-Member National Assembly.

It also declared that though recalled Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, was ineligible to be elected to the National Parliament due to the fact that he is a citizen of both Guyana and Canada, his vote on the motion of no confidence was valid.

It said too that nothing in the anti-defection regime established at Article 156 (3) of the Constitution rendered Persaud incapable of casting his vote on the motion, in the manner he did.

As such, the Court further declared that the National Assembly properly passed a motion of No-Confidence in the Government.

The CCJ, in handing out these orders, said the due observance of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Guyana rest in large measure, with the conduct of the various branches of government, that is, the President and the Cabinet, the Parliament and the Judiciary. “All must be faithful to the spirit and letter of the Constitution and operate within the parameters given to each by the Constitution,” it urged.

Meanwhile, in response to its June 18, 2019 decision

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders that the process that resulted in the unilateral appointment by the President of a Chairman of GECOM was flawed and in breach of the Constitution, the CCJ said the need to issue consequential orders and directions has been rendered largely unnecessary because the GECOM Chairman voluntarily resigned his office subsequent to the decision.

“It is now a matter of the greatest public importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman. This imperative is now of the utmost urgency in light of our decision in the no-confidence motion cases that the motion was validly passed thereby triggering the need for fresh general elections,” Justice Saunders said.

Man imprisoned for three years and awaiting trial for murder ODEL Roberts, 24, who is currently on remand for the 2015 murder of a Sophia shopkeeper, was, on Friday, July 12, 2019, sentenced to three years’ jail along with a fine of $30,000, for drug trafficking in the Camp Street Prison.

Roberts, formally ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that, on July 3, 2019, he had 122 grams of narcotics in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor, Ceon Blackman, told the court that Odel Roberts is currently a remanded inmate at the Camp Street prison for murder.

It is alleged that, on Wednesday July 3, 2019, around 08:00 hours, Roberts was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention. While at the hospital Roberts collected a box of food from a friend.

Upon his return to the prison, the search was conducted on his person and the box of food. At the bottom of the box

of food, a quantity of leaves were found.

They appeared to be cannabis.

Magistrate Faith McGusty, sentenced Roberts to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $30,000 Roberts is currently on remand awaiting a hearing date at the High Court for the murder of 24-year-old Shawn Anys of ‘D’ Field, Sophia who was gunned down during a robbery on May 1, 2015.

According to reports, Anys, who owned and managed a small grocery shop at his home, was confronted by

the bandits just before 23:00 hours, on the day in question. The man was in his home when he heard his dogs barking and decided to venture out of the house to investigate.

He was then confronted by two armed men who forced him into the house and shot him while demanding money and valuables. The gunmen made off with $40,000 in cash along with jewellery.

Anys was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Appointment of GECOM chair key to elections ... President urges good faith negotiations by Jagdeo

... commits to the holding of credible elections in the shortest possible time

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger, while reiterating his commitment to the holding of credible elections in the shortest possible time, said it is imperative that a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) be appointed, and that, according to him, such could be done by Monday, if the Opposition acts in a consensual manner.

Hours after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) urged that the President and the Opposition Leader make the appointment of the GECOM chair a matter of greatest public importance, President Granger, in an address to the nation on Friday, took note of the pronouncements of the CCJ, that he and the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo should conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman, so as to facilitate the conduct of early credible elections.

“Guyanese, it is clear that elections have to be held in the shortest possible time and, therefore, it is crucial to appoint a chairman of the Elections Commission. This could be done as early as Monday if the Opposition Leader is prepared to act in a consensual manner and in good faith,” President Granger told the nation.

The Head of State explained that he met the Opposition Leader on July 4 in good faith, and together they had agreed on a process that would have produced six names for formal submission to him but the Opposition has since breached that agreement.

“Representatives of both the Government and the Opposition have met three times this week. However, that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Leader of the Opposition,” the President explained.

President Granger had appointed Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon to consult

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana David Granger with the Opposition-appointed team. That team included Members of Parliament, Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall and Bishop Juan Edghill.

While the President’s team successfully shortlisted five names from a list of 11 resubmitted by the Leader of the Opposition after extensive consultation, the Jagdeo-appointed team refused to consider the eight nominees, proposed by President Granger, for the position. It was expected that the teams would have selected six names from the consolidated list of 19 for consideration by the Opposition Leader before a formal submission is made to the President but the process was sent back to the two Leaders due to the stance of the Opposition. A total of 13 names are now up for consideration – five shortlisted from the Opposition Leader’s list and eight proposed by the President.

“It was my hope that the two sides would

have been able to “hammer out” the list of six nominees in accordance with the CCJ guidelines,” President Granger said.

He added: “It is unfortunate that, despite the meetings between the two sides, the Leader of the Opposition rejected the idea of acting in a consensual manner. He chose to put forward candidates for the post who have been rejected previously.”

While reiterating the importance of holding elections at the shortest possible time, the Head of State maintained that the Opposition Leader must act in good faith.

On June 18, 2019, the CCJ ruled that the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson back in October, 2017 was flawed.

It called on the President and the Opposition Leader to consult on the names of six nominees for the chairmanship of the Elections Commission before a formal submission is made to the President.

Paragraph 26 of the ruling states: “The Court decided that the most sensible approach to operationalising the Article was for the Leader of the Opposition and the President to communicate with each other in good faith and perhaps even meet to discuss, eligible candidates for the position of Chairman before a list is formally submitted. The aim of these discussions must be to agree (to) the names of six persons who fit the stated eligibility requirements and who are not unacceptable to the President.” It was on that basis that the two Leaders met and subsequently appointed their teams to “hammer out” the nominees.

Article 161(2) of the Constitution states that the Commission’s Chairman “shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed

by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.”

President Granger made it clear too that it is GECOM and not the Executive that is in charge of the elections. “GECOM has to advise the President on its readiness to conduct elections,” he explained while committing to the holding of credible elections in the shortest possible time.

He said the Constitution of Guyana is sacrosanct and supreme and the independence of the judiciary remains intact as well as that of the Elections Commission.

The President, in his address, underscored the importance of credible elections, noting that they are essential to representative democracy. “The credibility of the elections is dependent, in part, on the integrity of the Official List of Electors. I maintain that a contaminated list can vitiate the credibility of elections,” he maintained.

But despite the challenges that have arisen in the appointment of a new chairman of the Elections Commission, the President committed to the process, and the holding of credible elections.

“Guyanese, I will devote all my energies until the forthcoming election to serving our people and our country and to delivering good governance. We live in a country that is moving forward; with an economy that is more resilient - providing better jobs; communities that are safer; in a society that has better infrastructure, greater access to quality education and that is more cohesive. Guyanese, we are on the right path,” the Head of State assured the nation.

The President is urging all Guyanese to back him and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, when elections are held, in an effort to secure a better future for Guyana.

Hinterland residents enjoying better life under APNU+AFC gov’t

AFTER 23 years under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the hinterland region of Guyana is finally developing at a rate which brings to reality the coalition government’s vision of equity in development.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams said on Friday at a Peoples National Congress press conference that the people in the hinterland are no exception in President’s David Granger’s mission of securing a better life for all Guyanese.

She listed the establishment of 171 Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) Hubs countrywide; the construction of modern roads in Mahdia in the Potaro-Siparuni region; in Mabaruma in the Barima-Waini region and in Bartica in the CuyuniMazaruni region.

Hastings-Williams said that the government has also created green spaces Hosororo in Barima-Waini; Lethem in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo and in Bartica.

The minister also said that the children in the hinterland have also benefitted from the President’s Five Bs initiative of the provision of

free transportation through boats, busses and bicycles and the provision of books and breakfast.

“Today, children in the Pomeroon River, Mazaruni River [and] Barima River are accessing school through the David G school boat and children who have to go to school by road are attending school by using the David G school buses and bicycles. Adding to that, children are also receiving health breakfasts if not in all of the schools, in most of the schools in our hinterland,” she said.

She said that recently

there have been improvements in the examination results coming from pupils and students in the hinterland which is vision of the President becoming a reality.

Hastings-Williams added that students coming from the hinterland to access tertiary education in Georgetown will now be housed in the soonto-be launched $186M Hinterland Tertiary Dormitory located in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

“In the past, it was very difficult for them; they had to leave their comfortable homes and then had to find

monies to pay rent, find places to stay and find money for transportation. [However], the government of today, which is a caring government is now providing accommodation for our hinterland students who will be attending the University of Guyana, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Guyana Technical Institutions and others,” she said.

The Minister of State pledged that the coalition government will continue its efforts in this provide a good life for all Guyanese despite their region of residence.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

US Labour Secretary Alex Acosta resigns over Epstein case (BBC) US Labour Secretary Alex Acosta is resigning amid criticism of his brokering of a plea deal for financier Jeffrey Epstein in a child sex case.

Mr Acosta, a former Florida prosecutor, made the announcement from the White House lawn on Friday with President Donald Trump stood by his side.

Democrats had called for him to quit over his handling of the Epstein case.

Mr Acosta defended the secretly-negotiated plea deal in a news conference only two days ago.

Mr Acosta was the US Attorney in Miami in 2008 when he oversaw a non-prosecution deal against Epstein which allowed Epstein to serve 13

months in jail - with much of that time spent on work release at his Palm Beach office. Epstein's conduct has come into sharper focus since he was arrested and charged on Monday with sex trafficking underage girls.

Mr Trump told reporters that he and Mr Acosta spoke on the phone earlier on Friday and that it was Mr Acosta's decision to

step down.

"This was him not me," Mr Trump said, adding that Mr Acosta was "a tremendous talent" who "went to Harvard" University. Earlier this week, Mr Trump told reporters that he felt badly for his labour secretary, but added that he did not know him personally before hiring him.

Mr Acosta told reporters: "I do not think it is right and fair... to have Epstein as the focus rather than the incredible economy that we have today".

But he added: "It would be selfish for me to stay in this position and continue talking about a case that's 12 years old."

Patrick Pizzella, the current labour deputy secretary, will become acting secretary when Mr Acosta officially steps down in one week, Mr Trump said.

On Wednesday, Alex Acosta gave a dispassionate, legalistic defence of his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, more than a decade ago. It wasn't enough to save his job.

Given how quickly he departed after his performance, it wasn't even close.

The former US attorney attempted to shift blame to state prosecutors and justify his decisions based on changing expectations in sex crimes cases. He never adequately explained why the circumstances at the time required that he offer such a lenient deal to Epstein or seal the damning details of the original indictment, instead of building a stronger case with further investigation.

The Epstein case is a perfect storm of scandal and outrage. It mixes allegations of sex crimes with abuse of power and

influence reaching into the highest corridors of US political and financial power.

Now the toxic swirl has claimed its first high-profile name. Depending on how the story evolves, Mr Acosta may not be the last.

With his departure, the number of temporary, "acting" Cabinet-level positions in the Trump administration now stands at four out of 11. The level of churn in his administration, whether through scandal, burn-out or presidential disfavour, is extraordinary.

Who is Jeffrey Epstein?

The 66-year-old wealthy financier was charged with running a sex ring of underage girls after being arrested in New Jersey on Monday. He has long been surrounded by the rich and powerful, including President Trump, former President Bill Clinton and the UK's Prince Andrew.

In a 2002 magazine profile, he said: "I invest in people, be it politics or science. It's what I do."

On Friday, Mr Trump reiterated "I'm not a fan of Jeffrey Epstein" after earlier saying they had a falling out "12 or 15 years ago" with him. "I threw him out of a club. I didn't want anything to do with him," Mr Trump said about this former friend, as Mr Acosta stood at his side.

"It shows you one thing. I have good taste," he added.

How did Acosta defend the deal?

"I wanted to help them," Mr Acosta said of the 36 victims identified in the case against Epstein, during the hour-long press conference at the labour department on Wednesday.

"That is why we in-

tervened," he said. "And that's what the prosecutors of my office did - they insisted that he go to jail and put the world on notice that he was and is a sexual predator."

Mr Acosta did not apologise for his handling of the case, saying only that the deal - which closed the FBI investigation into whether there were more victims or perpetrators - was a guarantee of jail time. He said that seeking a life sentence in a jury trial would have amounted to a "roll of the dice".

"We now have 12 years of knowledge and hindsight and we live in a very different world. Today's world treats victims very, very differently," he said.

What was Epstein's punishment?

The details of the agreement overseen by Mr Acosta were first revealed in a Miami Herald investigation earlier this year, with the newspaper saying that Epstein had been given "the deal of a lifetime".

It allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges, and instead serve 13 months in jail after pleading guilty to state charges including solicitation of prostitution (including one charge involving a minor under the age of 18).

Mr Acosta had been under pressure from Democrats to quit. A federal judge ruled that the deal violated the Crime Victims' Rights Act because Mr Acosta did not notify Epstein's victims of the arrangement.

The deal is also being scrutinised by the Department of Justice.

Wednesday July 10, 2019

12 26 03 09 20 01 5

July 5, 2019

C 03, 15, 05, 08, 21

0, 7, 8

03 04 17 19 20

7, 2, 4 02, 03, 07, 12, 17

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Gov’t will respect the orders of the CCJ – AG –– says meaning of caretaker gov’t must now be ‘fleshed out’

By Svetlana Marshall

ATTORNEY General Basil Williams said the Government will respect the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as he reacted to the consequential orders handed down by that Court with respect to the validation of the No-Confidence Motion against the Government, and the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

On Friday, the CCJ ruled that it would be wrong for it to set a deadline or date for the holding of elections in Guyana when the Constitution invests that power in the President, the National Assembly and implicitly in GECOM. In the matter concerning the appointment of a Chairman for the Elections Commission, President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, said there was no need to issue any orders due to the fact that Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson vacated the post shortly after the Court ruled that the process of his appointment was flawed.

Moments after exiting the courtroom at the Trinidad-based CCJ, Williams said the Government, as indicated by President David Granger, will abide by the ruling of the Court.

Noting that he is satisfied with the Consequential Orders made by the CCJ in relation to the holding of the Elections, Williams said that the Constitution of Guyana has been upheld. Through his lead Attorney Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay, the Attorney General had submitted that the CCJ has no jurisdiction to set the date for General and Regional Elections or to dissolve Parliament.

Such powers are vested only in the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Williams had submitted, noting that a date

for elections should be named based on the advice of GECOM. “What the court has done in this regard, that is laudable, is that the court has recognsied that it should not impose or super-impose itself within a political context,” he said.

Now that the Court has delivered its Consequential Orders, the Attorney General said GECOM must now advise the President.

“It means therefore that GECOM must inform the President as to their ability to hold an election, when and how soon,” he told Guyana Chronicle. But before that advice can be given, a Chairman of the Elections Commission must first be appointed.

The CCJ, in delivering its orders, also noted that due to the fact that a No-Confidence Motion was successfully passed against the Government last December, it must operate as “care taker government” or “an interim government” until a President is sworn in following an election.

“We will have to obey the ruling of the court,” Williams said in response to the pronouncements while noting that relevant players will now have to “flesh out” what it means to be a “caretaker government.”

The Belizean Senior Counsel, who was a part of the AG’s team of lawyers said that the decision of the consequential orders was a triumph for the constitution of Guyana. He said that the “ship of state”, that is Guyana, has one captain, that is he said, the President of Guyana.

In Guyana, several attorneys involved in the consolidated cases witnessed the delivery of the Consequential Orders via web cam at the Court of Appeal. Outside of the appellate court, Senior Counsel Neil Boston said setting a date for election, and extending the date for the holding of election, are political

From R-L: Attorney General Basil Williams, Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay and Roysdale Forde- the attorney that represented Joseph Harmon, standing outside courtroom shortly after the consequential orders were delivered by the President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders. issues and not for the Court to intervene. “It is a political issues but one expects that the Constitutional players who were supposed to move the Constitutional provision into line, will act in accordance with the law,” Boston opined.

He rejected the notion that by indicating that Article 106 (6) and (7) must be upheld, the CCJ indirectly stated that elections must be held within three months. But the Senior Counsel said the Court has clearly indicated that the issue of fixing a date for election is for the President and implicitly in GECOM. Meanwhile, Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, who represented recalled Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud, expressed disappointment in the consequential orders handed down by the CCJ. “It was certainly not the ruling that we were looking for. The court has left a lot out,” Datadin told reporters outside of the appellate Court. According to him, the Court has the power to give clear directions on the holding of elections. “Certainly, it is a position where you won the battle but you lost

the war because the Court has not done what it should have done in terms of laying clear guidelines,” the Attorney opined.

Over at the Leader of the Opposition’s Office, Bharrat Jagdeo – the Opposition Leader – made it clear that the Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party, will not return to the National Assembly to extend the time for the holding of elections as required by the Constitution.

The Constitution states that the elections must be held within three months of a successful No-Confidence Motion or at later time as agreed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. GECOM has long indicated that it is no position to facilitate elections before December, 2019, and now that it has no chairman, the process of preparing for elections is now at a standstill. But Jagdeo has made it clear that the Opposition will not return to the Assembly.

However, he committed to meeting with President Granger to shortlist and fast track the process of appointing a chairman of the Elections Commission.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Recovering State assets: A Herculean task

I

T is not unfair to say that there are strong misperceptions about what constitutes corruption and appropriation of State assets for personal use.

Whereas attention is being directed at the acquisition of two oil blocks by relatively unknown companies and of Pradoville properties, whereby former government officials, elected and appointed, have used their positions of power and influence to possess State assets outside of legal requirements and below market value, the problem is much wider.

Theft, embezzlement and misappropriation of State assets take many forms. Some include denial of revenue to the State through non-payment or underpayment of taxes, white-collar crimes, and evading the regulatory and oversight functions of the State as prescribed by law.

The axiom that there is no excuse for ignorance under the law, though not disputed, would be more meaningful should persons be aware what the law requires of them. Here, there may be utility in establishing an information reservoir, easily accessible, and understood by the public. It may be useful to advance some form of public education that includes delivery of literature, public-service announcements and Online access.

Laws such as the Integrity Act are vital to the process of holding public officials accountable; the principle of upholding ethical standards while in service to the people should not be trifled with. Chairman of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), Professor Clive Thomas, in his writings within recent years on the

health of the economy, had referred to Guyana as a “criminalised State”. Thomas said that by 2006, capital flight had doubled to US$173M, and doubled yet again to US$575M by 2010. This is a staggering amount of money to have fled Guyana, and by extension its development, in just four years.

More and more each day, there is certainty of Guyana’s ‘El Dorado’ potential in oil and gold. The value of these resources on the global market and to a country’s economy comes with long tales of skimming off the people’s wealth to the benefit of a few. These resources have also created wars to either access them or maintain them, and see the inequitable distribution of wealth among the people.

It is not unusual in societies such as Africa and the Middle East, where these resources exist, to see the vast wealth and opulent lifestyles of those in the corridors of power, or in close proximity to such power, as the masses live in squalor, deprived of basic necessities. Leaders, in maintaining the inequity, are often brutish and known to deny citizens their rights and freedoms.

Executives of multinational and transnational corporations that invest in the identified resources of these countries are not shy about in engaging in enticing or collaborating with indigenous government officials in unethical practices in the furtherance of their business interests.

Robbing the people of what is theirs is to also rob them of their growth and development. Where the

people’s assets are not used for their benefit, they are denied quality education, healthcare, public transportation, road infrastructure, liveable wages/salaries, and health and longevity, to name some.

All of the above and more are vital in addressing, through recognition and putting systems in place, to not only stamp out the theft of State assets, but also hold those responsible for such misconduct to account. At the same time, it ought to be said that the people’s support in recovering what are duly theirs should not allow this pursuit of justice to be blinded by racial, political or other non-incidental considerations.

It ought not to be forgotten that those who sought to compromise the State’s integrity were doing so out of selfishness and a refusal to comply with their civic duty under the law. As it is in other countries, where these persons would not have been allowed to disregard the law, and as citizens, our support would be with that government for enforcing the law; likewise, it helps by taking similar approaches to ensure law, order, growth and development in Guyana.

Recovering the State’s assets is a Herculean task, equivalent to disentangling a knotted rope, strand by strand. But if this is what is required to return to the people what rightfully belongs to them, it must be pursued. The longest journey begins with the first step, and where steps are being made, as in the instance of SARA to investigate the awarding of oil blocks, this must be supported by all.

I feel sorry for people like Harry Gill Dear Editor,

of any political party. There is, therefore, nothing for me to reveal. Further, his baseless, unsupported statement that I REFER to a letter by Mr. Harry Gill captioned, ‘Can- cannot be trusted to tell the truth, and his derogatory insult not be trusted to tell the truth’ (GT, July 12). In the that my memory is as short as I am, are not only offensive, but letter, the Honourable Member of Parliament, Harry below what may be expected of a Member of Parliament. PerGill, who may be expected to conduct himself with some haps Mr. Gill should consider respecting himself and others. decorum, attacks my person in the most vicious and obMay I inform Mr. Gill that I stand by the position that noxious manner, totally unbecoming of a man of his office. the PPP destroyed the sugar industry. The construction of the Mr. Gill asserts that he reveals his party’s affiliation in his US$250M ‘white elephant’ at Skeldon that never performed; writings, and I do not. He claims, too, that “Mark DaCosta the hiring of the overpaid Dr. Rajendra Singh, who is based is a paid PNC/APNU Campaign Manager, whose main task in New Jersey, as Chairman, for whom the PPP government is to discredit the PPP/C, using gutter-politics, misinforma- bought a return ticket every month, and all the other poor tion, and propaganda. His failure to disclose his association decisions that necessitated annual bailouts to the tune of tens with the PNC/APNU is a deliberate attempt to hide his true of billions of dollars, is sufficient proof of the fact. What identity, and to mislead the Guyanese people into believing Mr. Gill failed to admit is that the sugar industry, having his lies and deception. But as the campaign manager, writer, been destroyed by the PPP, was already dead in 2015, and and columnist for the PNC/APNU, Mark DaCosta cannot be the change of government spared the PPP the embarrassing trusted to tell the truth.” and unpleasant task of having to downsize the operation, an May I inform Mr. Gill that while I obviously support the inevitable undertaking that fell to the ‘Coalition’. sensible policies of the ‘Coalition’ administration, and oppose The education sector has also been enhanced. Currently, the divisive and destructive actions of his party, the PPP, I thousands of hinterland students can attend school, owing have no party affiliation, and I have never been a member to President Granger’s ‘5Bs’ initiative. Other programmes

I

instituted by the APNU+AFC administration have resulted in a significant reduction in the school dropout rate across Guyana.

Before the days of the PPP, education at UG was free; it is the PPP that burdened students with fees. It is the PPP that made tertiary education inaccessible to poor students.

As far as the NASDAQ report is concerned, it is well accepted by the experts that Guyana’s positive economic prospects are not only dependent on oil, but also on the general policies of the APNU+AFC administration. Those include the establishment of a capital town in each region, economic diversification, investments in infrastructure, and others, all of which inspire investor confidence.

I feel sorry for people such as Mr. Gill who must lie in an attempt to rewrite the PPP’s horrible history during the Jagdeo era. And I regret the fact that one of Guyana’s most iconic institutions, the PPP, that was established by the respected Dr. Cheddi Jagan, has fallen to such depths of untrustworthiness and dishonesty.

Sincerely, Mark DaCosta

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

‘The prisoner’s dilemma, and a call to Extend & Reform’

By Terrence R. Blackman and Thomas B. Singh

G

UYANA’S political establishment is faced with a version of the Prisoner’s Dilemma.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a well-known concept in modern game theory. It is a paradox in decision analysis in which two players, each acting in her own self-interest, will fail to produce the optimal outcome.

The classic prisoner’s dilemma is as follows: Two bank robbers, Bernard and Bisram, have been arrested and are being interrogated in separate rooms. The authorities have no other witnesses, and can only prove the case against them if they can convince at least one of them to betray the other and testify to the crime.

BERNARD AND BISRAM ARE FACED WITH THE CHOICES: (i) Cooperate with each other and remain silent; or (ii) defect and testify for the prosecution.

If they both cooperate with each other and remain silent, then the authorities will only be able to convict them on a lesser charge of loitering, which will mean one year in jail each.

If Bernard testifies and Bisram does not, Bernard will go free, and Bisram will get three years and vice versa.

If they both testify against each other, they will each get two years in jail for being partly responsible for the robbery.

Observe: The game is configured in such a manner as to induce both parties to choose to protect themselves at the expense of the other participant. As a result, both participants find themselves in a worse state than if they had cooperated with each other in the decision-making process.

We believe that the current Guyanese political environment is a game akin to the classic Prisoner’s Dilemma. It is a game, configured by our socio-economic and political history, that induces either the PPP or the ‘Coalition’ to choose to protect themselves at the expense of the other, and as a result create a less than optimal solution for Guyana as a whole.

Playing this game with unchanged rules will guarantee the same political outcomes, unless political players change their behaviour. Elections will be held; a party will be declared the winner; the loser will reject the outcome. (If we are lucky) There will be an elections petition; if there is a majority winner, budgets will be passed after debates; and there may even be another no-confidence vote. Alternatively, with a plurality winner and an elections petition by the loser, we’d have a “minority” government. With unchanged rules, we inevitably return to the CCJ.

Add to this mix the infusion of large oil revenues, and we will be well on our way to Dickens’ “worst of times, age of foolishness, [and] epoch of incredulity”. With more to spend than we did as the fastest-growing economy in the region, fiscal profligacy is likely to follow from the current rules of engagement that do little to limit borrowing and the size of budget deficits.

This statement is aimed at highlighting the fact that, this moment, most fortuitously, provides an opportunity for the major political parties to change the rules of engagement.

With the same two-thirds majority that is required to extend the time for government to remain in office and hold elections, the National Assembly can change the Articles listed in (b) of Article 164. To reiterate: The parties can go back to the National Assembly to extend the time for the government to “remain in office and hold elections,”1 and with this same twothirds majority, the National Assembly can effect constitutional reform, i.e., change the Articles listed in (b) of Article 164 .

While we concede that the probability of the major political parties changing their behaviour and putting the national interest ahead of their partisan interests is small, we believe that this very (partisan) behaviour can be a powerful motivation that can be harnessed for the good of the nation, if the rules of the game can be changed, so as to align partisan interests with the national interest.

Were this to happen, the same two political parties that cannot now agree on anything that matters significantly to Guyana would be able to cooperate and work together for the greater good of Guyana, and to use the final and the best opportunity for Guyana to instead achieve “the best of times, the age of wisdom [and] the epoch of belief” in ourselves as a country that can free itself from the triumph of partisan interests over the national good.

Elinor Ostrom, Economics Nobel Prize-winning political scientist, explained how communities have, for centuries, invented collective agreements that solve “social dilemma” problems where individual interests frustrated the collective good. In such dilemmas, what is needed is for the parties to have a common commitment to rules of engagement that preserve and promote the collective good, even as they continue to pursue their partisan interests.

Ostrom notes that “Trust and reciprocity are mutually reinforcing.

A decrease in either can generate a downward cascade leading to little or no cooperation.” But while the citizens of this incredible country cannot hope that the two major political parties would trust each other, we can assure them that when

they commit to the national interest, they will see the benefits to their constituents, to all of us and even to themselves of working together, particularly at this time, on the cusp of becoming an oil producing country. Then trust will grow, and Guyana will have the bright future that will otherwise elude us if each of the parties sought to go it alone, as they now seem bent on doing.

While we might have ideas on the particular reforms to which the parties must commit, from changing the electoral system to make it a semi-proportional one, or allowing the formation of post-elections coalitions, to changing the arrantly political composition of the Board of GECOM, and even reducing Presidential immunities, we believe that a good outcome will result from the parties themselves putting on the negotiating table constitutional reforms they are willing to undertake in the national interest. In the negotiations about the content of the reforms that will be taken to the National Assembly, however, involve a pledge that each party will only agree to a reform if the other party reciprocally pledges to vote for it in the National Assembly.2 Otherwise, they will simply agree to the “lowest common denominator” commitment to say allow dual citizens to be Members of Parliament. The reforms that are agreed upon will then be taken to the National Assembly along with a motion to extend the time for government to remain in office and hold elections, in an “extend and reform” motion. It is essential of course that there be only one motion that is take to the National Assembly.

We believe that APNU and the PPP/C must use this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity, which might in fact be the last opportunity we have, to undertake meaningful constitutional reforms in the greater national interest. The parties are reminded that their decisions in this regard also represent Guyana’s best opportunity to avoid the Resource Curse that inexorably and implacably awaits us if the rules governing their engagement remain unchanged.

The overwhelming majority of Guyanese have placed their confidence in these two parties, taken together, to govern in their best interests. Their failure to work together in the national interest could lead to a very harsh judgement at the upcoming polls against any of them that separately chooses not to seize this opportunity, if the other is willing to put the prospects we have as a nation ahead of their partisan prospects at those polls.

We urge the two major parties to adopt this “Extend and Reform” proposal. In so doing they will be effectively joining with all other Guyanese in singing our national song, “Let us cooperate for Guyana.”

challenged by the Trade Unions. Maybe, they did, but it is not known.

It is an understatement to say that it is more than overdue, timely and another effort at modernising our public service, in an on-going process, especially in light of seeking to attract a better qualified and competent staff to a public service that is expected to step up to serve an oil-and-gas economy. This is another aspect of removing an unnecessary constraint that may have resulted in the loss of talent, a figure which we may never know.

Finally, the 500 vacancies announced for applicants signals a recruitment system which is intended to create a level playing field, open to ALL Guyanese. It is a departure from those days when such vacancies were known to be controlled by Party influence and recommendation, often discriminating against better qualified applicants.

It was the kind of system which created unemployment among a growing number of university graduates, a situation that was unheard of during the Burnham administration, which ensured the employment of all graduates, despite the existing challenges at that time.

Coincidental to the employment sector, could one imagine a valedictorian informing the then president of Guyana, visiting her community in the early 2000s, that she had been unable to secure employment, and rather than give assurance as to her having a job, told her that he will see what he can do.

The minister’s announcement is another progressive step to a better, improved public service.

Regards, Earl Hamilton

Removing an unfair and non-existent rule Dear Editor,

F

INALLY, a long-existing, archaic, unfair, non-existent and irrational rule which laid down that newly-employed public servants had to work for three months before receiving their salaries, has been discontinued.

But I am not surprised at the minister’s statement that there is no trace as to its origin, and why.

If there was ever an employment dictate, whether in the public or private sectors, against which I have always railed because of its sheer inexplicability and its unfair existence which caused much inconvenience to public service newcomers, it was this piece of decrepit rule that has existed for decades without challenge. I say challenge, because I hold the view that it should have been

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Gold jewellery Bourda Market ‘rehab’ to be phased –– to facilitate minimal vendor relocation manufacturers to be monitored – GNBS

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is set to commence monitoring of the gold jewellery manufactured and offered for sale by goldsmiths and jewelers.

GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lloyd David, said this monitoring will commence in January 2020, and will be based on the requirements of the National Standard Specification for Gold Articles (GYS 50:2010), which is a compulsory standard.

However, he said during the months of July and August 2019, the GNBS will be conducting a series of awareness sessions on the requirements of the National Standard for goldsmiths and jewellers.

David said the first in the series of session will be held in Georgetown on Wednesday July 17, 2019 from 13:00hrs at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street Georgetown.

“Other sessions are scheduled for Region Two,

Three, Five, Six and Seven and further details will be communicated to all stakeholders directly or via the press. It is important that goldsmiths and jewellers attend and participate in these sessions to know what is required of them as the GNBS works to standardise the industry,” he said.

David said all goldsmiths and jewellers are required to possess a copy of the National Standard, which will help them to understand the requirements and modify their businesses and products to ensure compliance.

In addition, he said commencing 2020, these stakeholders will be required to register annually with the GNBS; and facilitate routine inspections at their sale outlets.

During inspections, David said inspectors of the GNBS will examine jewellery offered for sale for compliance to labelling requirements stipulated by the standard.

“Samples would be routinely tested to verify the quality of the jewellery based on what is declared on the label. For example, if a piece of jewellery is labelled 14 Karats (K), it will be tested to verify that it is the same,” the GNBS official said.

For manufacturers of gold jewellery, he said complying with the requirements of the gold standard will prevent fraud and deception arising from misleading labels.

He said the standard gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them to provide adequate labelling information.

“Consumers can also benefit when jewellers implement the standard, as during purchases they will be guided by labels affixed to the jewellery.

In addition, when jewellers and goldsmiths across Guyana conform to the standard consumers are able to access the right quality of gold articles, and over time, gain confidence in the fact that they are receiving value for their money,” the PRO said.

THE Bourda Market is expected to be refurbished as part of the infrastructural ventures catered for under the $300M budget allocated by the Ministry of Communities (MoC) for the Georgetown Restoration Programme. The contract is expected to be signed next week, while work is hoped to commence by month-end.

When the over $32M replacement of the roof and other rehabilitative work begin on the market’s structure later this month, it will be done in segments, so as to involve minimum relocation of the vendors who depend on plying their daily trade at the market to earn their living.

And while the vendors are all ecstatic about news of improvements at the municipal market, they are still worried about what would become of them when the work begins.

Earlier this year, the vendors were paid a visit by a number of government officials during a walkabout in the Bourda Market area, who all promised to intervene and help with their issues.

“We should be able to sell somewhere while they are fixing, because, otherwise, it will be difficult for us. But, yes, we need the roof to be done. When the rain is falling, I have to move my stuff because it’s getting wet,” said Claudia Brotherson, a stallholder who has been plying her trade at the location for a few years.

MoC Coordinator of the engineering services, Naeem Khan, in allaying the ven-

dors’ fears about mass relocation, explained that displacement of the vendors was something that has been taken into consideration, and everything will be done to ensure minimal disruption.

Khan pointed out that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will hold the necessary discussions with stallholders and work out a reasonable relocation system. “We will do it in such a way that it will not be a big thing,” Khan said.

any extensive big relocation of everyone.”

“The majority of the work,” he said, “will be the roof work. There will be general roof works, which includes replacing all the zinc sheets, and we’ll be installing some translucent sheets to add light to the market. The rainwater system, that will be looked at as well; we will be looking at doing some rehabilitation of the sanitary facilities within the market.

Also, we’re looking at works

The meat aisle at the Bourda Market “We will work around that.

We will do it in a phased approach, where we will do sections of it so persons from one section can move to another section, and when we complete that section, they can come back.”

Khan further said, “The Municipality will start discussions with the stallholders to talk about the possible relocation. I’m not sure if they will relocate them elsewhere, or within the market, but it would be done in such a way that there will not be

such as repairing of windows, and also some painting work to give it a facelift.”

Vendors at the Bourda Market said the rehabilitation of the roof is something that they have long since been calling for, and are happy to see it come to fruition.

Molly Hickson, who has been vending there for over 30 years, noted, “We would glad, because water coming down through all dem fine hole. We’ve been complaining for years about dese holes,” she said as she

pointed to holes in the roof.

“It would be nice to see upgrade, and people might be more encouraged to come,” said Marion Shepherd, who has been vending at Bourda for some four years now, and is looking forward to the improvements, hopeful that it will help to boost business at the location. She says she would also love to see something being done about parking for customers.

“Parking is another issue,” Shepherd said, adding: “Persons don’t come in the market because they have to be driving all around. “But if they fix it and do something about the parking, we would be able to be in a better position.”

While most of the work at the market will be done on the roof, other works to improve the look of the market have also been scheduled.

It was at last Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that Director-General of the Ministry of Presidency, Joseph Harmon confirmed that the over $32M contract has been awarded to Builders Hardware General Supplies and Construction for the works at the Bourda Market.

Bourda is one of four city municipal markets, including the one at Kitty, which will benefit from the 2019 Georgetown Restoration Programme. Contracts have already been awarded for works at the La Penitence Market, and the continuation of construction at the Kitty Market.

Works are also scheduled to be done on the East Ruimveldt Market.

Mastermind in murder of money-changer, daughter arrested

A 37-year-old man, who was previously freed of two murder charges, was arrested in North Ruimveldt in the city, on Thursday, in connection with the murder of money-changer, Aaron Latchman and his 18-year-old daughter, Arianna.

Reports indicate that the suspect allegedly provided three men with guns and ammunition which were used to kill the Latchmans at their Better Hope East Coast Demerara home on July 4.

In total, five suspects are in police custody.

The killers allegedly told police that the suspect held in North Ruimveldt lives at Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, and after the businessman and his daughter were killed, he took them to a house in Sophia where they “split the money, $150,000 each.”

It was revealed to police that prime suspect has been the mastermind of several of the robberies committed on America Street money-changers.

Police information technology experts had enhanced security camera footage of the gunmen who fled the scene after killing the Latchmans.

Some of the suspects in police custody include a 44-yearold called “Rastaman” of Agricola, East Bank Demerara, who

Dead: Aaron Latchman and his daughter, Arianna was caught with the car used during the robbery; a 37-year-old vendor of Sophia called “Redman”; a 25-year-old labourer of Parika called “Marko”; and a 28-year-old of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

An autopsy performed on Aaron Latchman revealed that he sustained multiple gunshot injuries while his daughter sustained a single gunshot injury. The man was shot thrice during a scuffle in his yard.

The bandits appeared to have been familiar with Aaron Latchman’s routine and were reportedly waiting near his home.

Over the years, several money-changers have been killed during robberies in the city. The businessmen, who carry large wads of local and foreign currency, are seen as easy targets for bandits.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Several Corentyne villages flooded –– CDC monitoring following overnight rains situation RESIDENTS of several villages along the Corentyne Coast were on Friday evening mopping up their homes following severe flooding in the area as a result of overnight rains.

The affected communities included the villages of Kilcoy/Chesney, Fyrish, Albion, Nigg, Williamsburg and Rose Hall Town.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) noted in a statement on Friday that the body is continuing to monitor floods in various parts of the country and is rendering assistance where necessary.

On Friday afternoon, a CDC team including members of the Voluntary Emergency Response Team (VERT), were deployed to assess the flood impacts in the East-Berbice Corentyne region.

A resident of Chesney Housing Scheme told the Guyana Chronicle he and his family were forced to leave their home since it was flooded out.

He said the heavy rainfall on Thursday night coupled with the no proper drainage saw his single-flat home being inundated.

He stated that he suffered major loses including

his electrical appliances such as his refrigerator and television set while his chair set was also damaged.

He noted that in the past the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was asked to provide proper drainage and regular clearing of the trenches , however, to date the situation remain the same as he noted that the flooding on Friday was the worst the community experienced in recent times.

Residents from other communities explained that as the rain continued through the night on Thurs-

day, the water levels rose sharply.

A resident of Belvedere, Monica Boochoon, stated that the flooding was mainly attributed due to poor drainage in the village.

She told the media that her daughter-in- law operates a day care at the

bottom flat of the home and suffered substantial damages including learning materials and equipment which were destroyed.

The residents are calling on the relevant authorities to address the flooding and questioned who will compensate them for the damages suffered.

Essequibo man fined for traffic offence

A CDC official interacts with a resident whose house was flooded (CDC photo)

One of the flooded yards

They are also calling on their respective NDCs to regularly maintain the drainage structure so as to avoid a flooding of the magnitude experienced on Friday.

They also asked for a pump to be placed into the community to drain the water quickly.

LEYTON Pearson of Lake Mainstay, Essequibo, found himself before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The Court was told that, on Thursday July 4, 2019, at Camp Road in Georgetown, Pearson drove HB153 and failed to observe road signs.

Magistrate Nurse fined Pearson $20, 000 with an alternative of four weeks in prison.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

New City Hall ‘admin’ building to go to tender soon

WORK on the $75M first phase of the four-storey administrative building at City Hall is closer to realisation with the project expected to go to tender soon.

The project is being done as part of the infrastructural ventures catered for under the $300M allocated by the Ministry of Communities (MoC) for the Georgetown Restoration Programme, which focuses on projects submitted by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the relocation of departments within the municipality.

MoC Coordinator of the Engineering Services, Naeem Khan explained that the $75M represents just a frac-

tion of the overall cost that the project is scheduled to incur. “We are going to tender for this probably in the next two weeks time. It’s a multi-year project; it will roll over to next year. It has to be in a phased approach, so this would be considered to be the first phase with this initial budget, which is $75M for construction of an ‘admin’ for the M&CC. This will be built next to where the Mayor’s office is. There’s an existing foundation that is already built in the south-eastern corner,” Khan explained.

He noted that the foundation for the building is already in place, and that the $75M is expected to be used to put up the steel structure of

the building.

The new building will be located in the south-eastern corner of the City Hall’s compound, and once completed, will have an elevator, a room for the holding of statutory meetings, in addition to all of the other vital administrative departments.

With the current City Hall building continuously deteriorating, there have been increasing calls for staff to be removed from operating in the dilapidated building. City Mayor, Ubraj Narine, last month noted that fungus is taking over the walls and ceiling of the Treasury Department. This resulted in at least one employee becoming “terribly

ill”. He told city councillors that the employees in that department are working in an unhealthy environment, which poses a hazard to their lives.

The decision was taken to construct a new building in the compound to temporarily

house the administration departments until rehabilitative works could begin on the badly-deteriorated City Hall.

The Georgetown City Hall is considered one of Georgetown’s most iconic and outstanding buildings, but with the structure con-

tinuously deteriorating over the years, there has been many calls for it to be rehabilitated. The restoration of the building is estimated to cost some $400M. The Georgetown City Hall building is 130 years old as of July 01.

Amerindian Land Titling Project Progressing –– GL&SC to engage residents of reserve lands THE Government is addressing the issue of land demarcation in indigenous communities through the Amerindian Land Titling Project.

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams has noted that since the current government took control of the project in 2015, some 13 hinterland region communities have been demarcated.

She made the pronouncement on Friday while speaking at a People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) press conference at Congress Place.

She also noted that the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) is preparing to commence discussions with the occupants of reserve lands along waterfront areas in various regions on a way forward.

“The GLSC has been able to identify 29 owners who we’re starting to have discussions with them to see how best we can [address the issues],” Minister Hastings-Williams said on Friday.

She continued: “Some of them are legal owners, they have their documents [such as transport] but everywhere else they tend to go [in land use] a little bit further than what was their legal title. So, we are looking at that process to see how best we can find solutions,” she said.

The Amerindian Land Titling Project which commenced in 2013 sought to en-

able the indigenous peoples to secure their lands and natural resources with a view towards sustainable social and economic development.

Under the Guyana REDD + Investment Fund (GRIF), the government in 2013 signed a US$10.7M document for the implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation project, which concluded in 2016.

In 2017, an extension was sought and a further $165M was earmarked for the advancing of the remaining identified areas for land titling.

It is expected that titling and demarcation will strengthen land tenure security and the expansion of the asset base of Amerindians, thus enabling improved long term planning for their future development.

Minister Hastings-Williams noted that some amount of technical delays were experienced recently in the recruitment of a Technical Project Coordinator and a Project Manager.

However, she said that a recent meeting with the GLSC, the Ministry Of Indigenous Peoples Affairs and United Nation (UN) representatives resulted in a consensus that the involved stakeholders will work to move the project forward at a faster pace.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Police must change approach in light of Marijuana Legislation – Trotman CHAIRMAN of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman said the Guyana Police Force should go after “the bigger fishes,” those engaged in trafficking of large quantities of marijuana and not the small man, now that the Government is moving to amend the legislation to soften the penalty for possession of small amounts of cannabis.

Speaking at an AFC press conference at the Centre for Change on Thursday, the Chairman said he is pleased that after several months of consideration, Cabinet has approved a Bill intended to amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act to prevent persons from being incarcerated if found with up to 30 grams of cannabis. The Bill was initially tabled by AFC Member of Parliament

Michael Carrington, and on Thursday, he was applauded for his persistence.

Though the bill, when passed into law, will not decriminalise the use of marijuana, Trotman said it will prevent hundreds of persons, particularly young people, from being imprisoned for possession of small quantities of cannabis. He explained that persons found with up to 30 grams of cannabis will either pay a fine or do community service.

Trotman posited, however, that the Police should have a different approach.

“We expect as well that…that the police will adopt a different posture, if they know that people are not going to jail, it takes away, I believe, the ability for them to hold it like a sword of Damocles over young people’s head, threatening them with jail,” Trotman said.

Noting that persons have been sentenced to prison for three years for having in their possession four and five grams of cannabis, the Chairman said families are being torn apart due to this reality.

“Though it remains technically an offense, (it is hoped) that posture of the police force would change (and) that they will go after the bigger fish and let people relax and not feel afraid of losing their lives over 4 or 5 grams (of cannabis),” the AFC Chairman posited.

At the time, he was speaking in the presence of the Leader of the AFC and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

Ramjattan noted that in recent months approximately 17 persons have been released on patrol after they were found guilty of having small amounts of cannabis in their possession. He

noted too that President David Granger has pardoned at least five women who would have committed similar offences.

Over the years, several persons have been placed behind bars for having small amounts of marijuana in their possession. Imprisonment of persons found with small amounts of cannabis, is among contributing factors to the overcrowding of the country’s prisons. Once found in possession of more than five grams of cannabis, a person can be sentenced to three years in jail, the current law states.

According to the proposed bill seen by Guyana Chronicle, Section 4 (A) (i) and Section 4 (B) (ii) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Control Act 1988 are being amended to remove the requirements for imprisonment for anyone found in possession

of cannabis. Section 5 (2) (e), which addresses the issue of quantity, is being amended to increase the quantity of cannabis that attracts jail time.

In the Explanatory Memorandum signed by MP Carrington, it was explained that the bill is in direct response to the experience faced by many young Guyanese who have been incarcerated for small quantities of cannabis resin.

“This experience has further revealed that many of the young persons who have been remanded and incarcerated as a result of being charged with offences which involved relatively small quantities of cannabis or cannabis resin, have been exposed to persons who have been accused of and have been involved in much more serious violent offences. The social intercourse afforded by the

incarceration has resulted in regrettable contamination and education of many young persons in criminal behavior and anti-social tendencies,” MP Carrington explained.

He noted that as a result of the current statutory provision, persons found with 15 or more grams of marijuana for personal or medical use, have been jailed for three or more years.

“The proposed amendments will remove the mandatory imprisonment of persons who have been accused of having in their possession relatively small amounts of cannabis and cannabis resin.

The amendment will also increase the quantity which will constitute an offence of trafficking in cannabis or cannabis resin to one thousand grams,” the Member of Parliament noted.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Turkeyen Sobers to meet with broadcast operators hiring man fined on programming to cater for PWD –– Urges of PWDs for traffic offence

NAZIM Mohammed of 289 Lillendial Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, appeared, on Friday, before Magistrate Clive Nurse.

The Court was told that Mohammed drove motor vehicle HB 4000 in a manner which obstructed the free flow of traffic.

Mohammed was fined $ 20, 000 with an alternative of four weeks in prison.

CHAIRMAN of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Attorney-at-Law Leslie Sobers, is set to meet with operators of television and broadcasting stations in Guyana, within the coming week.

The consultation is aimed at learning, firsthand, from the owners what constraints they face with regard to introducing closed-captioning in their programmes for the benefit of the hearing impaired, he told the Guyana

Chronicle.

Sobers said it is essential that PWDs (persons with disabilities), the hearing-impaired included, are catered for within the planning framework of programmes at television stations, while pointing out that it is a known fact that the majority of the hearing impaired community relies on captioned television programmes and movies for education and network.

The television plays a huge role in the lives of

the hearing-impaired, and one of the greatest advantages is for hearing-impaired individuals to benefit from closed-captioning (CC), as it allows them to see and read the text of what is being said on news programmes, television shows and movies.

Touching on the possible use of sign language interpreters by television operators, using visual gestures and signs, during the airing of newscasts

and during the broadcasting of other programmes, Sobers said the agency is aware that such a move can be both complex and expensive.

He noted, too, that in addition to the persons being trained, there is need for constant practice since such a job cannot be performed spontaneously or without preparation.

He further urged that the operators of television and broadcasting sta-

tions seek to train and use persons with disabilities, wherever possible, as these persons are hugely overlooked on the job market.

According to Sobers, the agency is aware that some of the stations may not have the equipment and that it calls for some amount of planning, while noting that earlier attempts were made by e-Network to introduce closed captioning.

Soesdyke to get community playground LAND has been purchased for the establishment of a Community Playground in Soesdyke, on the East Bank of Demerara.

This announcement was made by Region Four Councillor, Leslie Glasgow at the Government Community Meeting which was held at the St Mary’s Secondary School, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara on Thursday.

Additionally, there is the provision for a night school in the community to cater for early school leavers. Such persons would get the opportunity to become involved in skills training and endeavours aimed at making them entrepreneurs.

Systems will also be put in place to improve the literacy skills of residents, thus allowing them to become competent readers and be capable of obtaining documents, including ID cards, for which they have to sign. They would also be able to access employment.

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings Williams, told the gathering about the importance of house-to-house registration in order to have credible

elections.

Minister Hastings Williams made the point that the acquisition of ID Cards in order to vote was critical especially for young people. Government’s achievements since entering office were also pointed out.

“Our APNU/AFC Government has done a lot. We now have a modern airport, good and smooth roads, the 5bs’ programme, since we came to power.”

Minister of Business, Hon. Hemraj Rajkumar, made the point that Government has been assisting and will continue to assist persons with grants and loans to become owners of their own businesses.

Several other areas were discussed in great detail at Thursday’s meeting, including Land and landownership by several residents in the community, road rehabilitation for residents in the community, lights for areas that had not been lit in years and the acquisition of potable water for residents.

Commitment was also made at Thursday’s meeting, for the availability of land for the purpose of the development of the Bee Keeping Industry.

Kitty man sentenced to three years for drug trafficking MAGISTRATE Dylon Bess, on Friday, July 12, 2019, sentenced a 45-yearold man to serve three years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of $2M, after he was convicted for trafficking over 10 pounds of cannabis.

Paul Smith of Thomas Street, Kitty, was on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the matter was prosecuted by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP),

Vishnu Hunte.

On Friday, Smith was found guilty of having 4.934 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on May 18, 2018, at his Kitty home.

Magistrate Bess, after considering the elements of the case and the amount of cannabis involved, sentenced Smith to three years’ imprisonment along with a fine of $2M. According to reports,

Paul Smith ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Anti-Narcotics Unit, acting on information received, went to Smith’s two-storey Thomas Street, Kitty house and conducted a search.

The narcotics was found in the lower flat of his home in two salt bags.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Consultation on GECOM Chair ...

Jagdeo aims to deceive the nation – PNCR

LEADER of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo is utilising the engagements intended for the selection of a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “deceive the nation and send negative messages to the Court,” according to the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

At a press conference at Congress Place on Friday, PNCR Executive Member Joseph Harmon said while the President has given a commitment to engage the Opposition Leader, and has entrusted his representatives with the powers to make decisions on his behalf during consideration of the names, the Opposition appears to be motivated by an obstructive agenda.

“He met with the President and agreed to the talks; he agreed to the plenipotentiaries meeting yet, look at his rhetoric. From the first meeting he sought to use the media to express unilateralism citing the Constitution.

It is clear, if you check his rhetoric and positions taken, that he is not acting in a consensual manner as laid out in Paragraph 28 of the judgment of the Court which states: ‘this approach gives the President a role in the identification of the six names’,” Harmon as he read the party’s statement.

GREATEST DISPLAY OF BAD FAITH His remarks came one day after negotiations between the President and Opposition-appointed teams halted with a de-

cision taken to have the process returned to the two leaders.

Coming out of the meeting, Harmon had relayed that while the President’s representatives were able to shortlist five from a total of 11 names submitted by Jagdeo, the team appointed by the Opposition Leader refused

explained over five times what shortlisting means, five times and they want a further explanation,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the opposition’s representatives went to the meeting with no intentions of discussing the eight names submitted by the President and said their leader will consider those names.

MP, Juan Edghill.

The Opposition representatives had also questioned whether the decision to reject the five names and the reasons given for these came from the President or his representatives.

However, Harmon explained to the media yesterday: “The President gave

Director General at the Ministry of the Presidency (Delano Williams photo) to consider the eight names proposed by the President.

The opposition had also requested clarification for terms such as “shortlisted” and “no objection” in a letter sent addressed to Harmon on June 10, 2019, in his capacity as Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency.

On Friday, Harmon told the media that the very clarifications requested by the Opposition’s representatives were provided several times on July 9 and again on June 11.

“It was a whole charade because, in the meeting, I

“We saw that as tantamount to a walkout because our work was not finished… hammering out was still going on. Mr. Jadgeo could not arbitrarily bring to an end that process when we have work to do,” Harmon said.

Representing the President were Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; and Harmon.

Representing the Opposition Leader were Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira; Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Attorney, Anil Nandlall and Opposition

some very clear instructions to the team led by Minister Lawrence that we remain engaged; that we do everything to ensure that this process has a consensual outcome. At all stages and at every point we acted in good faith and we were the true representatives of His Excellency, the President in this process and therefore we had certain jurisdiction, certain powers when we were negotiating. Unlike the other side, they could make no decisions, everything they had to refer back [to the Opposition Leader]. Even during the consultations they had to go on the phone [to say] ‘they said this, what do you think?’”

It is now expected that the two leaders will consider a list of 13 names of which six will be shortlisted for final submission.

“Yesterday’s (Thursday’s) meeting, we felt, was one of the greatest displays of bad faith. In fact, we saw the setting up of that since Tuesday and then on Wednesday when the Leader of the Opposition, through Ms. Gail Teixeira sent a letter which got in to the media even before it we saw it, you know fully well that this was a public relations exercise that they were on,” he said.

NO INTEREST IN DELAY The Director-General said from the inception, the President has made it clear that he respects the ruling of the CCJ and will work towards facilitating a smooth and swift process for the selection of a new Chair.

“Throughout this process, the President has shown good-faith and has been guided by and obeyed the Court’s ruling and the Constitution of Guyana,” he said.

“The government side has been and will continue to adhere to the ruling of the CCJ and the agreement with the Leader of the Opposition.

The government side remains committed to concluding the process within days to enable GECOM to function.

Once done, Guyanese can expect credible elections in the shortest possible time.”

Last week People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali led a group of picketers to protest for the President to set a date for early elections although there is no GECOM Chair in place.

On Friday, Harmon reminded that the President cannot name a date for elections without the assurance that GECOM is in a position to hold “free, fair and credible elections”.

Furthermore, he stated that a contaminated Official

List of Electors (OLE) can affect the credibility of the elections and create a leeway for Opposition to contest the future results.

The last OLE expired under law on April 30, 2019 and the conduct of houseto-house registration, as planned since in 2018, can create the newest and most credible OLE, he maintained.

However, the Opposition remains firmly against the holding of this exercise and, in recent written submissions to the CCJ, has asked that elections be held no later than September 18, 2019.

BALL IN OPPOSITION’S COURT Immediately after the CCJ’s June 18 ruling of the process of the appointment of the former GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, as “flawed”, the President met with Patterson and accepted his resignation.

Then, following the CCJ’s June 24, 2019 urgings for the two sides to meet towards the selection of a new Chair, he met with Leader of the Opposition on July 4, 2019 to agree on the process they would take, in keeping with the Constitution, for the required selection.

Should the Leader of the Opposition refuse to meet to act on the list of eight names suggested by the President, Harmon stated that this will be “against the spirit and intent of the CCJ”.

“Now, Mr. Jagdeo has decided that his team will withdraw from the process and [it will be] handed back to him so he has to now make the next move. We are interested in having a Chairman of GECOM as fast as possible because we want elections as fast as possible…we have no interest in delaying these elections.”

Minibus tout sentenced to six months in jail MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Friday July 12, 2019, sentenced an 18-yearold minibus tout to serve six months’ imprisonment for larceny.

Daniel Wilson appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and accepted the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on Wednesday July 10, 2019, at Lombard Street, Georgetown, Wilson

stole $24,620 from Oswyn Roberts.

Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummel told the court that, on the day in question, Roberts, who is a minibus driver, was at Lombard Street, in the vicinity of the 42 bus park, conducting his business.

Brummel explained that the victim was looking for passengers for his minibus and had the money in his hand. It is alleged that Wilson

approached the victim and snatched the money.

Wilson, attempted to run away, but Roberts gave chase along with a police officer, who was on mobile patrol.

The defendant was apprehended and the money was recovered in his possession.

The Magistrate, in handing down the sentence, considered Wilson’s acceptance of guilt to save the court’s time and sentenced him to six months in jail.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Minister Ferguson clears air on home ownership Porter remanded for simple larceny

NEWLY-APPOINTED Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, has cleared the air with respect to her owning a home.

Minister Ferguson said that allegations about how she acquired the property are totally untrue. She related that she applied for a house lot while in opposition. At that time, she only served as a Member of Parliament.

During that time, she lived on her family’s property in Bourda, where she grew up.

When she applied for her house lot, the Minister of

Housing was Irfaan Ali. She was given the offer to benefit from the housing solution in Eccles, EBD and decided that she preferred a plot of land to construct her own home. She was then told that she can be allocated a plot of land in Region Three; this offer she also rejected as she preferred to stay in Region Four. Minister Ferguson said that when her government took office and she was appointed junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, she pursued her house lot, as any other Guyanese would, and she

said, “I was given the royal run around.”

When she was eventually successful with being allocated a 0.2525 acre of land in Georgetown, she then sought financing to build her house at a commercial bank. “I secured a mortgage, I have a mortgage that I am paying for, I don’t have three plots of land that is being peddled in the public domain. I have one plot of land and the acreage is 0.2525,” she said. “I have my mortgage. I am clean, I have nothing to hide,” she said.

More so, she said construction of the house commenced since 2016 and to date, “I can’t finish up to now,” she said. That is to show that monies are not flowing as is being peddled.

Her husband is also the contractor of the house being built.

The minister said that with all the fake news going around, she is more than happy that she received her plot of land before being appointed to the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for housing.

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty, on Friday July 12, 2019, remanded a 43-year-old porter to prison for simple larceny.

Monaf Boodhoo of Essequibo Coast, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied that, on Wednesday July 10, 2019, at Robb Street, Bourda, he stole a black handbag worth $7,500 which contained $242,000 cash and documents, a total of $249,500, property of Lowona Bratt.

Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummel told the court that, on the day in question, the virtual complainant (VC) fell asleep at the location mentioned above.

However, the VC woke after she felt someone pulling on her handbag and saw that it was Boodhoo, who is known to her.

Brummel told the court that Boodhoo snatched the handbag and made good his escape. The VC reported the matter to the Alberttown Police Station and Boodhoo was arrested.

The prosecutor objected to Boodhoo being granted his pre-trial liberty citing the nature and penalty attached to the charge.

Magistrate McGusty ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Boodhoo to prison until August 2, 2019.

Saturday 13, July, 2019 02:30hrs - 04:00hrs

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

GPSU welcomes Min. Halley’s intervention –– to end the three-month wait for public servants’ salary

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has applauded the move by Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, that public servants would no longer have to wait three months before receiving their salaries.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, First Vice-President of GPSU, Dawn Gardener, stated that the union appreciates and welcomes any improvement related to the conditions of service, for the public servants.

“We really appreciate [the] minister’s comment on the way forward. This is the way forward, this is something that we wholeheartedly welcome and we support this,” Gardener expressed.

Gardener stated that the issue of public servants having to wait three months before being paid is an issue that the GPSU has been representing for the past years, “because we too see it as very insensitive to have someone working and being paid months after employment.”

She described the matter of persons being paid three months after being employed as unfair and added, “We’ve even represented matters where persons like

Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo- Halley that, who are employed for months, and they weren’t paid and could not go to work, and managers were taking disciplinary action against them. That again is insensitive, because these same supervisors or managers are aware that the persons were not in receipt of salaries which pose a challenge for them to get to work.”

Gardener labels the intervention as a “plus” for the GPSU and public servants, since they would no longer have to represent such matters.

During a press conference held by Minister Halley, on Thursday, she stated that many public servants have echoed the issue of having to work for three months before being paid.

“It’s unconscionable.

Why would you have somebody working, from time to time, trying to find food, money to get to work for three whole months and not pay them? I think that it is something that should stop immediately,” she stated.

The minister said that she has thus far found no rule or policy that validates the practice and after the month of July 2019, it should no longer be a practice in any government agency.

“I am working with my staff to remove this bugbear from those who are desirous of joining the public service.

So, going forward, no one should have to wait beyond one month of being hired to receive their first salary,” Halley indicated.

She added, “Why was it happening all the time? I am not sure, it’s just somebody made it a policy at some point and persons decided in the ministry to take it up as something that they should do.

I don’t understand it.”

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Gov’t to introduce zoning to deter EBD land issues –– Squatting at Friendship to be addressed also

By Lisa Hamilton

ZONING of lands along the East Bank of Demerara is one method which the government plans to introduce to address land issues currently affecting residents including those residing at the village of Friendship.

This was noted by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who, along with Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, visited the community on Thursday.

The team interacted with residents at the Friendship Secondary School and listened to their main concerns.

It was during the question and answer segment that the extent of the land issues was brought to the prime minister’s attention. “The issues of land and squatter regularisation; these two issues seem to be at the core of the existence of Friendship hence the designation, still, ‘Friendship

government’s plan to introduce zoning on the EBD which would largely reduce these complications.

He stated that a team, in collaboration with the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC), has plans to soon commence the activity which will identify the right ownership of land and where vacant land is available for development.

“We have set up a team with the involvement of the Lands and Survey Commission to do a mapping of the entire East Bank to see who owns what land and we have decided in Cabinet that our coalition government, particularly under the direction of President David Granger, that we should have zoning. The same problems we have here should not happen again,” he said. “[This means] identifying lands of playfields, identifying lands that can be

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, engages residents during the meeting (Adrian Narine photo) Squatting Area’ of ‘Friendship Squatting Scheme’.”

His observation matched previous urgings of residents for a deeper look into the land title issues and disagreements within their community where many have occupied squatting land for dozens of years.

In responding to these matters, the prime minister informed residents of the

used by the State for schools, for community centres, for health centres, for fire stations, police stations, public hospitals, whatever it is, that is the priority,” Nagamootoo said.

Furthermore, he stated that he will request that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GLSC, Trevor Benn, revisit the community to determine the means in which some

land issues raised can be addressed within the context of the law.

Speaking further, Nagamootoo told the residents of the government’s plan for the construction of roads such as the EDB to Ogle Road link, which will open up opportunities for the development of new residential, agriculture and business lands.

“Once the road is developed you will have more people settling along the route of the road and there will be a lot of interest in land because the area will have new development.

Industries will be established, businesses will be established, manufacturing centres will be established, processing plants will be established, agriculture lands will be opened and there are plans for us to have a second road that will [run] all the way to Timehri,” he said.

Meanwhile, directly addressing those presently affected by land issues and squatter regularisation, he explained that rectifying this will call for a process which involves entities such as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), and others.

He stated that some sections of the community are fortunate to have already, the services of light and water in place, even without regularisation, and the government will work to address the outstanding challenges.

In responding to issues related to street lighting in the community, Nagamootoo reminded that this is the responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) but, in special occasions, the government can assist.

As such, he informed that he would speak with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, about whether sections of the community can be included in the ministry’s solar panel street lighting project.

BIGGER PICTURE He also encouraged the community members to join efforts towards developing increased represen-

tation of their issues in the cases where their NDC falls short due to political biases.

Even in the midst of these and other challenges, he called on them to step back and to take a look at the bigger picture of development which has not only been gradually taking place in Friendship, but equitably across the country.

Some of these, he noted as taking place over just a short period of time were the modernisation of the country’s airport; the renovation of 58 airstrips in the interior; increased salaries and pension; massive road constructions and expansions; solar farm projects; renovated hospitals and newly-built schools; increased funding for security; resilient education programmes for better results and positive economic reports from the international community.

“Not a single community has not been touched by the hand of change and progress however small and, therefore, we have to look at the small picture but we also have to look at the bigger picture,” he said.

“You have to step back out of your community and look at the bigger picture, the bigger canvas that is Guyana and you will see everywhere the painting of development.”

Meanwhile, Minister Henry stated that prior to arriving at the secondary school, she walked around to two communities where she observed new roads where

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, speaking on the land-related concerns raised by residents (Adrian Narine photo) mud dams previously existed.

She indicated the while improvements cannot occur simultaneously in each community, these are all signs that progress is being made and will continue to be made under the APNU+AFC government.

During her interactions with the residents she addressed a complaint by a resident that some school-aged children in the community are not attending school.

Minister Henry, even as she urged guardians to ensure that their children remain in school, noted that officers from the Education Ministry will be visiting the community to check on this as this specific matter is taken very seriously.

When a sports coach, Walter Scott, expressed the need for a recreational facility in the community to pro-

vide a safe space for youths to play sports, Minister Henry assured that arrangements will be made to facilitate the physical and social need.

She also pledged to make a representation to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for the setting up of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hub in the community.

Also present was Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Regional Chairman, Genevieve Allen, who also took note of concerns related to telephone lines, water issues, the drainage system and a non-functioning koker in the community.

Allen reminded that, in the current period, the government is compiling a list of projects which are to be included in the 2020 budget and the Region will take into consideration some of the needs highlighted.

Residents of Friendship turn out in their numbers to the community meeting at the Friendship Secondary School (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Guyana, US ties remain strong

President David Granger delivering an address during the celebration of the 243rd Independence Anniversary of the US. From left are:US Ambassador, Sarah Ann-Lynch; Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings (Delano Williams photo)

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA is looking forward to lasting cooperation with the United States (US), as the country advances towards securing a better life for people in the Western Hemisphere and Caribbean.

This was according to President David Granger during his remarks at the celebration of the US’s 243rd Anniversary of Independence at the US Ambassador’s residence, on Friday evening.

Guyana extended congratulations to the government and people of the US on the occasion of the 243rd Anniversary of its Declaration of Independence.

According to President Granger, Guyana and the US have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in August 1966 – the year Guyana gained independence.

“Our countries have cultivated a strong stable and sound relationship over the past 53 years… Guyanese are bound by the ties of history to the US, the largest economy and third largest country in the world,” said the president.

Guyana and the US have founded a friendship on the principles of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit and respect for international law and treaty in the maintenance of international peace and security.

President Granger said the US continues to be one of Guyana’s significant trade and investment partners and the government appreciates the cooperation programmes, which have contributed to national, economic development and social changes.

He made reference to initiatives such as the maternal child survivor programme, strengthening of the criminal justice system and numerous USAID governance and security

training programmes offered to the local defence and police forces.

“These all augment our human

President David Granger and Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch share a toast.

At right, is First Lady, Sandra Granger (Delano Williams photo)

cohort of 33 Peace Corps volunteers, who assist the ministries of public health, education and Department of

will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of biodiversity, promotion of re-

Members of the US Marine Corps doing a display during the celebration of the 243rd Independence Anniversary (Delano Williams photo) resource capacity and have been invaluable to Guyana’s development,” said President Granger, adding that Guyana continues to benefit from the US SOUTHCOM’s New Horizon series of projects, which began 15 years ago.

The current project has contributed to Guyana’s public health and public education systems, through the building of clinics, community centres, schools and the hosting of joint medical outreaches.

All of those initiatives, he said, promote peace and stability and augment the development of the social infrastructure, which is necessary for improving citizens’ quality of life.

The US has also sustained cooperation in health, education and the environment with the current

17

Environment in improving primary literacy, supporting adolescents in youth friendly spaces and raising awareness of domestic and environmental issues.

According to President Granger, Guyana also benefits from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the global fight against the disease. It is an initiative guided by the Millennium Development Goals of halting the spread, improving treatment and the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. While Guyana welcomes the US’ support on all fronts, the country remains guided by its own ‘Green State Development Strategy’.

“Guyana is in transition to becoming a ‘green’ state. One which

newable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” said President Granger.

Like Guyana, the US has grown by using its many resources, which have enabled the country to be what it is today – a strong leader, but also a friend and partner to many nations, including Guyana.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch, said a lot has happened along the 243-year journey. The US, she said, has struggled, roiled at times by political strife and ethnic sectarian divisions, but has found its way – time and time again – out of divisiveness and set itself on a solid path forward.

The US has experimented-first with a political system that stressed checks and balance of power – a sys-

tem far from the norm of the times, and then, with science and technology, giving them so many wonders that people take for granted today: the telephone, electricity, computers and airplanes.

Further, the US has explored – first Westward towards California, and since then under the seas and out to the stars.

For instance the US faced unparalleled challenges in its journey to space, but it also succeeded in breaking extraordinary new ground. Why? Preparation had met opportunity and that yielded success.

Likewise, Ambassador AnnLynch said Guyana is on its own journey right now, also facing tremendous opportunity, having burst onto the world stage as it gets ready for the first extraction of oil in 2020.

“I am proud that the US continues to be a determined partner of yours as we continue to collaborate with Guyana in preparation for this new day: partnering on the security front to make Guyana safer and more secure; partnering on the governance front to improve transparency and accountability, and to reduce corruption; partnering on the development front to enhance access to quality healthcare and increase educational and job opportunities; and partnering on the economic front to increase trade and US investment in Guyana,” she said.

Ann-Lynch believes that the partnership will continue to thrive and be successful with strong US and Guyanese leadership.

She as such urged the government officials, leaders and members of the opposition, civil society and youth to help Guyana in its journey to success and to help the country prepare, to the greatest extent, for the new day.

In that regard, she urged Guyanese to remember the words of Astronaut, Neil Armstrong – “Success is where preparation meets opportunity.”

18

Minibus operator to stand trial for murder PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty on Friday, July 12, 2019, committed a 22-year-old man to stand trial at the High Court for murder, while his father was freed from the indictment due to insufficient evidence.

Timothy McKenzie, 22 and his father, 56-yearold James McKenzie, both minibus operators, and of Kitty, Georgetown, were charged jointly with the murder of 22-year-old Richmond Noel, who was stabbed and killed near the Stabroek Market on June 4, 2018.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was presided over

James McKenzie

by Magistrate McGusty, who sits at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Evidence was led by Prosecutor Deniro Jones.

Magistrate McGusty, on Friday, ruled that, based on the evidence

presented during the PI, a sufficient case was made out again Timothy McKenzie for him to be tried at the High Court.

Meanwhile, James McKenzie was freed from the charge due to insufficient evidence.

According to police reports, Noel and Timothy were known to each other.

However, they had a misunderstanding after Timothy reportedly assaulted Noel’s sister.

On the day in question, around 13:30 hours, in the vicinity of Cornhill Street, Stabroek, the two men had a heated confrontation in which Timothy, armed with a

Timothy McKenzie knife, approached Noel and reportedly dealt him a single stab to the left side of his chest.

Timothy, it is claimed, was given the knife by his father to confront Noel.

The victim collapsed to the ground and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in an unconscious state where he was examined by a doctor. Noel died while undergoing treatment for the wound.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Accused in conspiracy to commit murder released on bail HIGH Court Judge Navindra Singh on Friday, July 12, 2019, released the owner of Mark Interior Communication Inc. on $500,000 bail for the charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

Mark Grimmond, 57, the owner of the communication service, along with Mark’s Pool Side and Fun Park located at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was charged alongside Chatterpaul Singh called Kevin, 36.

It is alleged that the men, between April 1, 2018, and June 7, 2019, at Georgetown, they conspired with persons known and unknown to murder Lethem businessman Dwayne Grant.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court will, on July 24, commence Mark Grimmond the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the conspiracy to commit murder.

On Friday, Grimmond’s attorney, Bernard DaSilva, made an application at the High Court for his client to be granted bail. Justice Singh granted Grimmond $500,000 bail.

According to reports, Grant is a businessman who lives in Lethem and had received a ‘tip-off’ that Grimmond had hired someone to execute him.

The businessman became fearful for his life and reported the matter to the police, who went to a Hotel in Lethem and found Singh with an illegal firearm in his possession.

The police is contending that Singh, while in custody, told the investigator that he was hired by Grimmond to kill Grant.

Grimmond was arrested and the police found telephone records between the men.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

‘Trini’ who faked own kidnapping to know fate in August COME August 16, 2019, Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore is expected to make her ruling in the case against 34-year-old Trinidad national Sawak Maraj, who is on trial for faking his own kidnapping here two years ago.

Maraj, who is currently out on $1M bail, was charged for giving the police false information and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Particulars of the case alleged that, on October 27, 2017, in Georgetown, Maraj knowingly gave false information to the police, stating that he had been kidnapped, and that his abductors had demanded US$700,000 for his release.

It is further alleged that, on the same day, while at the Madewini Resort on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with two other persons to obtain the ransom money.

According to the police, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 27, 2017,

also sent a photograph showing him clad only in his underwear and socks, and one of his alleged abductors holding a cutlass to his neck.

After being contacted by the man’s family in Trinidad, local police and agents from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit imme-

Sawak Maraj claiming to have come for a job interview. He was picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by two other Trinidadians who had arrived in the country earlier that week.

Later that same day, Maraj’s relatives in Trinidad, reportedly received a call from an unknown person, claiming to have kidnapped Maraj shortly after his arrival here and demanding that a ransom be paid for his release.

The man’s family was

diately sprang into action.

The first thing they did was to review footage from the surveillance camera at the airport, which showed Maraj warmly embracing his two so-called abductors, who turned out to be the said two ‘Trinis’ who’d picked him up at the air-

port, before boarding a taxi without incident.

Aided by the surveillance tapes, the investigators were able to track down the taxi driver who transported the men from the airport, and trace the call that was made to demand the ransom. It was that call that gave away the

location from where the call was made.

Armed with such vital information, the agents then hurried to the location, and there they found Maraj, the supposedly kidnapped victim, in an apartment, relaxing and sipping on beverages.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Cousins lead QC to...

FROM PAGE 28

Akeem Critchlow scored a half-century for Business School on Thursday

tack with the ball. He spun his way to 2-33 from eight overs while fellow off-spinner Vickash Jaikaran grabbed 1-34 from seven overs.

In reply, it was all Persaud and Brandon Jaikaran (no relation to Vickash). The pair, who have been playing cricket together for years, batted with composure and confidence. Persaud struck 12 fours in an unbeaten score of 105, while Jaikaran caressed the boundary eight times in his unbeaten 99.

Sixteen-year-old Jaikaran looked set to also make his century, given that he was on 99 with the side three runs short of a win.

The Trinidadian bowler delivered the ball down the leg side and Jaikaran thought he had a touch, so the Guyanese pair took off for two, but the umpire then called a wide, which ended the game.

Cousins Navindra Persaud (left) and Brandon Jaikaran batted themselves to an unbeaten 227-run opening partnership for QC

CRITCHLOW’S HALF CENTURY Also on Thursday the Business School, who have been struggling with the bat, lost to 360 Cricket Academy from Australia - the finalists of last year’s competition.

Business School were routed for 141 in 37.2 overs; only Akeem Critchlow with 55 and bowling all-rounder Tathesh Shivrattan with 41 defied the bowling.

In reply, 360 Cricket

Academy reached the target (142-3) in 29.1 overs.

Shivrattan spun his way to 2-30.

The two teams will have today and tomorrow off before they get back into action on Monday.

Business School will t a c k l e Q u e e n ’s P a r k Cricket Coaching School (T&T), while QC will also face a Trinidadian team, when they meet Fatima College.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, July 13, 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) Dinesh Ramdin & Deryck Murray (2) Oshane Thomas & Shai Hope

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many runs and wickets Bangladeshi Shakib-ul-Hassan garnered in World Cup 2019?

(2) Which team ended the preliminary round of World Cup 2019 without a single point?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Bet On Mike Race 2 Western Taffy Race 3 Belle Danseuse Race 4 Kallan Race 5 J M R Bold Race 6 Pink Scribbles Race 7 Samurai Queen Race 8 Miss Mo Mentum Race 9 Painting American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Win The Shake Race 2 Mike’s Girl Race 3 By Your Dide Race 4 Irked Race 5 Originator Race 6 Field Pass Race 7 Peaceful

Race 8 Sistercharlie South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:35 hrs Moss Gas 09:10 hrs Lone Survivor 09:45 hrs Seventh Of June 10:20 hrs Extravert 10:55 hrs Pilgrim’s Progress English Racing Tips Ascot 08:45 hrs Muthmir 09:15 hrs Manigordo 09:50 hrs Lool Wah 10:25 hrs Ship Of The Fen 11:00 hrs Zaaki 11:35 hrs Faylaq 12:10 hrs Rux Ruxx

Newmarket 08:50 hrs Light Blish 09:20 hrs Honest Albert 09:55 hrs King’s Command 10:30 hrs Kynren 11:05 hrs Chaleur 11:40 hrs Advertise 12:15 hrs Dubai Tradition Chester 09:00 hrs Upstate New York 09:35 hrs Be Like Me 10:10 hrs Marie’s Diamond 11:20 hrs Bit Of A Quirke 11:55 hrs Spirit Of May 12:30 hrs Harvey Dent Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:55 hrs Alligator Alley 09:30 hrs Punita Arora 10:05 hrs Gospies Daughter 10:40 hrs Dream Angle 11:15 hrs High Street Lady 11:50 hrs Lady Rosebud 12:25 hrs Ally Cay

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Barcelona sign Griezmann France international Griezmann will have a release clause of 800 million euros (£717M) at Barcelona

(BBC) - BARCELONA have signed France forward Antoine Griezmann from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid after paying his 120 million euro (£107M) buyout clause.

The 28-year-old World Cup winner has signed a fiveyear deal which includes an 800M euro (£717M) release clause.

He signed a new fiveyear deal in June 2018, but announced in May he would be leaving the club this summer.

Atletico have been unhappy about Barcelona’s approach for the player and say 120 million euros is “insufficient”.

Griezmann is now the world’s sixth most expensive signing behind Neym a r, K y l i a n M b a p p e , Philippe Coutinho, Joao Felix and Ousmane Dembele.

A TRANSFER SAGA Shortly after Barcelona announced the signing yesterday, Atletico responded by saying his buyout clause should have been 200 million euros (£179M) - the value at the time they believe Griezmann and Barcelona began negotiating.

His release clause dropped from 200 million euros to 120 million euros on July 1.

“Griezmann, represented by his lawyer, has appeared at the headquarters of the Professional Football League to unilaterally terminate the contract that links the player with Atletico,” they said in a statement.

“Atletico believes that the amount deposited is insufficient since it is obvious that the commitment of the player and Barcelona was closed before the aforementioned clause was reduced from 200 to 120 million euros.

“Atletico believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season and therefore has initiated procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests.”

Atletico reported Barcelona to FIFA over an

Four Guyanese in WI Women’s training camp FOUR Guyanese have been selected to participate in a West Indies Women’s training camp in preparation for a tour against Australia.

Chronicle Sport was informed that the left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz, who

is the lone new face from Guyana, is joined by Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi and Shemaine Campbelle.

The camp will be held in Antigua from July 15 to August 10. The full squad for the camp is yet to be

announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Meanwhile, speaking with this publication yesterday, said she is excited with the news, adding that she will take the opportunity with both hands.

Bottas leads Silverstone practice

(BBC) - VALTTERI Bottas led Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes one-two narrowly ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in second practice at the British Grand Prix.

Bottas edged Hamilton by 0.069 seconds, with Leclerc just 0.197secs behind.

Hamilton had a scrappy day, making a series of errors and struggling to put a lap together until the key moment of his quick run in the second session.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was fourth, ahead of the Red Bull of Pierre Gasly and McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen, winner of the last race in Austria, had a poor run on soft tyre and low fuel and was only seventh fastest.

A new track surface coupled with windy conditions at Silverstone made life difficult for the drivers, many of whom made errors and ran wide or spun.

Hamilton and Vettel both went off at the fast Becketts sweeps, while Toro Rosso’s Alexander Albon and Williams’ Robert Kubica had problems at Brooklands and Luffield earlier in the lap.

alleged illegal approach for Griezmann in December 2017.

Griezmann then rejected an offer from Barcelona last year and revealed his thought process in a documentary

called The Decision.

But earlier this month Atletico accused Barca and Griezmann of disrespect and claimed the La Liga champions talked to their forward in March. They

also ordered the player to report for pre-season.

In a statement, the Madrid club expressed their “strongest repulsion for the behaviour of both, especially Barcelona”.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Barbados, Jamaica win to set up final round decider (CMC) – UNBEATEN Barbados thrashed hosts Trinidad and Tobago by seven wickets while Jamaica edged winless Guyana, to set up a decisive

final-round clash in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-17 Championship here Friday.

Playing at the National Cricket Centre, Barbados

chased down a paltry 79 to win by three wickets while at Gilbert Park, Jamaica superbly defended a modest 104 to win by five runs.

Barbados top the stand-

ings with 15.9 points with Jamaica second on 13. The two clash today at Gilbert Park, in a contest that will determine the champions of this year’s tournament.

It was fast bowler Jaden Leacock who set the stage for Barbados’ victory, producing an excellent spell to capture seven wickets for eight runs from 7.2 overs as T&T crumbled to 78 all out off 28.2 overs.

mar Bolden’s unbeaten 33 and Kevin Wickham’s 32 not out.

The pair combined in a 51-run, unbroken fourth-wicket stand which carried their side over the line easily in the end.

Jamaica, meanwhile, struggled after choosing to bat and could muster only 104 all out off 47.4 overs, as fast bowler Sheldon Charles (4-26) and Shrawan ChaitBarbados fast bowler Jaden Leacock

Isaiah Gomez resisted with an unbeaten 18 and was just one of three T&T batsmen in double figures as they slumped from 30 for one in the 10th over, to lose their last nine wickets for 48 runs.

In reply, Barbados were in trouble at 30 for three in the 12th over but recovered to reach their target in the 23rd over, courtesy of Ni-

narine (3-11) hurt the innings.

Guyana’s poor form then continued when they were bowled out for 99 off 46 overs, with Zeynul Ramsammy stroking 23 not out while Steven Wedderburn (2-7), Brandon English (2-8) and Jahieem Bartley (2-12) also picked up wickets.

Guyana were sliding at

45 for seven in the 23rd over but recovered after Ramsammy anchored a stand of 25 for the eighth wicket with Chaitnarine (9) and put on a further 26 for the ninth wicket with Niran Bissu (13).

With the game on edge, they lost their last two wickets for three runs in the space of five balls.

At the Brian Lara Stadium, Teddy Bishop narrowly missed out on three figures as Windward Islands went down to Leeward Islands by 13 runs.

Chasing 195 for victory, the Windwards got 96 from Bishop and 22 from Jedd Joseph, before declining to 181 for nine off their 50 overs.

They had looked on course for victory at 104 for three in the 28th over after Bishop put on 54 for the third wicket with Ojay Matthews (13) and a further 50 for the fourth wicket with Jedd Joseph.

However, Anderson Amurdan snatched three for 19 and Akadianto Willett, two for 32, as the Windwards lost six wickets for 75 runs.

Bishop faced 109 balls and struck 12 fours.

Earlier, Clinton Reece top-scored with 67 while Kenny Sutton got 55, as the Leewards, sent in, gathered 194 all out off 49.2 overs. Fast bowler Tyran Theodore grabbed five for 42.

Cousins lead QC to emphatic 10-wicket victory in Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket

… Persaud slams unbeaten century, Jaikaran left on 99 not out QUALITY stroke-plays by the opening pair of Navindra Persaud and Brandon Jaikaran (who incidentally are cousins) propelled Queen’s College to their second straight victory when action continued on Thursday in the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Competition in St Michael, Barbados.

The 10-wicket win against St Mary’s College

of Trinidad and a washout clash on Friday against Foundation School from Barbados have pushed the Guyanese school to an unbeaten run in their opening week. In total the side have 12 points from four games, after two wins and two no results (due to rain) in Zone A. In Zone B, Guyana’s other school team, the Business School, lost their first week of matches.

LATEST WIN QUEEN’S College won the toss on Thursday against St Mary’s College and opted to bowl. The Trinidadian side manoeuvred their way to 226-4 in their allotted 40 overs.

QC captain Persaud, who was away on national U-17 duties last year when the school participated in the tournament, led the atTURN TO PAGE 26

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Flashback! Last year’s various category winners pose with their trophies along with representatives from P&P Insurance Company

John set to defend P&P 11-race cycling title today THE country’s top wheelsmen will return to the inner circuit of the National Park, Thomas Lands today, when they go headto-head for the crown in the 19th edition of the P&P Insurance 11-race cycling programme, organised by cycling coach Hassan Mohammed.

Recently crowned National champion Jamual John was the winner of last year’s main event in one hour 16 minutes 51 seconds but will be faced with stern challenges in retaining the title in the 35-lap feature Schoolboys and Invitational event.

Romello Crawford, Mi-

chael Anthony and Briton John will be the leading challengers as they are all in form and will be looking for bragging rights in the case of possibly beating the National champion.

There will be events for BMX riders, Masters and Juvenile/Junior racers before the feature event.

Busy weekend for local golfers THE Lusignan Golf Club will stage two exciting tournaments this weekend, as part of the LGC Open tournament.

Today, the LGC will stage its appreciation day golf tournament, while tomorrow the postponed CARICOM Day tournament will take place.

Up for grabs in both tournaments are specialty prizes for first- and second-place winners in each Flight, in addition to the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin. This weekend’s two-day experience will prime golfers for the international standard Lusignan Open, which is set for July 20 and 21.

This weekend could see the likes of

Aleem Hussain, Asrodeen Shaw, Carlos Carbo, Clifford Reis, Guillermo Escarraga, Ian Gouveia, Imtiaz Subhan, Kassim Khan, Kevin Dinanauth, Lekhnarine Shivraj, Mahindra Bhagwandin, Mahindranauth Tewari, Maurice Solomon, Maxim Mangra, Parmanand Persaud, Patrick Prashad, Per Persaud, Pope Emanuel London, Rabindranauth Persaud, Richard Haniff, Robert Hanoman, Roy Cummings and Troy Cadogan.

The Ministry of Tourism, under Director General, Donald St Clair, will be among the main sponsors for this year’s Lusignan Open, and it is anticipated that some 70 golfers and hundreds of spectators will attend.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Bikini Boxing returns

The reigning Beach Bikini Boxing champion, Merette McInroy

Prime Minister’s Cup confirmed for November 1-3

THE Prime Minister’s T20 Cup has been confirmed for November 1-3, and will consist of three categories namely Over-45, Over-50 and Open with matches to be played at venues in Georgetown. The Over-50 tournament will be played for the first time.

Chronicle Sport was reliably informed that, while no entrance fee is required, teams will be asked to make a deposit of $60 000 as collateral for their participation in the tournament and this will be refunded after the preliminary round matches on the second day of the competition.

Teams are urged to secure their spots as early as possible since only the first eight teams registered in each of the categories will be accepted.

Teams will be required to submit an ID photo of their list of 15 players which will be used for a database of the players.

Following the semifinals on November 2, the finals will be held on November 3 at Everest CC, commencing with the over-50 category from 10:00hrs. This will be followed by the Over-45 final from 13:30hrs while the Open final will be played under lights from 18:00hrs.

Regal Masters and Speedboat are the defending champions in the Over-45 and Open categories respectively.

Registration forms can be uplifted at Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, and teams can contact the GSCL Inc. on 225-4802 or 226-4205.

IT’S going to be ‘beauty meets brawn’ tonight with the return of Bris ‘O’ Productions’ Women Bikini Boxing competition at the La Familia Ground on Aubrey Barker Road.

Some 12 athletic young ladies will be pitted against one another in a ring while decked out in swimwear and inflatable socker-bopper gloves, battling for the coveted belt and cash prizes.

With a great combination of sport and entertainment, the event will be refereed by popular local comedian, Mark Kazim, famed for his performances of Chinese character ‘LoLi’.

Also on show for the night will be two exhibition bouts by flyweight pugilist Dexter Marques.

This will be the second event of its kind being held in Guyana. The first one went down last year at the Splashmin’s Resort. The man behind the event is popular boxing promotor Seon Bristol, who decided that he needed to add a little more entertainment to his boxing events after noticing a waning interest in the sport of boxing over the years.

The resounding success of the first hosting has encouraged him to keep the ball rolling.

“The first one was last November at Splashmin’s and that went above my expectations in terms of the attendance, in the excitement, in the response, even the action was overwhelming,” Bristol related.

“Due to the poor attendance of boxing we needed to enhance that by implementing something different that will bring spectators to the ring. Therefore we decided to do this and come this December, we will host the first Bikini Amateur Professional at the Sports Hall.”

While the event mimics some of the rules of boxing, being a different type of entertainment it comes with a few of its own rules. While the minimum length of an official boxing match is three rounds with two-minute duration, for this event the fights will consist of three one-minute rounds for all participants.

The night will see the 12 girls paired off for six fights, of the six winners the ultimate champion will be decided by the judges based on how the girls entertained. There will also be

prizes for best swimwear, as well as for the winner of a danceoff competition.

“There’ll be one champion. We’re going to have judges who will adjudge persons by their actions, how they entertain the crowd, and how they present themselves,” Bristol explained.

And the prizes won’t just be for the girls, Bristol says there’s going to be something for the patrons as well.

“There will be a few surprise giveaways, lots of fun and lots of laughter, it’s going to be entertainment of a new kind,” he promised.

Though the girls are not seasoned boxers, in preparation for the event they have been in training for the past few months at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym, under the tutelage of former WIBA bantamweight champion Shondell ‘The Mystery Lady’ Alfred. Many of the girls who will be performing tonight would have previously performed at the first hosting of the competition.

“It’s interesting to know how seriously the young ladies are taking their training and the possibility of being injured is negligible, even though we will have medical people on hand,” Bristol shared.

In addition to their prizes the young ladies have been paid monthly stipends during their training.

Bristol has major plans to take the event all across the country, even as far as involving other Caribbean nations.

He thinks it could even one day become as big as the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) “The goal of Bristol Promotions is to have first and foremost a champion of Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, then champions of champions and then go to the Caribbean Beach Bikini,” Bristol noted.

Bris ‘O’ Promotions has been around for 20 years, promoting boxing and boxing events. Fights, which are sponsored by Bris ‘O’ Promotions, are done with quality, integrity and entertainment for the boxing fans.

Bris ‘O’ Promotions’ vision is to bring talent, not usually seen, to a worldwide audience.

Lady Jags begin hunt for CONCACAF Women’s U-20 C’ship qualification tonight

By Rawle Toney GUYANA will open their CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship qualifiers tonight at the National Track and Field Centre against Bermuda and the team’s head coach, Dr Ivan Joseph, believes that Guyana’s opening-night opposition will be his toughest challenge.

The Lady Jags, as they are more commonly referred to, will play in tonight’s second match of the planned double-header from 21:30hrs, following the Suriname vs St Lucia game at 19:00hrs.

“I’ve been involved in the National team over the past year and if you look clearly from our experiences last year in the qualifiers, we clearly see that Bermuda are the most organised and most talented group in the pool. They’ve got a strong infrastructure, and they have a longer history. This is our first time in the U-20, where we probably have two players with some senior team experience,” Dr Joseph told reporters, at yesterday’s press conference at the Ramada Hotel at Providence.

Speaking on the team’s composition, the Canadian said the side is made of players based on the Diaspora, with “probably 80% of our team experiencing their first time in international competition. Our expectation is that this is part of our rebuilding programme, so we’ll be hopeful to place in the top two as we look to build the programme”.

In the absence of any local football for the country’s

women, Dr Joseph called the selection process “difficult”, adding, “to be honest, I’m assuming that many of the Caribbean nations might be in a similar position where you’re trying to field team … to put together (a team), based on one and two practices, what you think will be an impactful line-up.”

The CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Qualifiers will be held July 13-21, where Guyana are placed in Group A along with Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname and St Lucia.

Following tonight’s game, Lady Jags will face Antigua and Barbuda on July 15, St Lucia on July 19 and Suriname on July 21.

Guyana’s Squad: Tylor White (Oshawa Kicks OYSL), Aneesa O’Brien (FC Durham Academy), Lensey Adolph (Kwakwani FC), Sydney Puddicombe (ANB Futbol Academy), Rylee Traicoff (FC Durham Academy), Jessica Myers (FC Durham Academy), Hailey David (Pickering SC), Jade Vyfhuis (UMSC OPDC), Amanda McKenzie (Fruta Conquerors FC), Kiana Khedoo (North Miss League), Serena McDonald (AJAX FC), Shontel Greene (Foxy Ladies FC), Tori DeNobrega (Pickering SC), Nailah Rowe (FC Durham Academy), Jaida Brooks (FC Durham Academy), Jenea Knight (AJAX FC), Brianne Desa (FC Durham Academy), Siacy Adams (Foxy Ladies FC), Aubrey Narine (Pickering SC), Tiandi Smith (Fruta Conquerors FC).

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 13, 2019

Bartica teachers benefit from table tennis coaching course IN an effort to spread the game of table tennis outside of the capital city, the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), in conjunction with National Sports Commission and Ministry of Education, held a three-day Developmental Table Tennis Coaching Course in Bartica this week.

The course, which was conducted by Linden Johnson, assisted by Timothy Cornelius and Mark Ambrose, was used to teach some of the fundamentals of the sport to approximately 20 teachers from several schools.

The programme followed the path of similar coaching programmes held in other parts of the country, including in Linden

Lady Jags head coach addresses Jalade Trim’s Women’s U-20 team ‘snub’

By Rawle Toney

Teachers go through table tennis drills

last week.

Both teachers and students (from primary and secondary schools) benefitted from the training sessions,

which were held at the Bartica Committee Centre.

Teachers from Agatash Primary School, Batavia Primary School, Potaro

Primary School, St Anthony’s Primary School, Three Miles Primary School and Bartica Secondary attended the course.

Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward Cup concludes tomorrow … Teams urged to be at venue 15:00hrs

AFTER being postponed previously, due to the inclement weather, this year’s Hamilton Green Cup Inter-Ward/ Village 9-a-side Knockout Football Tournament has tomorrow as the new date for the conclusion of the annual event.

The final will be played at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara and according to coordinator Lennox Arthur they are busy getting the venue prepared to host what is anticipated to be an exciting battle for the coveted first prize and trophy.

The day’s activities will start with the staging of the quarter-finals, before the respective winners collide in the semi-finals to determine the two finalists.

The opening salvo will see Mahaicony take on Bagotville and many believe the anticipated fireworks in this game could set the tempo for the remaining encounters.

In the game to follow, Timehri do battle with Charlestown and this too

Jalade’s turn will come!

promises to be a sizzling affair.

John Steele, Andy Higgins, Prince Pollard and Dexter Welcome will lead Timehri’s charge for victory, while Keiron Solomon, Jamal Cozier, Solomon Austin and Jermin Junor will attempt to secure Charlestown’s spot in the semis Tyrone Khan’s Soesdyke then tackle Liliendaal in the next encounter.

Pouderoyen then take the field against Sophia and the former might need all the home support then can muster to get past their opponents, especially with Peter and Ernie Smith and Jermaine Nedd in their lineup.

Goed Fortuin collide with De Kinderen in the next game with Ashley and Anthony Harding, Courtney Liverpool and Michael Trapp, the key for victory, while Colin Henry, Adrian Johnson and Steffon Coleman anticipated doing the same for De Kinderen.

Adrian Aaron, Joshua Brathwaite, Lennox Cort and

Tevin Curry will lead Bourda Blues in their encounter against Mocha, who will have in their lineup the likes of Orville and Dorville Stewart along with Rollex Smith and Kevin Gordon.

Delon Lanferman will be in action tomorrow Den Amstel Back Street host Zeelugt and this encounter should bring out large home support.

In the final quarter-final game, Uitvlugt tackle Vreeden-Hoop in what is a fitting feature.

Jamal Harvey, Trayon Bobb, Jamal Petty, Seon Bobb and Louis Primo will be the driving force behind Uitvlugt’s pursuit of a win, while Curtis Garraway, Trevon Adams, Seon Stephens and Jamal Mounter will be responsible for Vreed-en-Hoop’s chances of progressing.

Teams will be battling for a chance to claim the John Fernandes $300 000 first prize and Prime Minister Trophy, while the second-placed team will take away the Courtney Benn-sponsored $100 000 and trophy.

Among the sponsors so far are Techno mills, Ready Mix, Sataur Gafoor, E.C. Vieira, BEV Enterprises, BK International, IPA, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, E-Networks, Starr Computers, NAMILCO, Sparta Family, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso, Guyana Police Force, GuyOil, Minister of State, Prime Minister and Ministry of Legal Affairs.

GOA says GFF made late request for funding

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Thursday evening, via press release, announced that they will not be participating in the July 17-21 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifiers in Jamaica. But that news didn’t sit well the country’s ‘ballers’ who were in full preparation mode to represent the ‘592’ in Tokyo, Japan in 2020.

The federation’s president Wayne Forde said, “The GFF has taken a decision to direct its resources to the preparation of our players for the CONCACAF Nations League, which kicks off in September.”

While the move is understandable, many are unhappy with the GFF’s untimely declaration of their intention, especially taking into consideration that since Guyana qualified for the Gold Cup and following the Nations League draw in Las Vegas in March, the Michael Johnson-coached Senior Men’s National team would have required not only

special attention, but almost unlimited funding.

In fact, when contacted last evening, president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Juman-Yassin told Chronicle Sport that the GFF sent a letter for funding, only this week, and at the time, the Olympic Association was not in a position to honour the request.

“We just took on the funding of the Rugby team for their Olympic Qualifier (in the Cayman Islands), so we were not in a position to help the GFF. But they came to us very late. Just this week they sent us a letter, I think it was Monday, but we couldn’t had helped,” said Yassin.

Meanwhile Forde reminded his cynics that under his GFF Executive committee, Guyana has “participated in every international tournament,” but doubled down on their positon, adding, “However, with six Nations League qualification games ahead of us, we are forced to make difficult but necessary financial decisions.”

WHEN Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced Lady Jags’ roster for their campaign in the 2019 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship qualifiers, the absence of one of the country’s most talented young female players, Jalade Trim, did not go unnoticed.

Trim, who recently turned 14, since bursting onto the National scene in 2017 during Guyana’s hosting of the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Caribbean Qualifier Tournament, has been the talk of local football as she mesmerised the crowd with her first touch and technical ability.

Last year, the GFF Junior female football Player-of-the-Year for 2017, joined players from 211 countries in Russia as one of Guyana’s representatives at the 2018 Football for Friendship which was hosted during the staging of the FIFA World Cup. Dr Ivan Joseph, head coach of Guyana Women’s U-20 team, responding to Chronicle Sport about Trim’s snub, while showering the Kwakwani resident with praises, reasoned that “when we looked and we talked about it, Jalade is 14 years old and you need to be intentional when you’re bringing a player in.

When you’re 14 years old, that’s a big jump for you to be making to a U-20 team,”

According to Dr Joseph, “While the intention is that she probably technically is able to play here (in this tournament) and make significant contribution, as a sports psychologist, I don’t want to rush somebody that’s talented. I would rather be patient, than deliberate and intentional.”

Dr Joseph pointed out that set to play in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) 2019 Girls’ Under-14 Challenge Series, August 5-13 in Grenada, Trim will play a key role in the team, pointing out that “it will be her time to shine”.

“So not making the U-20 is not a snub on her skill. It’s more really me as head coach of the senior women’s programme, being intentional on how we expose her to football, to make sure she comes and shines, not just technically but physically as well,” said Dr Joseph.

Jalade Trim

NSC bestows medal to Archery Guyana’s Robert Singh NATIONAL archer Robert Singh has been bestowed with a golden medal of appreciation from the National Sports Commission.

At a mid-morning presentation ceremony, organised by NSC in honour of Archery Guyana’s performance at the recently concluded 3rd Annual Caribbean Beginners and Developmental Championships, held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Guyana’s sole representative archer, Robert Singh, secured medals in all of the events and was honoured with the Gold Medal of Acknowledgement for outstanding achievement at an International Sporting Event by the Director of Sport Mr Christopher Jones.

These events saw contestants from eight countries: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, British Virgin Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

The Championships were organised as a stepping-stone to prepare for World tournaments and games for Caribbean archers who have not competed in a world-ranking event.

Present at the ceremony were Secretary-General Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Head coach/ Director of Archery Guyana Mr. Nicholas Hing.

Page

30

Lady Jags

WE’RE READY! Some of the captains from the competing teams show some camaraderie ahead of the start of the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship Qualifiers Group A action

begin hunt for CONCACAF Women’s U-20 C’ship qualification tonight NSC bestows medal to Archery Guyana’s Robert Singh 31

GOA says GFF made late request for funding

Page

Page

31

GOA president Juman-Yassin

At the morning’s presentation, Singh displayed his medals with pride to the Director of Sport, Mr Christopher Jones

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

GFF president Wayne Forde

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019