Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_15_2019

MONDAY 15th July, 2019

The test of good faith No.105699

–– Jagdeo under pressure to abide by consensual approach for appointment of GECOM chair SEE STORY ON PAGE 03 ►

–– President urges cooperation, good faith

House-to-House registration 12 a better option PAGE

–– says government-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

‘GECOM must carry out functions with integrity’ 12 PAGE

–– AG reiterates gov’t does not conduct elections

Linden to be 13 transformed into economic powerhouse PAGE

Doreen Matheson-Scipio transforming South Friendship PAGE

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GWI workers laying pipelines to enable residents of South Friendship to have access to water in their community

South Friendship Community Development Council Chair, Doreen Matheson-Scipio

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

Doreen Matheson-Scipio transforming South Friendship

By Lisa Hamilton

THE South Friendship Community Development Council (CDC), East Bank Demerara (EBD), is blazing the trail for community development and representation and believes more communities should follow its lead.

Before recent years, the community was without water, electricity and roads, but all this changed after the official launching of the CDC in 2015 and its lobbying efforts to the government.

This would not have been possible without CDC chair, Doreen Matheson-Scipio, a former social worker of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

When she moved to the community over 17 years ago, Scipio had described the South Friendship area as “a depressed community devoid of infrastructure, electricity, water and garbage disposal services.”

The area, often referred to as the ‘Friendship Squatting area,’ was teeming with land ownership disputes over what the CDC chair refers to as “ancestral lands.” Portions of the area had not been regularised, although many persons have lived there for over 30 years.

However, describing herself as a people-person with the “gift of mobilisation,”

South Friendship Community Development Council Chair, Doreen Matheson-Scipio

Residents participate in self-help by painting street humps

Scipio used these qualities to round up youths and other community members for self-help and developmental efforts.

Kicking into action, Scipio wrote letters

to President David Granger; Ministers of Public Infrastructure, Communities and Telecommunication; heads of agencies such as the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and Guyana

Power and Light Inc. (GPL); business owners and other individuals, to draw attention to the community of some 1,800 residents.

Things began to look up when President Granger responded to Scipio’s request for regularisation in 2016.

“I told him everything that pains my heart and he answered and carbon-copied it [the letter] to the Ministry of Communities,” headed

by Minister Ronald Bulkan, the woman said.

At the same time, she also wrote Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, about the non-existence of roads in her community and low-hanging, live electricity wires that posed a grave threat to animals and children.

Through her engagements with Minister Patterson and Bulkan, she met with GWI Managing-Director, Dr Richard Van-West Charles and officials at GPL, to whom she and her team made persistent representation for action to be taken.

However, the officials rightfully explained that the community, being a squatting area, would first need to be regularised before the utilities could be put in place.

As such, Scipio, with the help of others, worked around the clock in 2018 to garner See page 11

The test of good faith

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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––– Jagdeo under pressure to abide by consensual approach for appointment of GECOM chair –– President urges cooperation, good faith

WITH mounting calls from civil society for the country’s leaders to quickly find a solution to the current political impasse, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo will be hard pressed this week to cooperate with President David Granger to urgently arrive at a list of six nominees for the critical post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

In handing down the consequential orders last week Friday, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Adrian Saunders said: “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.

President Granger, while reiterating his commitment to the holding of credible elections in the shortest possible time, said it is imperative that a chairman of GECOM be appointed, and that such an appointment could be done

by Monday, if the Opposition acts in a consensual manner.

Hours after the CCJ urged that the President and the Opposition Leader appoint a chair of GECOM as a matter of greatest public importance, President Granger, in an address to the nation on Friday, took note of the CCJ’s pronouncement that he and 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

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger are expected to meet this week on the appointment of a chairman for the Guyana Elections Commission (file photo) 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 said 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 said.

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 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 of which were 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.

FLAWED 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.

Meanwhile, in weighing-in on the matter, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has said that in light of the rulings and consequential orders, it is clear that a political solution has to be found.

“Therefore, in the best interest of our dear nation and its people, the ERC urges the political leadership to meaningfully engage each other to derive the much-desired and mutually-agreed solutions, so as to break the current impasse.”

The ERC said it is imperative that this be done soonest, in an atmosphere of respect with unfettered determination by all parties involved, to put the welfare of Guyana and Guyanese above any semblance of partisanship.

“The ERC is not unmindful of the focus upon our country. While the situation is not devoid of challenges to both sides of the political divide, Guyanese have been, and continue to be, resolute in carving necessary ways and means to overcome hurdles encountered.

The lessons therein are invaluable.”

OPTIMISTIC The Commission said it remains optimistic that with magnanimity and the placement of the nation’s welfare foremost, the current political situation would be resolved.

“The ERC, like all Guyanese, is heartened when both sides engage each other in search of a way forward.

Success, through the efforts of

working together, therefore, becomes the only option,” the body said.

It added that the situation is apt for a demonstration of willingness from both sides to genuinely work together in pursuit of a common national goal. The ERC also affords the opportunity to show and convince that Guyana, through its entrusted political leadership, can deliver that common desire by resolving issues amicably.

“That will undoubte-dly precipitate a positive impact for harmony and good relations among our Guyanese brothers and sisters, not the least, the political leadership in which we repose,” the Commission said.

On its part, the Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) said it has noted with great concern the recent consequential order following the final ruling of the CCJ on June 12, 2019, with respect to the no-confidence vote against the Government on December 21, 2018, which was validly and properly passed.

The umbrella business body said that in view of the given political and constitutional circumstances, it wishes to register its position, having the highest regard for the respect of the Constitution and the rule of law and order, for the President and Opposition Leader to appoint, as a matter of urgency, a chairman for GECOM from the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

“Within the spirit of the orders of the CCJ, the PSC, therefore, expects the President, GECOM, and all the political actors to act responsibly by adhering to the Constitution and the ruling of the CCJ,” the PSC said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

Trump under fire for racially-charged tweets against congresswomen

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 14, 2019

Iranian oil tanker could be released ‘with guarantees’

(BBC) US President Donald Trump has been accused of racism after posting tweets attacking Democratic conForeign Secretary Jeremy gresswomen.

Hunt has said the Iranian He claimed the women tanker detained by Roy“originally came from counal Marines near Gibraltar tries whose governments are could be released, if the UK aiscomplete and totaloil catastroguaranteed the is not phe”, before suggesting they bound for Syria. “go back”.

The tanker, seized on 4 July, then said Speaker wasHe suspected of breaking Nancy Pelosi “would be very EU sanctions.

Iran claimed the seizure was "piracy". Iranian ships later tried to impede a British tanker, the UK claimed.

After "constructive" talks

happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements”.

It comes a week after Ms Pelosi clashed with “the with Tehran, MrofHunt squad”, a group four said lefthe was encouraged Iran wing Democratic women of has no desire to escalate the colour. Of the four congresssituation. women, three - Alexandria He said he reassured Iranian Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib foreign minister Mohamand Ayanna Pressley were mad Javad Zarif that "our born and raised in the US, concern has always been while the fourth, Ilhan Omar, destination, not origin of the moved the US a child. oil" andtothat the as UK would facilitate release "if we received sufficient guarantees that it would not be going to Syria".

He added that Mr Zarif

SUNDAY July 14, 2019 - 03:00hrs ~ 04:30hrs

Ms Ocasio-Cortez was born in the Bronx in New York, approximately 12 miles away from the Queens hospital where Mr Trump himself was born.

ceptable for the Iranian nation and government".

Iran has since reiterated calls for the tanker to be reWHAT DID THE leased.

PRESIDENT SAY? Last week, an Iranian ofIn a three-tweet thread, ficial, speaking to state news Mr Trump accused the conagency IRNA, warned the gresswomen of “viciously” UK not to get involved in "this criticising him and the US. dangerous game".

On 9 July, the UK raised the threat to British shipping Rashida Tlaib (centre), who responded by calling Trump ‘a and complete in lawless Iranian waters in the Gulf failure of a president’, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left) and Ayanna-Pressley to "critical" the highest(right) level.

A day later, Iranian He wrote: “So interesting RESPONSE BEEN? racism looks like. WEboats are attempted to impede a British to see ‘progressive’ DemoMs Pelosi, Speaker of the what democracy looks like.” oil tanker in the region, before crat congresswomen, who House, quoted Mr Trump’s being Democrats running for warned off by a Royal The oil tanker was suspected of carrying crude oil to Syria originally came from coun- tweets and described them as the presidential nomination Navy ship, according to the tries whose governments are “xenophobic”. also condemned Mr Trump.

MoD. complete and total catastro“ W Syria. h e n @ r e a l D o n - Senator BoatsElizabeth believed toWarren belong against wants to resolve the issue athe Gibraltar government, the tells four American the “vile comment” was to Iran's Islamic Revolution and was "not seeking to phe, Iran denied the tanker was said BBCthe wasworst, told. most corrupt aldTrump and Authorities inept anywhere in was the congresswomen go back to aGuard “racistCorps and xenophobic (IRGC) apescalate". said there bound for Syriatoand threatproachedBeto the British Heritage reason (if to believe the have Iranian world they even a their reaffirms O’Rourke said ened countries, to seize aheBritish oil attack”. tried toThese bringconit to A team of about 30 Brit- functioning tanker Grace government 1 was carrying tanker in to retaliation. at his plan ‘Make America :tanker “This and is racist. a halt as it was moving ish Royal Marines were flown all), crude oil to the Baniyas RefinIranian ministry now loudly and vicious- Great Again’foreign has always been gresswomen are every bitout as from the UK to Gibraltar to ly erytelling in Syria. of the Gulf the Strait of spokesman Mousavi the people of the about makingAbbas America white American asinto you.”

The refinery is subject to called the actions a "form of help detain the super tanker Hormuz.

United States, the greatest again,” she said.

Bernie Sanders also acand its cargo, at the request of European Union sanctions HMS Montrose, a British piracy" and called for the ship and most powerful nation on “Our diversity is our cused Mr Trump of racism. frigate shadowing the BPto be immediately released earth, how our government is strength and our unity is our owned Fewtanker, Republicans made was forced to and allowed to continue its to be run. power,” she added.

Ms Tlaib, immediate comment, almove between the three boats journey.

“Why don’t they go back congresswoman and theRepublican-supportship, a Ministry of Iran summonedfor theMichiBritish though and help fix the totally broken gan’s 13th district, tweeted ing columnist Meghan Defence spokesman said.Mcambassador in Tehran, Robert and crime-infested places calling fortoMr Trump’sabout im- CainIran - daughter of John Mcdenied any attemptMacaire, complain from which they came. Then peachment.

- said: “This racist.” ed seizure, withis Iranian what it called the "illegal sei- Cain Mohamcome back and show us how zure".

“Want a response to a foreign “Evenminister if it were just about madOmar, Javadit Zarif Mr and Mousavi added that Rep. it is done. “These places need lawless complete failure would quoted still be as saying UKtell made the "the move indicated the racist. your help badly, you can’t of a president?

He is that the criWe the don’t people claimswelcomed "for creating UK His follows the hostile poli- we’ve leave fast enough. I’m sure sis. dangerous ideology into tenthis sion". (BBC) the US, is unacthat Nancy Pelosi would iscies theofcrisis.

Hewhich needs to be country to ‘go back’,” she

be very happy to quickly work out free travel arrangements!”

However, from the reference to Ms Pelosi it has widely been assumed he was referring to Ms Ocasio-Cortez, Ms Tlaib, Ms Pressley and Ms Omar.

Over the past week Ms Pelosi has clashed with Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who accused her of singling out women of colour for criticism following disagreement between Democrats over a border security bill.

WHAT HAS THE

impeached,” she wrote.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez tweeted at Mr Trump: “On top of not accepting an America that elected us, you cannot accept that we don’t fear you either.” Ms Omar told the president that he was “stoking white nationalism because you are angry that people like us are serving in Congress and fighting against your hate-filled agenda”.

She also called him “the worst, most corrupt and inept president we have ever seen”.

And Ms Pressley shared a screenshot of Mr Trump’s tweet, adding: “THIS is what

said. A host of other commentators also flooded the social network with criticism.

White House reporter Brian J Karem tweeted at the president: “Good morning, racist much?” while US political commentator Josh Rogin said: “This is a new, terrible, racist, sad low, even for Trump.”

Mr Trump has not responded to the criticism.

However he has since tweeted about migrants being held at US border detention centres, saying: “Sorry, can’t let them into our country.”

Saturday July 13, 2019

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July 12, 2019

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03 04 09 12 13

08, 09, 14, 18, 26

3, 0, 8

8, 6, 2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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T&T: Lee wants commission of inquiry on Petrotrin (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) POINTE a Pierre MP and UNC deputy political leader David Lee is calling for a commission of inquiry on the closure of state-owned refinery, Petrotrin.

In a statement, Lee said it was “rather ironic” that Government was undertaking a commission of enquiry into the acquisition of land for the construction of the Pt Fortin highway extension project, “yet one of the greatest acts of mismanagement which has been committed against our taxpayers, the destruction of Petrotrin remains unsolved.”

He said, “If this administration was really serious in holding those accountable for the misappropriation and blatant corrupt use of state funds they would have looked to finally confirm to the population of TT who were the individuals that were solely responsible for destroying our national patrimony.”

Lee added that if there was any single act which ever warranted the setting up of a commission of enquiry, it was the “Petrotrin debacle, due to the massive trauma it has caused our population with thousands being thrown onto the breadline, fence line businesses and communities being destroyed as well as our energy security being totally diminished.”

“While the government grasps at straws in this current political witch hunt aimed at changing the

Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee. FILE PHOTO/ JEFF MAYERS

narrative, our population is still seeking answers to the many inaccurate and questionable details which were put forward concerning Petrotrin,” he said. Lee added, “These questions include, how could the Prime Minister say that the refinery was past its prime yet numerous entities placed bids for it? How could the government say that Petrotrin was making a loss yet made a profit in the last year of its operations?

“Why did this administration purposefully derail refinancing attempts which were aimed at revitalising the company? What new activities are being done by these new companies that were not being done at Petrotrin before? Why were all these issues relating to Petrotrin’s restructuring kept away from the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Energy?” were some of the questions he asked.

“A commission of enquiry into Petrotrin’s debts

would finally heal the wounds of our taxpayers who have all been burdened by the billions in debts which PNM appointed officials plagued the company, eventually leading to its demise. “ Finally our population would get the answers as to as to why the Malcolm Jonesled board wasted over $2 billion on a failed WGTL plant, why over $170 million was spent to build a new Petrotrin Administrative building which was never completed, and why auditors discovered in 2017 that $80 million was paid for oil that was never received by Petrotrin.

“Further, our country would be fully enlightened as to why the proceedings to ascertain those accountable for these debts were derailed by this Government. “The Petrotrin restructuring process has been shrouded in a blanket of secrecy by this administration given that it was not based on the best interest of our country but rather on the self-gain of a few,” he said.

Lee also added, “Our population deserves answers.

If this government says that they want transparency across the board, they must investigate if criminal proceedings could be brought against those who destroyed Petrotrin also.

“Undertake a Commission of Enquiry into Petrotrin now, not tomorrow,” he demanded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

Towards eliminating racial discrimination RACIAL discrimination continues around the world, for while discrimination exists in various forms, race has always been a major factor that influences this act. Consequently, countries, within and among themselves, have established policies, programmes and laws and have agreed to universal declarations, conventions and charters with a view to addressing this problem.

As the world reviews the progress made in addressing the problems that emerge from racial discrimination, the UN Durban Declaration of 2001 is used as the barometer in assessing where the world is, and what progress has been made. Racial cleavages will always exist, given man’s nature to seek comfort and solace in the community in which he feels secure. For instance, the record will show that there are more marriages/ unions along racial lines than other diversity. This is not because of hatred for another group, but more about commonalities that can arguably be considered comfort zones and shared value systems.

If our local reality were to be examined in the context of the handling of racial issues to bring about equality, it would be accurate to say that there remain lots of work to be done.

On becoming an independent country, the Forbes Burnham People’s National Congress administration put in place national holidays reflecting the racial and cultural diversity of Africans and Indians primarily, because they were seen as the two major groups and warring factions in search of having a say in the political, economic and social life in society in furtherance of their well-being.

Where every nation has limited resources and ours has emerged out of a system of racial discrimination and divide-and-rule policies, a high level of insecurity and mistrust exists. While systems were put in place to start the appeasement of both groups with a view to bringing them together to work towards theirs and the national good, attention was not lost in seeking to recognise the importance of the smaller groups.

For instance, our Coat of Arms has the Amerindian headdress at its crown.

Chinese, Portuguese, European, Indian, Amerindian and African cultural uniqueness, inclusive of religion, names, artefacts, building and food were embodied national policies in shaping the Guyanese identity. There still exists the need for structures to build on the architecture that has been established at post-inde-

pendence and the early years. Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution enshrines the right to freedom of association. In the elimination of discrimination based on the grounds of race, which Article 149 guarantees protection, it is evident that racial association is honoured, acknowledged and respected. Ipso facto, one does not have to give up identity or association with his group --- political, religious, etc.

--- in order to ensure equitable benefits of the national patrimony and protection under the constitution.

Of concern is that the society is yet to move towards establishment of laws to strengthen, deepen and protect what the constitution has set out. Though the constitution makes provisions for the establishment of a Human Rights Commission, Ethnic Relations Commission and Indigenous Rights Commission, their physical existence and laws to guide their business and authority are absent.

In such an environment it is far from enough to bring an end to racial discrimination, when the society is still relying on the institutionalisation of efforts to forge racial equality in the immediate post-independence period.

The nation has to move beyond marking these landmarks, though significant,

as ultimate achievements when in fact they represent the foundation on which to build. The racial and cultural holidays celebrated today were achieved in that era. Beyond these, there is an absence of laws to protect issues that are burning to racial groups, such as addressing ancestral land rights in the African and Amerindian communities; equal opportunity laws on access and allocation of resources; and addressing claims of discrimination in jobs and economic opportunities among racial groups.

The Durban Declaration must work for Guyanese. Fifteen years has gone, and Guyana has not moved any distance. This nation, given our history of division, should not be proud of its inaction. Given that principles of racial equality are enshrined in the constitution, the nation needs to move beyond mouthing racial unity and equality and holding expectation that such can be achieved through superficial appeals and means which are not grounded in universal respect for diversity and freedom of association. There must be a concerted movement to strengthen and deepen the immediate post-independence achievements through laws buttressed by actions.

Datadin’s pronouncements are puzzling Dear Editor AFTER reading PPP/C’s legal counsel Sanjeev Datadin’s statement, expressing his disappointment as to the type of Consequential Orders delivered by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), some measure of surprise is appropriate as to his subsequent statements.

In a headlined story, “Won the battle but lost the war,” Kaieteur News July 12, 2019, Datadin complained that, “We are disappointed that what the Court did not do was to be firm. Under our Constitution the Court had the power to issue such writ, give such power, give such directions, make such orders.

But unfortunately, we are likely in a position

where you’ve won the battle but lost the war.”

There was another line further in the report where he said” …it will now be the people who will suffer.”

Editor, I am not an attorney, except for some amount of reading of basic law, deemed enough for a better understanding of the world and everyday life. But it still does not make me an expert, since I have not been trained in the of field law. However, from a purely layman’s position, I find Datadin’s pronouncements, puzzling, if not, downright dishonest. For he should be aware that it was not the remit of the CCJ, or any court for that matter, that adheres to the dictum of the Separation of Powers, to cross those lines of non-intervention, that will mean a making of

political decisions, a matter that is purely the preserve of the Executive.

Given the political minefield of Guyana’s matters that were before the Court, and the dishonest machinations which underpinned at least two of their creations, it was evident that the CCJ had not any interest in becoming involved. Clearly, their primary and overriding concerns have been the issue of the upholding of the Rule of Law. But they also discerned, and quite rightly so, the very disputatious matter of house-to-house registration that stood at the heart of this sacred tenet of the law. It was quite obvious that this clashed with their concern for the Rule of Law, and perhaps, explained their advice of a consensus being the medium for making it much easier

for whatever consequential orders they had to make. In the end, they had to be concerned with the Rule of Law, ensuring that as a court of law they uphold same. Such was their judicial mission, and not to become embroiled in matters which are rightly the preserve of the Executive.

One would have to assume that as an attorney, and one who has made so many interpretative statements on our constitution, such as the one that said Jagdeo could not become prime minister, in light of the Third Term decision, that Datadin must have been aware of that. Therefore, one must ask, just why did he take on board, Jagdeo’s absurd demands that TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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‘Clash of the Queens’ set for Aug.9 – as ‘Miss Guyana Police Force Pageant returns after 30 years

AFTER a 30-year hiatus, the Miss Guyana Police women can use their influence to help stamp Force pageant is back in full swing, and is slated out hose societal plagues, and bring awareness for August 9, 2019 at the National Cultural Centre to the ones that can be alleviated.

(NCC).

Deputy Commissioner “Operations”, MaxOver the past couple of months, each of the 10 ine Graham, who is the coordinator of the divisions in the Guyana Police Force held their own pageant, told the Guyana Chronicle that this pageant, during which events a queen was crowned pageant was part of the Force’s activities many to represent them. years ago, and that many attempts were made The pageant slated for next month will see the over the years to bring it back, but extra efforts clash of the 10 queens vying for the coveted title of were made this year, since the Force is celebratMiss Guyana Police Force. ing its 180th Anniversary.

The 10 queens, who are all police officers, were The ten divisional queens vying for the ultimate title of Miss Guyana Police Force The return of the pageant is part of their officially sashed on Friday evening, and have started anniversary’s programme of activities.

As with every other pageant, these queens have selected preparing for the ‘Clash of the Queens’.

The Guyana Police Force Pageant was first held in 1972, platforms for which they will be advocating to bring about and the last was held in 1989. Graham had taken part in the last The 10 queens are: Toney Bentley of ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations); Keaisha Erskine of ‘E’ Division (Linden); social change in the country. pageant and won the Best Smile award. She currently serves as The platforms they will be championing this year are: Cy- President of the Guyana Association of Women Police, under Kerrianne Clarke of ‘G’ Division (Essequibo); Aheley Peters of ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara); Tonya Clarke berbullying; Suicide; Human Trafficking; Domestic Violence; whose umbrella the pageant is being coordinated. of Special Constabulary; Timeka Rodrigues of Presidential Cancer Awareness; Sexual Harassment in the Workplace; The pageant will commence at 19:00hrs, and ticket pricGuard; Tanya Wilson of ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank HIV/AIDS Awareness; Drugs and Substance Abuse; Youth es for the event are: $2,500 for Auditorium front; $1,500 Demerara); Althea Gittens of ‘D’ Division (West Demerara); Empowerment; and Teenage Pregnancy. for Auditorium rear; and $1,000 for Balcony. Tickets are This segment of the pageant is said to be a major part of available at Police Divisional Headquarters; the Police ConJoanna Wright of ‘B’ Division (Berbice); and Tavia Bookie the scoring, as they are expected to show how they, as police- sumers Co-op on Robb Street, Lacytown, and at the NCC. of Headquarters.

A great final President, Opposition Leader must select GECOM chair urgently has just been played Dear Editor

Dear Editor A CLASSIC Cricket World Cup Final. It does not come any better. To quote the late B L Crombie, “It went all the way down to the wire.”

Congratulations to England!

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

THE Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) has noted with great concern the recent consequential orders following the final ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on June 12, 2019, in respect of the no-confidence vote against the government on December 21, 2018, which was

validly and properly passed.

In view of the given political and constitutional circumstances, the PSC wishes to register its position –- having the highest regard for respect of the constitution and the rule of law and order--- for the President and opposition leader to appoint as a matter of urgency – a Chairman for GECOM from the list

submitted by the leader of the opposition.

Within the spirit of the orders of the CCJ, the PSC therefore expects the President, GECOM, and all the political actors to act responsibly by adhering to the constitution and the ruling of the court.

Regards Private Sector Commission

Datadin’s pronouncements...

FROM PAGE 6

amounted to asking the Court to make political orders for Guyana; something which he should have known that the Court would reject outright, particularly since they would have given clear signals of staying above our domestic political situation, by asking for a consensual position, as pointed out earlier?

Further, was his public statement uttering disappointment genuinely done; or was it merely a veneer of pretence?

Referring to the understanding of the statement that the people will suffer as a result of the non-issuance of the “firm writs,” Datadin should be ashamed of parroting the well-known, traditional line of PPP/C dark lies and offensive propaganda.

I will be the first to admit that there are still many persons who are socio-economically challenged, com-

pliments of 23 years of successful maladministration and criminality of every type that benefitted friends and cronies of the PPP/C. But, Datadin must know that Guyana has changed immensely since 2015, with many communities and their citizens beginning to reap the benefits of the coalition’s numerous socio-economic programmes that have been ushering in renewal. And here, one must ask of Datadin: where was he during the years of the descent of this country into the authoritarian grip of the PPP/C regime, when civil liberties and free speech were held hostage; when citizens lost their voices and were afraid to complain, unlike today? Where was this attorney, when the Rule of Law was being desecrated, with citizens’ rights being abused; shot down like dogs; detained beyond the statutory 72 hours

without charges; police personnel brutalising citizens, of which I am sure you must have been aware, as clients would have brought such matters for representation? Surely, you must have been aware of measly wages and salaries being made to the working-class employees, and of the disrespectful five per cent thrown like a sop to public service workers every Christmas, as the friends and cronies of the PPP/C waxed fat from the pillage of the state?

Datadin, by his shameful attempt to defend a PPP/C governance record which is indefensible, has not done himself any moral good. He is identified by his political company. A sad day for morality.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

‘Coily’ to help ‘curly hair’ community

By Vishani Ragobeer A MOBILE application, Coily, has been created to help all persons within the ‘curly hair’ community have that one-stop-shop for all of their hair needs, while also functioning to promote local businesses.

Primary App Developer of the app, and Co-Founder of STEM Guyana, Asha Christian related that the ‘app’ was developed to help organise and solve a problem faced by curly-haired persons, i.e., finding the right hair products that would work for their style and texture.

This, according to her, is a problem being faced by people all around the globe, and with awareness and appreciation for curly hair growing over the past few years, it was an opportune time to create ‘Coily’.

The ‘app’, which has been in the works since January, will encompass an extensive database of hair products and accessories, and allow persons to leave or read reviews given, and garner information about the product, so as to ensure the “right product” is selected.

Aside from this, another function of the ‘app’ is to help promote local businesses which provide products and services related to curly hair.

“Essentially, within the app, if I have a product… like let’s say I make coconut oil, I can create a profile in the app and upload my products into the hair prod-

uct database, and that way, people around the world can search for and find it,” Asha explained.

REACH In this way, persons anywhere in the world will be able to see the product, which, in the long-run will help expand the global market reach of local businesses.

Asha also noted that the app allows for these businesses to target specific markets that have the demand for the exact products being offered.

“They can pay for advertisement on the app and say, ‘I want to advertise my coconut oil Online to women in America,’ or in a certain State or area in Africa that has a history of liking products with coconut oil,” Asha noted.

Visiting the simple exposition of the app at the Movietowne on Saturday, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes noted that the app would help with some of the challenges that a great number of persons face practically every day.

However, she said that the development of the app

by Asha and team points to a greater initiative that deserves recognition. This initiative, she related, was that of young people harnessing technology to craft innovative solutions to everyday issues.

“There are so many applications that exist today, and for the first time, we, in Guyana, are not limited,” Minister Hughes said, while reminding of all the software

Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes shares a photo with ‘Coily’ team members, including its Primary Developer, Asha Christian, fourth right (Delano Williams photo)

applications developed over the past few years by Guyanese youth for business, agriculture, health and education.

The minister also made mention of how the job industry has evolved, to the point where it is driven by entrepreneurial activity.

QUITE SIMPLE “Once you are educated; once you have an opportunity to learn and be trained, and you have access to the Internet, you can be your own entrepreneur,” she said.

Similar to what is intended to be done with ‘Coily’, Minister Hughes noted that

entrepreneurs can develop their businesses here, and through the use of technology and Online platforms, they would be able to market their products across Guyana and even across the world.

Moreover, she floated the idea that Guyana could even become a “testing ground” for businesses abroad to come and test the functionality of software applications that they would have created.

“As a spinoff, we want to be able to start saying to the rest of the world, ‘You have an app you want to test; pay somebody in Guyana to test your application here first, so

you’ll know how you need to tweak it; how you’ll need to change before they introduce it to other markets,’” Minister Hughes explained.

With apps being developed, it becomes imperative for developers to conduct market research to see how people respond to the software being developed, and if these software can be effective and efficient within the target population.

As such, she opined that this could be done in Guyana, a country which already has persons able to connect with the varying demographics. And this, she said, could

create yet another employment avenue for Guyanese.

On that note, it was announced that on July 27, ‘Coily’ will be officially launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where about 1000 persons, including local businesses in the field, will be invited to ‘test out’ the app.

“We’re trying to get people to upload product reviews and upload hairstyles into the app at the event, as well as just giving local vendors and hairstylists a chance to display their services,” Asha highlighted.

GLI students promote social interaction

A group of the students engrossed in a board game (Delano Williams photo)

STUDENTS of the Guyana Learning Institute (GLI) on Saturday participated in an event at the National Park, called ‘Day of Interaction’, geared at promoting social interaction among Guyanese from all walks of life.

Principal of the Guyana Learning Institute, Ganga Persaud related that the students were tasked with crafting and implementing a project that would foster social interaction for dozens of persons.

“The main aim is to get Guyanese from different walks of life, different social backgrounds and different age ranges together

and recognise that they can all do things together,” Persaud said.

He also related that the ‘Day of Interaction’ was intended to promote physical fitness, and as such, the students were required to host several outdoor games.

The students decided on doing a few sporting activities and novelty races, before engaging in a few rounds of board games.

Aside from the promotion of social interaction, Persaud also related that the activity allowed the students to get to know each other outside of the formal classroom setting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

President awaits advice from GECOM on elections date – as PM accuses Opposition of stalling process to appoint GECOM chair

PRESIDENT David Granger stands committed to setting a date for general elections based on the advice of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), but that advice cannot be given until and unless a chairman of the Elections Commission is appointed, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo explained on Sunday.

In his weekly column ‘My Turn,’ published in the Guyana Chronicle, Prime Minister Nagamootoo lauded the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for affirming Guyana’s sovereign right to fix a date for elections by rejecting the invitation from the Opposition to usurp the powers the Constitution invested in the President, the National Assembly and indirectly, GECOM. The Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had wanted the CCJ to fix a date for new elections within a period of three months, that is, on or before September 18. But the President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, while delivering the consequential orders following the validation of the No-Confidence Motion against the government, said it is not within the remit of the Court to set a date for elections.

“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,” Justice Saunders explained.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said while the Court indicated that an election should be held within three months of the valid passage of a no-confidence motion, or such longer period as the National Assembly could determine, it unequivocally affirmed that GECOM has the responsibility to conduct that election.

The prime minister said President Granger is committed to setting a date for elections, but that must be done on the advice of the Elections Commission. However, the Elections Commission is at a standstill due to the fact that its last Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson resigned shortly after the CCJ ruled on June 18, 2019 that the process of appointing him to the position was flawed and in breach of the Constitution. “… As I write, the Elections Commission, which is charged by the Constitution with the responsibility of holding elections, is headless. Reminiscent of the use

during medieval times of the guillotine, the head of the last chairman fell at the behest of the Opposition that successfully canvassed that the process by which he had been appointed was flawed.

No new chairman has been appointed,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo stated.

He said the process of appointing a new chairman, which requires the Opposition Leader to submit six nominees not unacceptable to the President for his consideration, is being dragged out by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

President Granger last Friday said he is prepared to appoint a new GECOM chair by today, Monday, July 15, but the Opposition Leader is yet to submit a list of six persons not unacceptable to the President.

“Under directives from the CCJ, the Government and Opposition were engaged in hammering out nominees who are eligible for appointment, but it appears that that process was stalled.

The CCJ has advised on a consensual approach that would give the president a role in the identification of nominees, but the Opposition might be walking back on the undertaking that the President could suggest or submit names,” the prime

minister explained.

HOPEFUL With the President indicating that he is prepared to appoint a GECOM chair today, if the Opposition Leader acts in a consensual manner and in good faith, Prime Minister Nagamootoo is hopeful that Jagdeo will soon submit a list consisting of six nominees who are not unacceptable to the President.

“It is only after the commission is properly composed, and begins to function that any movement towards fresh elections would have meaning.

It is the Elections Commission that has to ensure that there is a credible voters list, and it has to present to the President a work plan with a time-frame within which the list could be verified,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo further explained.

In his third broadcast to the nation within the past 10 days, the President stressed: “GECOM has to advise the President on its readiness to conduct elections…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.”

The prime minister noted that at the heart of the refusal of the Court to intervene

in the electoral process, is the belief that the Guyanese political actors could deliver free, fair and credible elections in Guyana.

“By throwing the electoral ball back to these players, the CCJ has opened wide the doors in Guyana for parliamentary, representative and participatory democracy. It explained.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the CCJ has now put finality to the judicial processes and has vested confidence in Guyana’s leaders and institutions to do what is right.

He pointed out that in affirmation of the country’s sovereignty, Justice Saunders stated: “Due observance of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Guyana rests, 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.”

Reflecting on the past eight months, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that Guyana has navigated the perilous political and constitutional waters with calm and confidence.

He noted that the coalition government in the interim between the no-confidence vote

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and the final pronouncements by the Court, has carried out its routine functions in the public interest without excesses or arbitrariness, and has engaged the parliamentary opposition on the way forward.

“It is expected that parliament could determine by a motion how soon elections can be held, after the re-constituted GECOM provides a time-frame for preparation of a voters list. There is no need for political one-upmanship, as any positive outcome would give a clear message that our political leaders could find common ground in the national interest, and could cooperate and work together,” he said.

Beekeepers encouraged to ‘make a dent’ –– in Guyana’s honey imports MICHAEL Welch, Specialist attached to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), is encouraging beekeepers to make a “dent” in the amount of honey Guyana imports.

During his presentation at the closing ceremony of an entrepreneurial and apiculture training programme, recently held in Linden, Welch stated that in 2018, Guyana imported 27,799kg of honey at a value of $13M. “The markets are there; the opportunities are there; but we have to ramp up production to ensure quality and quantity, and that you have handsome prices,” he said.

The presentation, which

was aimed at sensitising beekeepers on how they can collaborate with the public sector on how to “make it” in the apiculture industry, and on how they can grab the attention of existing and potential honey markets.

“We are talking about honey and its associated products, and it is important that we know what strategy we need to use to get into the market in terms of selling our products,” the veteran apiarist said.

Welch said that in order for beekeepers to capture the attention of existing markets, they need to produce healthy, safe products, and should use technology that is environmentally-friendly.

He said, “Whatever you take to your consumers

must be safe, wholesome, and must ensure that when they consume your product, they will not get ill, which is very important. And, in whatever you do, you must not destroy the environment. So we must ensure that we use technology that is environmentally-friendly.”

Welch also urged beekeepers to pay attention to how they promote their products, since promotion is vital to catching the attention of existing and potential markets.

The specialist pointed out that beekeepers in Guyana should definitely develop their value chain by not only producing primary products, but secondary ones as well.

“You can develop your value chain, because if you produce primary products, you do not make as much money as the person who adds value, through processing, to that product; they get more money,” he stated.

Welch encouraged beekeepers and entrepreneurs to be innovative, and to think of producing products that consumers are willing to pay high prices for.

According to Welch, apiculture is an environmentally-sustainable activity for Guyana, due to the rich biodiversity of plants that exist within the country, which will allow bees to garner nectar to produce honey.

He added that apiculture is a part of the government’s policy as it relates to producing “our own food”, and it also provides employment, which results in the

creation of wealth.

He indicated that the GLDA is willing to work with beekeepers from all 10 of Guyana’s administrative regions, in order to develop the county’s apiculture industry.

“You are a part of the private sector; we are a part of the public sector, and we are coming together to ensure that we can gain the capacity and technology for you to produce, go out there and make money for yourself and your family,” Welch assured his audience.

The GLDA is a semi-autonomous agency that was formed in 2010. The formation was a combination of the Livestock Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and that of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

According to the Minis-

try of Agriculture’s website, the objective of the agency is to “promote greater efficiency in the livestock product industry and to provide enhanced services in livestock husbandry, livestock health and research so as to make provision for effective administration and regulation of trade, commerce and export of livestock or livestock products and for matters related and incidental.”

The training was aimed at pushing agriculture in Linden in keeping with the vision of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN).

The six-day training programme targeted mainly farmers within Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). The participants were taught beekeeping, apiary planning principles, and going into value-added production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

The Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

WHEN a person discovers that his/her partner has cheated, the betrayal can be very hard to bear.

In addition to the pain caused by the deception, being lied to on such a major scale can cause havoc to the victim’s self-esteem.

Feelings of unworthiness, unattractiveness, emptiness, uselessness and depression may follow. Friends may rally around to offer the victim moral support, but the victim alone must find the courage and coping skills within, to move on.

Most adults have developed adequate decision-making, coping, and analytical skills, along with a reasonable sense of resolve, to get over the pain and heartache caused by infidelity. Nev-

ertheless, when it comes to parting with someone you love, the gamut of feelings associated are many; some people have described the experience as equivalent to bereavement.

When you consider how hard it is for adults to overcome traumatic events that occur in their lives, even though they have honed the skills which enable them to see and think logically, you can then understand how the sexual molestation of a child, whose mind is still developing, can cause irreparable damage to his/her life.

Child molestation is the same as child sexual abuse.

In severe cases children are raped or systematically forced by an adult (or older child) to have sexual inter-

course. They are then bribed or threatened into keeping quiet about their ordeal. Children are not meant to engage in sexual activity and whatever their background or social standing, no child will initiate a sexual encounter. Adults alone are responsible for this ill in our society.

Even if a child appears to comply with the act, it is the adult who is accountable, by way of maturity to say the very least. Every adult knows that sex with a child is against the law and yet new cases are brought to light every day.

To the developing mind of a child, any type of sexual encounter does not have the same appeal or warped satisfaction that it has for the adult initiator. Children will always end up being

worse off physically and psychologically, once they have been sexually abused, unless they receive guidance through counselling. Over the preceding years following the abuse, the trauma will manifest itself in different ways as the ‘child survivor,’ who is now maturing, tries to deal with the reality of what occurred.

Some mothers with teenage daughters blame them for being involved with their (fathers or) step fathers, when sexual abuse is uncovered or disclosed between the two.

They fail to blame the grown man who is obviously so carnally minded that he regards a young girl as nothing more than sexual fodder to be used at his disposal. Only an insecure and irresponsible

mother would take the word of a perpetrator over that of a child, or try to supress the ‘story’ to the detriment of the child’s credibility.

This is just one example of the kind of distressing situations that children have to bear and subsequently carry into adulthood. The effect of which could bring about low self-esteem, resulting in further victimisation in relationships. Child sexual offences can take place anywhere: at home, in school, even at a sports or recreational club. Statistics show that more children are abused by people they know than by strangers.

One of the most damaging forms of abuse however, must be parental incest.

Parents should always be the main loving, guiding force in their child’s life; they should be trustworthy, reliable and sincere. It therefore must be devastating and confusing for children when they have to acknowledge either parent as a sexual predator. There is no doubt that some mothers are well aware of what is going on under their roofs and they do nothing to intervene, to defend or protect their child. They are just as much to blame as the man who is raping the child.

The majority of sexual offences against children are carried out by men against females (19%) compared to less than half that amount for men against young males (7%). The statistics for women carrying out sexual offences against children is pretty low, but women do offend between 14% to 40%, mainly against boys and 6% against girls.

Child sexual abuse doesn’t always involve penetration. Any type of touching, fondling or exposing of private parts, that is initiated by adults and involves children, is a criminal act that is punishable by law. Watching pornographic movies with children is against the law; making children do anything of a sexual nature to themselves or to someone else is against the law. The bottom line is, any sexual exploitation of a child for sexual gratification, is child sexual abuse and therefore, a crime.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

GBTI Reg. 2 branch turns 21

By Indrawattie Natram

RICE farmers account for some 90 per cent of customers of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Region Two branch, manager Tajekumarie Dalchand

said as the bank celebrated its 21st anniversary on Friday.

“We stand committed and loyal in serving the Essequibo population; we provide reliable and efficient banking services and we are happy to serve residents in Region

Staff of the GBTI Anna Regina branch at the cutting of the anniversary cake

NGSA top student Venisha Devi Lall receives a token from the bank at the anniversary celebration on Friday night

Two 21 years now,” she said.

Speaking to well-wishers, customers and members of the media, the Region Two branch manager said GBTI will continue to provide services in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region and there is no intention of closing its doors.

Senior Finance Manager Shawn Gurucharran, opened the elegant night by congratulating staff of the branch for their commitment. He praised the prudent

management of Dalchand and thanked the Essequibo business community and rice farmers for their kind patronage.

During the reception, staff members of the bank took the opportunity to honour National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) top student Venisha Devi Lall.

The bank will also be awarding her a bursary award in September. Lall is also a member of the bank’s Early Savers Club.

Doreen Matheson-Scipio transforming...

From page 2

the required documents -- such as bank receipts showing ownership of property-- from residents.

WATER AND ELECTRICITY In April 2018, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in the Ministry of Communities embarked on the regularisation of the Friendship Squatting Area and granted GPL permission to provide electricity.

Dr Van-West Charles and his staff also accepted the CDC chair’s invitation and visited the area and now homes have potable water.

At that time, Scipio averages that around 350 households were recipients of electricity and water.

“I, personally, am happy for the people in there, the youths; the elderly who are suffering and the community as a whole,” she said. “I am happy when everyone is happy.”

Meanwhile, fulfilling his promises, Minister Patterson facilitated the upgrading of the Short-cut/Access Road which was previously in very poor condition.

In the place of mud dams, the Ministry of Communities constructed roads at First, Second and Fourth Streets.

SELF-HELP Scipio highlighted that what was key was the selfhelp efforts of community members to clear spaces where large bushes once existed to facilitate construction of the roads.

The CDC chair believes that citizens must not always sit and wait on the authorities to do everything, but they must be willing to meet them (authorities) halfway.

With this in mind, the CDC also maintained street humps and pedestrian crossings in the community with paint donated by Director-General of the Civ-

Works conducted by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI)

il Defence Commission, Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig.

An agreement was also made with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for the monthly maintenance of drains and the employment of young men in the community to do so.

The CDC, through donations and self-help efforts, constructed a bus shed outside the Friendship Secondary School and targeted women in craft and cooking classes.

Meanwhile, Scipio in her capacity as councillor of South Friendship, in 2017 advocated and received garbage-disposal services weekly.

She is now in talks with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for the provision of an Internet hot spot in the community, while the CDC’s next hope is to see the construction of a recreational ground for youths The CDC does not have its own building, but meets regularly at Scipio’s residence or the residence of executive members.

Apart from these meetings, Scipio had also formed a youth club of over 40 persons, whom she mentored for leadership, self-development and community involvement.

She has given out numerous job recommendations under her title as CDC chair to ensure that youths in her community are given the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

Asked what’s the secret to such efficient community mobilisation, she stated:

“A love for people, a love to bring about change in the community, a desire to see your community improve, regardless of the constraints.”

The CDC chair encourages that while it may be difficult for community leaders to lead in the face of criticism from some residents, they must remain approachable and be able to turn every negative into a positive.

“Every criticism, I take it and use it as a motivation,” she stated.

She also believes that if more communities developed active CDCs which push for change, Guyana will collectively see development at a much more rapid rate.

A before-and-after depiction of Fourth Street

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

‘GECOM must carry out functions with integrity’ –– AG reiterates gov’t does not conduct elections

IN upholding Guyana’s Constitution, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rightly declared that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is the constitutional institution responsible for the conduct of elections in Guyana, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said as he reflected on the CCJ’s rulings.

Last Friday, the CCJ rejected an invitation by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to issue coercive orders, or a detailed directive instructing President David Granger to name a date for elections within three months from the date of its June 18 ruling.

In a recent interview, the Attorney-General explained that the power to proclaim a date for elections is vested in the President under the Constitution of Guyana. That date, he further explained, is set, based on the advice

of GECOM. He further explained that the Constitution, which is based on recommendations arising from a 1980 referendum, gives GECOM the exclusive remit to conduct elections and national registration in Guyana.

The Elections Commission, the AttorneyGeneral emphasised, must indicate when it would be in a position to conduct credible elections. He noted, that the CCJ, in issuing its declarations last Friday following its validation of the No-Confidence Motion against the Government, expects GECOM to carry out its functions and responsibilities with integrity.

Ahead of the delivery of the consequential orders, the Attorney-General, in a written submission, pointed out that GECOM, by its own admission, is in no position to facilitate elections within three months.

The Elections Commission has advised the CCJ that it would be in a position to facilitate elections after December 25, 2019, by which time its Official List of Electors would be compiled.

That list, according to a decision of the Commission, is being produced through a process of House-to-House Registration. The Opposition, however, is demanding that the Elections Commission utilises a list that expired on April 30, 2019.

“On 24th July, 2018, the entire Commission unanimously decided that house-to-house registration was to be held in 2019 in preparation for the next General and Regional elections, which were not due until 2020. The request for the appropriation of funds to conduct house-to-house registration in 2019 was placed before Parliament on 19th November, 2018,” the Attorney-General explained

to the Court.

The preparations for house-to-house registration had commenced, but among other challenges, the process is now at a standstill now that the Elections Commission is without a Chairman.

“This Court has held that the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM was unconstitutional. This is a matter of consequential legal significance, because GECOM is not properly constituted without a chairman. The requirement for a chairman of GECOM is unique to all Commissions established by the Constitution. The appointment of a GECOM chair is subject to a mandatory constitutional process. Until the President and the Leader of the Opposition complete that process, which is to be completed by them with dispatch, the work functioning of GECOM is affected. Put simply, it

is submitted that unless and until a Chairman of GECOM is appointed, GECOM is constitutionally incapable of lawfully directing, supervising and administering the elections that are required to be held,” the Attorney-General outlined to the Court.

The process of appointing a new chairman was initiated days after the Court ruled that the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was flawed, however, that, too, is facing its own challenges.

President Granger has indicated that he is prepared to appoint a chairman of the Elections Commission today, if the Opposition Leader is prepared to act in a consensual manner, and in good faith. It is the Opposition Leader who must submit six nominees to the President that are not unacceptable to him (the President).

Attorney-General, Basil Williams Both the President and Opposition Leader had agreed to a process that would result in a list that is not unacceptable to the President, based on the advice of the CCJ, but the Opposition Leader, according to the Government, has, thus far, acted in bad faith.

He has since deviated from the process.

House-to-House registration a better option –– says government-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander has affirmed that the sanitation of the voters’ list that has expired since April is critical for free and fair elections and while there are other options of sanitising the list, house-to- house registration is the better one.

He said the three GECOM commissioners who are in agreement with house-tohouse registration have a compelling argument to make to whoever will be appointed the new chairman of GECOM. “Sanitisation of the list is critical, house-to-house has been provided for in the bud-

get, house-to-house has been agreed to as a routine process from time to time, so it’s critical,” he said on Straight Talk on the Benschop Radio.

President Granger, in a recent address to the nation, said if the Opposition Leader is prepared to act in a consensual manner and in good faith, a new GECOM chairman could be appointed today.

GECOM is in preparation mode for house-to-house registration and the decision of the three PPP commissioners will not stymie the process since the secretariat was already given the go-ahead to commence registration.

What was delaying the

process, he related, was the acquisition of house-to- house registration material through the process of procurement.

With a new electoral list that will be extracted from the new registrar of registrants, GECOM will scrap the old list which is currently bloated with tens of thousands of dead persons.

While the secretariat has already been ordered to proceed with house-to- house registration, Alexander said GECOM has to sit and analyse the ruling of the CCJ, and how best it can move ahead in keeping with that ruling.

“Now that the CCJ has ruled, we have to sit and see

what are the implications of the ruling, in relation to the way forward… that’s what I think has to happen now,” he said. In his address to the nation, President David Granger reaffirmed that house-to-house registration is a prerequisite to free and fair elections and maintains that it is important to his government that this must be carried out.

The President has long maintained that the current list of voters is outdated and corrupted. Reports indicate that there are approximately 200,000 incorrect entries on the now expired ‘Official List of Voters.’ In a previous address to the nation, the

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

“It is a democratic imperative that house-to-house registration be completed swiftly so we can have an election at the earliest opportunity,” he said There have been continuous calls even through protest actions countrywide for house-to-house registration to be held.

Youths whose names are not on the voters’ list are adamant that they must be given a chance to demonstrate their franchise at the upcoming regional and general elections.

Government-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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Linden to be transformed into economic powerhouse

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) have agreed to forge ahead with a collaborative relationship to further propel Linden into a major business destination.

This collaboration between the two major stakeholders was strengthened at a recently held meeting with its members, where investment opportunities in the town were explored.

NICIL highlighted a number of new and creative initiatives geared at enhancing economic development for the township.

NICIL’s CEO, Colvin Heath-London reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to provide the required support, assistance and resources to aid in ensuring Linden’s economy becomes viable, not as a mere gateway to the hinterland, but as the hub of the region’s economic activities.

London called on the LCC Executives to play their role in this very important

transformation and to not be solely dependent on the government. This, he said, can be done through the implementation of a number of projects and programmes.

“I am aware that government has made some commitment, and has already been delivering on some of those commitments, but let me state that it’s important that you the members of the business community recognise that you can play an important role in developing Linden,” Heath-London said.

“You are blessed with significant resources, especially in Linden, and location among other things, so I urge you to take advantage of these things and not take them for granted, as in another five years or so, you would better understand what I am saying here today,” he added.

While the availability of land for investment purposes is of grave concern to the LCC and the wider business community, Heath-London gave his word that NICIL and ‘Lands and Survey’ will seek to play a more meaningful role, as they recognise that they are part of the process. In this regard, he urged

– NICIL to regularise hundreds of acres of industrial land in Linden

Members of the Linden Chamber of Commerce with NICIL’s Colvin Heath-London after the meeting

the business community and other interested parties to come forward and invest, as NICIL stands ready to assist those who are genuinely interested in doing so.

While the focus is on the oil-and-gas industry, which, he said, will explode in numerous opportunities and returns for the country, Heath-London urged the Linden business community to seek out ways in which they can benefit from this dynamic industry.

One way this should be encouraged is by exploring

and exploiting the commercial real-estate market, as he firmly believes that both residential and commercial property value and rates can skyrocket in Linden.

QUALITY ACCOMMODATION He suggested that they think carefully about this, as Guyana is expecting more than 20,000 expatriates in the next five years. “You don’t have to build mansions and big houses,” he said, “but what many persons who would be coming here are

seeking to have is decent but quality accommodation.

“People want to know that when they leave wherever they are coming from, that they can be able to access the very resources and amenities that they were accessing when they were at home or in their own country. So, like having a washing machine, dishwasher, decent bedrooms and bathrooms among other things are critically important.”

Meanwhile, President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Victor Fernandes said

he is pleased with NICIL’s efforts to see the economic progression of Linden, and now the Chamber’s members have a refreshed understanding of NICIL and its role in the development of Linden.

Fernandes said he is more excited about the regularisation of hundreds of plots of land so that they can become assets for business transactions, and facilitate the needed space for business investment. He also expressed his gratitude to NICIL for taking the lead in enhancing Linden’s tourism product; the Watooka Guest House, and by adding to it’s attraction, a deck on the river-front “As a primary stakeholder, NICIL’s role is of utmost importance to the development of this community. They own a significant portion of land/ properties around. I am very much encouraged by the efforts of the CEO to make things happen.

The Chamber will continue to lend their support to investment that would bring economic and social development to Linden,” Fernandes said.

Camp aims to prepare transitioning students for secondary school

By Naomi Marshall IN an attempt to prepare transitioning students for the Secondary School Syllabus, the Department of Education, Georgetown, carried out a camp for transitioning students and this concluded last weekend at the New Campbellville Secondary School.

The camp, which was held under the theme, “Learning through fun,” reinforced what was taught during the Transition Class of 2018-2019 to 110 transitioning students.

Giving brief remarks at the opening ceremony of the camp was Sherwyn Blackman, District Education Officer (DEO), Georgetown, who noted that the Transition camp aimed at giving students a better chance at transitioning from Grade Six to Seven.

He stated that the camp aimed to further develop well-rounded children who were exposed to life skills

training through daily talks and exercises.

“So the programme is designed to have learning through fun. So it means that even as our students will be engaged in the art and craft, music, physical education and even that of the dance and drama class, there is some element of learning that will take place,” he said.

Blackman charged the students to be cooperative with each other and to have open minds as they go through the week of undertakings.

He said, “We want to ensure that the week spent here is going to be a very exciting one, so I say to you, ensure that you have very open minds as you go through the week of activities.”

Blackman indicated that the programme has proved to be successful since students who were placed in the six-years transitioning programme were just as successful at the Caribbean

Sherwyn Blackman, District Education Officer (DEO), Georgetown

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination in the past, when compared to students that completed the five-year secondary programme.

According to the DEO, the schools in Georgetown that host transition classes are St. George’s High School, New Campbellville Secondary School, Cummings Lodge Secondary School, Houston Secondary School, Lodge Secondary School, Tucville Secondary

Transition teacher, Ackilma Pearce

School, Queenstown Secondary School and St. Winefride’s Secondary School.

Three hundred and twenty-three students were in the one-year transition class for the 2018-2019 academic year. However, the camp is being held for 110 of those students.

In giving an overview of the programme, Transition teacher, Ackilma Pearce, stated that the Ministry of Education would have assessed the performance of students country wide in the

National Grade Six Examination. She noted that the analysis would have motivated the Ministry to develop a special programme for students who were not able to attain the score needed to enter into a mainstream secondary school.

In September 2010 the six-year transition class was established in all 10 of Guyana’s Regions.

“These students who were not able to obtain the marks for the five-year programme were now given the opportunity to attend secondary schools but will now do a six-year programme instead of five years,” she explained.

During the extra one year, students are edified on mathematics, grammar, comprehension, composition, spelling, reading, vocabulary, phonics, science, social studies, art and craft, physical education and poetry.

Further, Pearce said that at the beginning of each

Transition Class, a pre-test is administered in mathematics and language to assess the students’ ability.

She noted that the scores are recorded and at the end of the year, the said examination is administered to the students for a comparison to be made.

She highlighted that upon completion of this one-year class, the students are placed in Grade Seven where they are taught seven subjects: mathematics, language, science, social studies, reading and two enrichment subjects.

Regarding this current batch of students, Pearce indicated that following their performance during the Christmas and Easter terms, 2018-2019, some students were still not able to achieve above 50 per cent. As such, the camp is to give those students another chance to improve themselves so that they can be placed into Grade Seven, come September.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

‘Aurora’ takes new employer-employee approach –– in bid to resolve their differences

By Wendella Davidson FOLLOWING a threeday strike by more than 100 workers that commenced on July 2 last, and saw the Aurora Gold Mines losing an estimated 22,500 ounces of unprocessed ore during the period, the company is on a move to boost employer-employee relations.

In light of this devel-

opment, the company has announced a series of measures, among them the promise of a 7.6 per cent second quarter (Q2) bonus payout to eligible employees on July 25, 2019.

The announcement, by way of an internal missive to employees from Senior Vice- President and Chief Operation Officer, Suresh Kalathil, was intended to

inform workers of new approaches that will be taken by the company as part of its initiative to resolve their differences.

On top of the ‘Q2’ bonus payout, ‘Aurora’ also said it is in the process of working on the formula for a ‘Q3’ bonus, the details of which will be relayed to employees by next month.

The decisions were as a result of a meeting last

Monday to firstly hear what complaints the workers had, followed by another last Friday to work on a solution.

‘Aurora’ says it is committed to addressing workers’ concerns, being in regular communication with them, and treating all employees in a respective and inclusive manner.

The company has also promised that its Perfor-

mance Management Process (PMP) will ensure regular follow-up to ensure behaviour shifts in the right decision and within a reasonable period of time.

On the issue of compensation, as it relates to salary levels and pay rates, the memorandum was stated that a site compensation committee and mandate will be created and initiated

by August 31, 2019 to review compensation-related issues, including those of contract employment.

A final report containing recommendations will be provided to the AGM management by October 2019 for review.

Another decision dealt with production targets, and management stated that it will devise a plan to further cascade specific goals and objectives to all employees by August 2019.

Additionally, in an effort to ensure that employees are informed of the company’s 2019 objectives, and that they perform and deliver accordingly, the AGM has also committed to convening a series of Town Hall-type meetings and internal communications.

In all cases where the termination of employment

is required, the AGM said it will abide by the Employment Legislation and Regulations of Guyana, “as this topic relates to the possible Aurora Mining Alliance”. The notice stated, however, that though “no decision has been made yet regarding this possible venture,” the company is, nevertheless, committed to communicating whatever decision is taken in relation to the issue at hand in a timely and transparent fashion.

Other decisions taken by the company are: Discussions re. the unionisation of the workers; updating the existing job description inventory by September 15, 2019, as a set towards promotion and training plans; a review of employees to also be completed by September 15, along with an active review of matters relating to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The AGM says it is on track to achieving its full year production of between 145, 000 to 160, 000 ounces of gold, having announced a 45 per cent in gold production.

During the first quarter, 74, 000 ounces of gold was produced and 37, 000 for the second quarter.

Monday 15, July, 2019 04:00hrs - 14:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

‘Trans’ community laments workplace discrimination

By Vishani Ragobeer

MEMBERS of the local transgender community have reiterated their call for an end to discrimination in the workplace and for amendment of the 1997 Prevention of Discrimination Act (PDA) to be brought into focus as soon as possible.

Recently, Executive Director of the Guyana Trans United (GTU), Quincy McEwan, shared wit the Guyana Chronicle some of the challenges the ‘trans’ community face in their everyday life. One major challenge was discrimination at the workplace.

“We have received and documented many complaints of persons in the trans community who were interviewed, deemed qualified and started working at the job, but from the time they expressed their gender expression, they were actually terminated,” McEwan said.

One young transgender person, Raphael (not real name) said he was aptly qualified in accountancy, but because of his gender expression, he was not given the job he had applied for.

Gender expression is defined as a person’s behaviour, mannerisms, interests, and appearance that are associated with gender, and in Raphael’s case, this was perceived to be more feminine.

“There’s homophobia and those things, they look at you like if you have sh*t on you,” Raphael said, adding: “They would collect your application and have you wasting your time to call and check in when they already know that they won’t give you the job.”

The young man also related that even if lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) persons are suitably qualified and have some degree of experience, it would not matter to many employers.

It is for this reason that members of the community believe that amending the PDA is important.

GTU Executive-Director Quincy McEwan “Amending the Prevention of Discrimination Act is a stepping stone to hold persons accountable, because you can say this is what is included in the Constitution,” the GTU executive director said.

LOBBY In early 2018, Managing-Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and the LGBT community at large have been lobbying for an amendment to the 1997 Act to protect vulnerable persons within the LGBT community.

The inclusion of “sexual orientation” will legally protect persons identified as lesbians, gays and bisexuals, while “gender identity” will offer protection to transgender persons.

The current PDA prohibits discrimination in the workplace based only on “race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, indigenous population, national extraction, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status or age.”

Another member of the LGBT community, Natasha Yhap, stressed that all human beings ought to be entitled to the same rights.

She said it is a civil right of persons to be able to work so that they can ensure their survival.

“If they can’t get a job, then they can’t provide for themselves and the only thing left is the sex work -which is a dangerous job,”

Yhap said.

However, she explained that if employers expect to see a male attend a job interview, but instead they see a man dressed like or expressing himself using mannerisms that have been normalised as female expressions, then a problem will arise. More often than not, this destroys the person’s chances of getting that job.

For her, legislative change is definitely a critical part in reducing the discrimination LGBT persons face in the workplace.

Yhap opined that legislation and policy can influence or even shape the way the populace thinks, and as such, amending the PDA would help the community.

McEwan noted however than policy change is not the only necessary component.

“Policy [change] is good, but I also believe that we need to change hearts and minds,” the GTU Executive-Director said, noting: “Only then could you see real change.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

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Djokovic rallies to retain Wimbledon (BBC) - NOVAK Djokovic saved two championship points in Wimbledon’s longest singles final to retain his title in a thrilling win over Roger Federer.

On a Centre Court, with an atmosphere that felt at times more akin to football than tennis,

Novak Djokovic of Serbia with the trophy after beating Roger Federer of Switzerland in the Final of the Gentleman’s Singles on Day Thirteen of The Championships - Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, July 15, 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) 606 runs; 11 wickets (2) Afghanistan TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who are the World Cup 2019 champions?

(2) Who is the Man of the Tournament (World Cup 2019)?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Djokovic won 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3).

As the clock ticked to four hours 57 minutes, Federer hit a ball high to hand the Serb victory.

The world number one has won 16 Grand Slams - and four of the last five.

“It’s quite unreal,” Djokovic said after winning his fifth Wimbledon title.

Federer, who at 37 was chasing a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon singles title, added: “It was a great match, it was long, it had everything. Novak, congrat-

ulations, man, that was crazy.”

A highly anticipated final between two of the sport’s greats always had the potential to go the distance - and this did that and more.

With fans unable to watch at times, while leaping to their feet and chanting at others, a nerve-jangling final set turned this into a classic.

When Federer had two championship points at 8-7, Djokovic held his nerve to save both and then break back, eventually taking it to the new tie-break at 12-12.

The Serb - who for extended periods of the match had been second best - had won the match’s previous two tie-breaks and he did so again, snatching victory when Federer scooped a return high.

The Swiss had been seeking to become the oldest Grand Slam champion of the Open era but instead found himself part of a different record as the match time surpassed Wimbledon’s longest game - the four hours 48 minutes of play of the 2008 final he lost to Rafael Nadal.

“Like similar to ‘08 maybe, I will look back at it and think, ‘well, it’s not that bad after all’.

For now it hurts, and it should, like every loss does here at Wimbledon,” Federer said.

“Epic ending, so close, so many moments. Yeah, I mean, sure there’s similarities [between this and 2008]. I’m the loser both times, so that’s the only similarity I see.”

The incredible fifth set lasted more than two hours - you could have fitted in two of Saturday’s women’s singles finals in the time of that set alone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

It’s finally home!

England seal world cup

(ESPNCricinfo) - IT was never going to be easy, was it?

Two teams without a World Cup title between them in 44 years of the men’s competition. After 100 overs, the last couple of which contained almost as much drama as a few previous finals in their entirety, nothing could separate England and New Zealand. For the first time in World Cup history, a Super Over was required to determine the winner.

Asked to score 16 from six balls, Jimmy Neesham struck Jofra Archer’s second legitimate delivery way back into the Mound Stand, making it seven needed from four.

A brace of twos followed, before Archer’s bumper took Neesham off strike.

Martin Guptill, at the end of a tournament of personal trial, asked to hit two more otherwise England would take the trophy on boundaries scored.

Archer found a yorker, Guptill found deep midwicket and Jason Roy’s throw found Guptill short; Jos Buttler completed a full-length stumping to end all those years of hurt and an afternoon of exquisite agony.

England had only got close in their chase thanks to Buttler and Ben Stokes, whose 110-run stand lifted the home nation from peril at 86 for 4. The pair walked out again to scramble 15 from an over of Trent Boult: pressure back on New Zealand.

They responded by sending out Neesham, a man who not so long ago was contemplating quitting the game, to face Archer, in his 14th ODI. Only one man could finish a hero.

That said, there were heroes aplenty on both sides.

For the second game in succession, New Zealand put up a score in the region of 240 and defended it with every fibre of their Blackcapped beings.

Just when they appeared to have the game won, a man born in Christchurch ripped it from their hands, in a manner at once extraordinary and unbelievable.

Stokes finished unbeaten on 89, though like Guptil he too could not manage a two from the final ball of England’s innings to win the game in regulation time.

New Zealand had gone into the final over believing that the trophy was in their grasp. England needed 15, Stokes carrying a country’s hopes - not to mention the almost unbearable weight of history - on his shoulders.

The first two balls bowled by Boult were dots, before Stokes mowed the third for six into the crowd at midwicket.

Then came an intervention that was either cruel or miraculous, depending on your perspective.

Stokes, diving for his ground as he attempted to complete a second run, diverted Guptill’s throw off his bat inadvertantly - past wicketkeeper Tom Latham and away to the rope for four more.

Stokes immediately held up his hand in apology, but with no sign that he had changed the course of his run to intercept the throw, it went down as a second consecutive six.

That left England needing three from two, though Boult kept his cool to twice run out the non-striker coming back for a second and send the game into a Super Over.

The previous over, something almost extraordinary had occurred: having caught Stokes on the boundary at wide long-on, Boult stepped on the rope before he could relay the ball back in to Guptill.

Instead of Stokes departing for 63, with England needing 22 off eight and Nos. 9 and 10 at the crease, he was granted another shot at redemption. Instead of Kolkata Part II, this was to become his finest hour, Stokes ultimately crowned man of the match after leading England to victory in a World Cup final at the fourth time of asking.

There is a new name on the World Cup, then, but they didn’t half keep the engravers waiting.

England had built towards this competition for four years, planned for it, yearned for it - and when the moment came, the outburst was rapturous. Staid and stuffy Lord’s had become a cauldron of emotion long before that last passage of play.

New Zealand deserved better than to play the fall guys again.

Their captain, Kane Williamson, orchestrated his men in the field to squeeze England’s chase until it became unbearable.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

Jenea Knight saves the day! ― Guyana upset Bermuda 2 - 0; Lady Jags to face Antigua and Barbuda today

By Rawle Toney JENEA Knight recorded both goals for Guyana (29th, 90+2) in their 2 - 0 upset-win over Bermuda, to start their CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championships Group A campaign with three points, following Saturday evening’s entertaining encounter.

The ‘Lady Jags’, as they are more commonly known, will play Antigua and Barbuda tonight at the National Track and Field Centre, the host venue for the tournament, from 20:30 hours, in an attempt to go sit on top of the five-team group.

to keep the visitors in the game, but O’Brien was up to the task.

Guyana ended the first half 1 - 0 and, given the level of play in the first half, the large crowd on hand was anxious for the resumption.

It was poetry in motion watching the two sides go at each other, but never was different than the first half.

Just when it seemed like the game was going to end with a single goal, Guyana broke the tight Bermuda defence with a beautiful display of touches, starting from the midfield and an excellent

Prior to the game, Dr Ivan Joseph, Guyana’s head coach, at a pre-match press conference, confessed that Bermuda is by far the best team in Group A, and the game would’ve given him an idea of what are his chances of advancing; well, seems like his chances are very good.

Dr Joseph started with Anissa O’Brien in between the uprights, along with Rylee Traicoff, Jessica Myers, Kiana Khedoo, Audrey Narine, Serena McDonald, Nailah Rowe, Tiandi Smith, Brianna Dessa and captain Jade Vyfihuis.

The game was played fluently by both sides, but it was the Lady Jags who would get an early look on goal when Knight had her effort, which was hit hard, denied by the post.

Both sides looked dangerous in the attacking third, but Bermuda found it difficult to really get the ball past O’Brien, who pulled off several crucial saves.

However, in the 29th minute, after a series of attempts which were saved

by Zachary Turner, Knight would score after she pounced on the ball in a goal-mouth scrimmage.

Bermuda’s Jade Stewart and Adia Gibson tried

finish by Knight put the icing on the cake for the Lady Jags and handed them a much-deserved three points.

“I thought we executed well in the final third.

That game could’ve easily been 0 - 0 or 2 – 2. I’m pleased with the effort but it could’ve easily gone either way,” Dr Joseph told Chronicle Sport after his side’s win.

“We got physically overturned in the centre of the park a little bit and our lack of depth was exposed. But hats off to Bermuda, thought they played a good game and we were lucky to come out with the three points,” the Lady Jags head coach said.

Guyana will play Antigua and Barbuda tonight from 20:30 hours, after the St Lucia versus Bermuda encounter, and looking ahead, Dr Joseph reasoned that with the tight scheduling of the tournament, it’s important that the team simply go out and have fun.

“It’s a tough game; we had people barely hanging on. I mean this game means nothing if we didn’t take care of business, not just for today’s match, but for the other games as well,” the Guyanese coach opined.

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West Indies A lose to India by 65 runs Another dispirited performance from the West Indies A resulted in a 65 runs loss to India in the unofficial One day International.

SCORECARD INDIA A R Gaikwad c Carter b Pierre 85 S Gill lbw b Shepherd 62 S Iyer c Chase b Shepherd 2 *M Pandey b Cornwall 27 H Vihari c sub (D Thomas) b Jordan 23 +I Kishan c Chase b Reifer 24 Axar Patel c Ambris b Shepherd 13 D Chahar c Ambris b Shepherd 2 R Chahar not out 4 Khaleel Ahmed not out 2 Extras: (lb4, w7) 11 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 255 Did not bat: Navdeep Saini.

Fall of wickets: 1-151, 2-153, 3-153, 4-206, 5-211, 6-240, 7-249, 8-251.

Bowling: Shepherd 10-1-36-4, Jordan 10-0-56-1, Reifer 9-0-521, Cornwall 10-0-45-1, Pierre 8-0-44-1, Chase 3-0-18-0.

WEST INDIES A J Campbell c wkp Kishan b Khaleel Ahmed 5 S Ambris lbw b Navdeep Saini 24 R Reifer run out 71 *R Chase c wkp Kishan b R Chahar 2 J Carter c R Chahar b Navdeep Saini 10 R Powell c wkp Kishan b Navdeep Saini 0 +S Dowrich b Navdeep Saini 5 R Cornwall c Vihari b Axar Patel 13 R Shepherd not out 34 K Pierre b R Chahar 0 A Jordan c wkp Kishan b Navdeep Saini 8 Extras: (lb3, w15) 18 TOTAL: (all out, 43.5 overs) 190 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-47, 3-61, 4-77, 5-77, 6-84, 7-108, 8-177, 9-178, 10-190.

Bowling: D Chahar 8-1-41-0, Khaleel Ahmed 9-1-32-1, Axar Patel 8-3-21-1, Navdeep Saini 8.5-0-46-5, R Chahar 10-0-47-2.

RESULT: INDIA A WON BY 65 RUNS SERIES: INDIA A LEAD FIVE-MATCH SERIES 2-0

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

Lord and Shun star in Canada’s club cricket competition GCC’S SECOND-division captain Devon Lord and GNIC all-rounder Ryan Shun starred with ball and bat to propel the Red Star Cricket Club to victory in the Etobicoke and District 50-Over Cricket League on Saturday at Caledonia Park, in Toronto, Canada.

Both local-based Guyanese cricketers, they travelled up for the league, which runs until the end of October.

For Lord, this is his second year playing for Red Star, while Shun is playing for the first time this season.

The GNIC cricketer has had a relatively good run outside of Guyana, given that he did well for the Munroe Road Cricket Club in a premier two league in Trinidad earlier this year.

The GCC cricketer was also outstanding with the ball in the league last year, after finishing with a team high 24 wickets.

The successful Barbados Under-17 team

Broad Street, Kingston the highlight of night two whistle was blown.

Meanwhile Dwayne ’Goofy’ Lowe’s 15th minute strike sent title contenders Sophia through to the group stage as his side needled Ol’ Skool Ballers.

In another notable fixture on the night, Albouystown-B secured their group stage spot with a 3-0 win over Berlin with Moses Gritten striking in the fourth minute before Melvorn Ross closed the game off with a Guinness Goal in the 18th minute.

Another favourite, Future Stars needled Sophia United with former national player Keron Solomon netting a last gasp effort in the 15th minute; Charlotte Street would prevail via the same scoreline with Vaughn Abrams netting in the seventh minute to send Bent Street packing.

National player Daniel Wilson netted Leopold Street’s lone goal in the 14th minute to send ‘derby’ rivals Pike Street home.

GNIC all-rounder Ryan Shun

Barbados retain CWI Under-17 title

Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championships…

NIGHT two of the elimination round of the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship produced fireworks at the Burnham Court; the clash of Saturday night was the encounter with Broad Street and Kingston with the former coming up clutch to seal progression to the group stage.

It was fast paced action from the kickoff as Nigel Denny netted after just three minutes to send Kingston ahead; however Ryan Dowding soon equalized for Broad Street two minutes later. The talented Akeem Sam sent Broad Street 2-1 up in the 12th minute but there would be a drastic turn of events as Denny netted a Guinness Goal (counts as 2 goals in the final 3 minutes of the game) in the 18th minute. There would be another dramatic turn of events when Captain and veteran street baller Jimmy Gravesande netted a Guinness Goal in the 19th minute to ensure Broad Street came out 4-3 winners when the

Lord played two previous games, prior to last Saturday’s victory, but he batted late and did not get the opportunity to bowl. Shun, on the other hand, played his second game on Saturday and has looked solid with the bat so far, given that he followed up his 47, over a week ago, with 63 not out two days ago.

In their clash against Melbourne CC, Red Star won the toss and reached 1582 off of 34 overs before rain ended the innings prematurely.

Shun, batting at number three, led the attack. He struck four fours and three sixes in a top score of 63 not out.

In reply, Lord made light work of the middle order. The left-arm spinner finished with 4-30 from six overs.

In the only non-result game over regulation time, Rising Stars beat ‘Good over Evil’ 1-0 via penalties with Queen Street Tiger Bay closing the night off with a 3-1 win against Smyth Street.

Solomon Austin recorded a strike in the third minute and a Guinness Goal in the 18th to secure his side’s group spot with Isaiah Reddy netting for the losers in the seventh minute.

Winners of the Georgetown Championship will walk away with a trophy and $500 000 while runners-up will pocket $300 000 with the third-place finishers collecting $200 000.

Fourth-place finishers will find themselves $100 000 richer while the contestants in the ‘Plate’ section will have an opportunity to win a similar prize.

The event will last for seven days with the other playing dates being July 19, 20, 26 and 27. The grand final is scheduled for August 3.

CMC – BARBADOS retained their CWI Under-17 title even though rain wrecked their final round match against Jamaica on Saturday.

Playing at Gilbert Park, only nine overs were possible in the title decider with Barbados reaching 29 for one, before the inclement weather ended the contest prematurely.

The defending champions, who played unbeaten, finished top of the standings on 17.9 points, ahead of Jamaica who ended on 15.1 points.

Rain also ruined the fixture between Leeward Islands and Guyana at the National Cricket Centre, also forcing a no-result.

Sent in, the Leewards had

reached 26 for one after 7.1 overs before players were driven from the field.

The weather also played a key role in the contest at the Brian Lara Stadium as Windward Islands tied with hosts Trinidad and Tobago in a dramatic finish.

Chasing a revised target of 116, the Windwards finished on 115 for five off their allotted 28 overs, with Teddy Bishop hitting 48 and opener Divonne Joseph getting 33.

The pair put on 73 for the second wicket after the Windwards had lost Mickel Riviere for two with four on the board in the second over.

Once they were separated, however, the Windwards lost

Marian Academy girls ...

close the third.

The East Coast school was able to increase the lead to 19 early in the fourth, but Kwakwani battled back to cut the deficit to 10, before the game ended at 89-79.

Although Semple played extraordinary basketball, he had good support. Gabriel Lim, who led the side with

15 points in the first half, finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Rakin McDonald, who was also clinical, finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jushawn Bayley added 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.

Kwakwani were led by skipper Royon Shortt, who

their way and just missed out on their second victory of the campaign.

Earlier, T&T, opting to bat bat first, finished on 93 for five off 29.5 overs after rain once again intervened.

Opener Aaron Bankay topscored with 41 not out, adding 26 for the first wicket with Jeremiah Cruickshank (7) and a further 45 for the second wicket with Kyle Roopchand (18).

Leewards finished third with 13.3 points, T&T were fourth on 11.5 points while Windwards were one from bottom on 8.5 points.

Guyana, who finished winless after losing their first four games, were last on 3.1 points.

FROM PAGE 23 finished with 19 points and 20 rebounds. Hosea Conway added 14 points and eight rebounds.

The Festival was sponsored by Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd, The National Sports Commission, Banks DIH, Exxon Mobil, Bounty Ltd and John Fernandes Ltd.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 15, 2019

23

ACCCC wraps up impressive one week Cricket Academy Programme

By Colin Bynoe jr

ALBION Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) successfully hosted a oneweek academy for cricketers between the ages 8-18.

The objectives of such an initiative were geared towards “Exposing young cricketers to the basic Fundamentals of the game”.

T h e 2 0 1 9 a c a d e m y, which was attended by an estimated 43 youngsters from No.19 villages to Williamsburg, concluded on Saturday with a simple ceremony where all 43 participants were given certificates for their efforts.

The students were drilled on the basics of the game and also benefitted from mini-lectures on The Importance of Physical Fitness and Education, Substance Abuse, Public Speaking and Communication, Etiquette and Social Grace, First Aid and Laws of Cricket.

In addition, they were

given the opportunity to be a part of basic Mathematics and English tutoring.

Sessions were conduct-

ed by Albion and Guyana Jaguars cricketers Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Gudekesh Motie, former

school teacher and umpire, Dhierandranauth Somaroo, Community Development Officer for Albion and Port

Veerasammy Permaul (with green cap) demonstrating a fielding drill to the academy’s participants

Mourant Estates, Orvin Mangru; Angela Haniff, Pawan Baldeo, Wazir Shariff and Yamenie Jaipersaud.

Delivering the vote of thank was Orvin Mangru who pinpointed various donors that contributed to the successful running of the weeklong cricket Academy.

“Special thanks to Devendra Bishoo for proudly sponsoring the Academy; thanks to Berbice Cricket Board for donating trophies and medals; in addition, we thank the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club for contributing a bicycle, educational booklets and prizes for promising players. Thank you to Naz Supermarket for donating items needed for the preparation of snacks”.

Speaking with Chronicle Sports Public Relation Officer of ACCCC, David Brigbukan said the week-long cricket academy programme was well run and the youths have shown improvement throughout the

week. He continued to share that the academy was organized to help produce wellrounded individuals.

The programme was sponsored by Albion and West Indies leg- spinner, Devendra Bishoo.

RECEIVING AWARDS WERE: ■ Shiv HarripersaudMost Disciplined Participant ■ Tameshwar MahadeoMost Promising Player of the Academy ■ Kumar DeopersaudMost Promising Spin Bowler ■ Shiv HarripersaudMost Promising Fast Bowler ■ Afrizal Kadir- Most Promising Batsman ■ Damion Cecil- Most Promising Wicket-keeper ■ Nicholas Leps- Most Promising Fielder ■ Pavendra GaneshBest overall Attendance and Punctuality.

■ Timothy BrigbukanMost Participating Cricketer.

Marian Academy girls three-peat at National Schools Basketball Festival ― Kwakwani, PC win boys U-14 and U-18 divisions

A SHORT-handed Marian Academy girls’ team won their third consecutive title while Kwakwani Secondary and President’s College (PC) stormed to wins in the U-14 and U-18 male divisions when action in the Youth Basketball Guyana-organised National School Basketball Festival culminated on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The finals of the 14th

edition of the Festival was spectacular on and off the court, with the finalists heavily supported by a wide cross section of spectators, including former West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Both male divisions crowned new champions.

President’s College became the first East Coast team to win the older age group title (it was previously U-19), while Kwakwani, who featured in all three finals, re-

placed Chase Academy as U-14 champions.

EARLY DOMINANCE The young basketball players from Kwakwani showed their might in the U-14 finals against Georgetown school, Saint Stanislaus College.

Led by Travis Lewis and Gevon Ross, the Region 10 school stormed to a 77-25 point win.

Lewis exploded in the

ExxonMobil Schools’ futsal tourney

CWSS inaugural champions

second period with 12 of his game-high 26 points, which propelled the Berbice River school to a 46-15 points lead at the half.

Ross, who dominated the centre position by pulling down 17 rebounds to go with 23 points, was eventually crowned Most Valuable Player.

Matthew David just missed a triple-double after finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine steals.

Kelon Phillips also contributed to the score with 10 first-half points.

right glass and she registered key lay-ups at critical times during the game; when she attacked in the middle, she delivered some nice looking floaters. Sauers finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.

The game was not all Sauers, as several players, including Renuka Ramcharan (four points) and Shamina Peroune (four points and 13 rebounds) made some critical baskets, stops and rebounds as the girls were able to hold on to the last possession to ensure a three-point victory (27-24).

six-time champions trailed their opponents for most of the clash.

After two opening buckets, Kwakwani relinquished their lead—a lead that they never got back.

Richard Semple, who dominated the Festival, Regionals and All-Star Games, won his third MVP award after storming to 33 points for PC in the championship clash. He was an assassin from downtown after hitting four shots from beyond the arc. The youngster also powered his way into the middle

PC became the first East Coast school to win the older age division title CWSS’ Skipper Andre Mayers receives the championship trophy from a representative of NEE

ON Saturday, the curtain fell on the first New Era Entertainment (NEE) in collaboration with ExxonMobil, schools’ futsal tournament that was contested amongst institutions in the mining town of Linden.

As expected, the perennially competitive Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) clinched the inaugural championship after earning a hard-fought victory over Lin-

den Technical Institute (L.T.I.) in the final via kicks from the penalty mark at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) basketball court.

CWSS prevailed 7-6 and Kevin Dornick was named most valuable player (MVP).

In the third-place playoff, Mackenzie High School (M.H.S.) made light work of Linden Foundation 4-1.

CWSS pocketed $600,000 for the win while LTI carted

off $250,000. MHS received $100,000 for their third-place finish while Linden Foundation walked away with $50,000.

All prize monies will go towards a project of the schools’ choice.

The NEE promotional group will now switch their focus to their annual Mohamed’s Enterprise/ ExxonMobil senior futsal championships that is set to be launched on Wednesday.

Trevon Boston, who scored eight points (two threes) and grabbed five rebounds, and Daniel Bailey, with seven points and eight rebounds, led Saints.

TEAM BASKETBALL Marian Academy defended their title without two of their starters, Jada Mohan and Angelique Foo in the line-up. Despite missing their key players, the girls were able to play their stifling defence and fuel their offense through their star player, Kellyann Sauers. The eventual MVP was unstoppable off the

Kwakwani’s skipper Shania Sears scored eight points and three rebounds, but it was Molly Grimmond who brought the Berbice River school back in the second half by hitting two crisp three- pointers. Grimmond finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

National female coach Dave Causway coached all three Kwakwani teams. In the feature clash, he matched up against PC’s Willon Cameron.

Although Kwakwani has a rich history of winning the older age division, the

for numerous buckets in the paint.

Semple stamped his authority in the second half.

Kwakwani had battled hard in the first three minutes of the third quarter to cut a ninepoint half time lead to one and looked set to control the game, but Semple buried two shots from downtown, before powering himself down court to make a critical defensive play.

The play of Semple stumped the Kwakwani side, as PC went on a 13-2 run to TURN TO PAGE 22

It’s finally home!

Page

England seal world cup 20

Eoin Morgan is sprayed with champagne as he holds the trophy aloft

© Getty Images

Jenea Knight saves the day!

Page

21

― Guyana upset Bermuda 2 - 0; Lady Jags to face Antigua and Barbuda today

Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championships…

Broad Street, Kingston the highlight of night two Page

The Hero! Jenea Knight scored both goals for Guyana (Rawle Toney Photo)

It’s a celebration! Jenea Knight is swarmed by her teammates after scoring her second goal on the night to lead Guyana to a 2 - 0 win over Bermuda in the CONCACAF U-20 Championships Qualifiers

22

Part of the enthralling action on night two of the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship at the Burnham Court

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MONDAY, JULY 15, 2019