Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_07_20_2019

SATURDAY 20th July, 2019

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No.105704

‘ I must have a role ’ PAGE

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…President says CCJ ruling guarantees him role in nominating candidates for GECOM chair

…warns that failure to compromise could result in gridlock

…insists role of President in crafting, hammering out list must be respected

‘House-to-house’ to go on …GECOM says Registration is legal requirement under National Registration Act

…PPP to field scrutineers although opposed to exercise

President David Granger

New acting SOCU head appointed PAGE

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Contract signed for $200M Rupununi bypass road PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

House-to-house to go on

…GECOM says registration is legal requirement under National Registration Act

…urges eligible persons to register from today …PPP to field scrutineers although opposed to exercise

By Navendra Seoraj THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has cleared any lingering uncertainty by announcing that it will commence house-to-house registration from today, Saturday July 20, 2019, ignoring threats by the opposition and other groups that have been lobbying for early polls.

According to a press

statement from GECOM, the countrywide exercise is in keeping with a decision of the commission on February 19, 2019 and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019. “Registration is a legal requirement according to the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08, therefore, all eligible persons are mandated to register,” GECOM said.

House-to-house registration is a new registration

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

Supporters of the PPP/C protesting GECOM’s decision to move forward with house-to-house registration (Delano Williams photo)

The Guyana Elections Commission will commence house-to-house registration today

exercise and all eligible persons must register even if they were previously registered, the elections management body stated. Upon conclusion of this exercise, a new National Register of

Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created.

Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose

of conducting General and Regional Elections.

Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, 14 years and older by October 31, 2019 or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for a period of no less than one year, preceding the qualifying date, are all eligible for registration.

Residents are urged to have the relevant documents required for registration ready and be on the lookout for GECOM’s registration officials in their area. “These documents include an original Birth Certificate, a Valid Passport, Naturalisation Certificate, Certificate of Registration, Adoption Certificate and Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate (if applicable),” said GECOM. For the purpose of this exercise, each eligible person will only be registered where he/she resides. Residence includes dwelling places such as homes, residential institutions such as hospices and homes for youth and the elderly. Registration will not be done at GECOM Registration Offices.

While the commission is undertaking the registration exercise, concurrent

operational activities for the preparations of General and Regional Elections are underway. A publication in the official gazette dated June 11, 2019 showed that an order was documented for the registration exercise to commence on July 20 and end on October 20, 2019. The document, which outlined a three-month period, was signed by former GECOM Chair, Justice (Rtd.) James Patterson.

The order, cited as the National Registration (Residents) Order 2019, stated: “Persons to whom this Order applies shall, in accordance with Section 6 of the Act, be registered under the process of house-to-house registration with reference to October 31, 2019 and the registration shall begin on July 20, 2019 and end on October 20, 2019.”

NO AUTHORITY TO SET ELECTIONS TIMELINE A few days after the order was gazetted, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld the no-confidence vote against the government and quashed the appointment of Patterson as Chairman of the commission. However, on July 12, 2019, the court gave Consequential Orders that it had no authority to set a timeline or date for the holding of elections in Guyana.

It stated that only the President, the National Assembly and GECOM can set out a timeline for such. The opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had also submitted to the court that it was TURN TO PAGE

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‘I must have a role’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

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…President says CCJ ruling guarantees him role in nominating candidates for GECOM chair …insists role of President in crafting, hammering out list must be respected …warns that failure to compromise could result in gridlock

By Svetlana Marshall WARNING that failure to compromise could result in gridlock, President David Granger said he must have a role in the selection of nominees for the Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as outlined by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and that role he made clear, must be respected.

The CCJ, in ruling that the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was flawed, had ruled that the process of appointing a Chairman of the Elections Commission must be consensual but the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, though agreeing to have the President submit nominees, have rejected all thus far, and has indicated that there is no “real role” for the President in the submission of nominees.

But President Granger, on Friday, said it would appear that there is a misunderstanding of the ruling of the CCJ on the part of the opposition leader. “As far as I am concerned, the interpretation (of the CCJ) is quite clear, and it means that the President must have a role… and I would resist any attempt to prevent me from exercising that function that has been given to me by the CCJ. The role of the President in the crafting and ‘hammering out’ of a list must be respected,” the Head of State said during a programme – The Public Interest. He noted that he is prepared to meet with the opposition leader to arrive at an interpretation of the ruling of the CCJ but for him, it is clear that what is required is the involvement of both him, and the opposition in the submission of nominees.

At the time, he was being interviewed by Ariana Gordon, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of the Presidency's Public Information and Press Service Unit, during the ministry’s Public Interest Programme. His statements also come at a time, when the opposition leader has reject-

ed his two nominees – Attorney-at-Law Kesaundra Alves and Justice (Ret’d) Claudette La Bennett, and has indicated that it is not for the President to keep proposing names for the position. Ahead of that rejection, the President had cleared four of the opposition’s nominees, noting that those persons were not unacceptable to him and could be placed on the list of six that would be formally submitted to him by the opposition leader in accordance with the Constitution, and the declarations of the CCJ. “I am not sure that the opposition understands the implications of the ruling by the CCJ. The CCJ made it clear that it is not altering the Constitution; it is interpreting the Constitution by suggesting that we move away from unilateralism…towards consensualism,” President Granger said. The CCJ, while invalidating the unilateral appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, ruled that the President and the opposition leader ought to have met prior to the submission of the list, and consulted on names.

“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 and discuss eligible candidates for the position of Chairman before a list is formally submitted,” CCJ President Justice Saunders said as he handed down the ruling.

As explained by Justice Saunders, President Granger said if both he and the opposition leader have a role in the selection of the Chairman of the Elections Commission, the process would be faster, and would result in a list that is pleasing to both sides. But the President made it clear that he is not simply there to observe the process.

NO PASSIVE PARTICIPANT “I am not a passive participant. I am not a passive observer to the process. I am an active participant in

“I am not a passive participant.

I am not a passive observer to the process. I am an active participant in the process, and this is what we have been trying to do, and this is what I have been trying to get the opposition to understand that I cannot simply sit and wait for them to send the list because this is what failed in the past,” President Granger said.

President David Granger

the process, and this is what we have been trying to do, and this is what I have been trying to get the opposition to understand that I cannot simply sit and wait for them to send the list because this is what failed in the past,” President Granger said.

He noted it was failure on the part of the opposition leader to submit a list that is not unacceptable to him that resulted in him invoking the proviso, which is catered for in the constitution in appointing Justice Patterson.

Article 161 (2) of the Constitution mandates the opposition leader to submit to the President, the names of six persons who satisfy the eligibility criteria, and, are not unacceptable to the President. “Provided that if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court of who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge,” another section of Article 161(2) states, placing in the hands of the President, the power to appoint a Chairman of GECOM outside of the list provided by the opposi-

tion leader, once that list is unacceptable.

HEED THE RULING Given the recent occurrences of the past, President Granger said it is important to pay heed to the ruling of the CCJ, and the consequential orders that followed on July 12, 2019. “So it is every important that we pay attention to the spirit and the letter of the Consequential Orders, that is to say, the President must be given, must not may, must be given a role and it means that I have to be involved in the selection of nominees, before those nominees come back to me,” the Head of State said.

He added: “It is no longer a one-sided affair; it is no longer unilateral, it is consensual and both government and the opposition have to be involved, and this is why, the contact groups, the working groups, between

the two sides have met four times, four times since the July 4, and we will continue meeting, in order to ensure that the ruling of the CCJ is implemented.”

However, he again warned against any refusal to meaningfully consider his nominees. “Well it is a recipe for gridlock. The important thing which the CCJ aimed at is to ensure consensualism, that is to say, there must be a spirit of compromise, there must be acceptance of the role of the President in hammering out the list, and similarly, both sides are to aim at having a list of candidates which are not unacceptable to the President, and unless we accept that principle we will end up in gridlock, and that is what we are heading for, if the opposition continues to deny the President a role in ‘hammering out’ that list,” the President explained.

While noting that the rul-

ing by the CCJ is useful, he noted that adherence to that ruling would lead to an early conclusion of the process of nominating and appointing a Chairman for the Elections Commission.

“There is no way that the removal of the President’s role in the crafting of the list, the ‘hammering out’ of that list could result in an outcome that is consensual, that is acceptable. It would be spurious if the opposition insists on exclusively crafting that list or unilaterally crafting that list. The CCJ’s ruling makes it impossible for that to occur,” the Head of State further explained.

Amid allegations by the opposition that he and his government are acting in bad faith, President Granger assured the nation, during the interview, that he and his government are acting in compliance with the Constitution and the ruling of the CCJ. “I would not have met; I would not have set up a working group to meet with the opposition, six times in three weeks, unless I was acting in good faith, and unless I was interested in a favourable outcome for both sides, a win-win situation,” he said while emphasising that the allegations, are what they are – false, and misleading. The President said the people of Guyana could look forward to the appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission, a fully functional Elections Commission, and elections in the shortest period of time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

Iran 'seizes British-flagged oil tanker'

(BBC) A British-flagged oil tanker has been seized in the Gulf by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Iran media say.

The owners of the Stena Impero, which was bound for Saudi Arabia, say they have been unable to contact the vessel and it is "heading north towards Iran".

They say there are 23 personnel on board and that

it was approached by "unidentified small crafts and a helicopter" in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Foreign Office is "urgently" looking into the reports.

The government's emergency committee, Cobra, is meeting in Whitehall to discuss the incident.

A maritime tracking website is also reporting a second

tanker with UK links has made a sharp turn towards Iran.

The Ministry of Defence said it was aware of reports about a second vessel - the Liberian MV Mesdar is British owned.

These latest developments come amid heightened tensions between the UK, the US, and Iran.

The Tasnim news agency quoted the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran as saying: "We received some reports on the British oil tanker, Stena Impero, causing problems.

"We asked the military forces to guide this tanker towards Bandar Abbas port to have the required investigations carried out."

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard-affiliated news agency said the tanker was seized for breaking three regulations: shutting down its GPS; going through the

exit of the Strait of Hormuz rather than the entrance; and ignoring warnings.

Stena Bulk, the vessel owner, and Clydebank-based ship manager Northern Marine Management confirmed the UK-registered Stena Impero was approached at around 16:00 BST on Friday while it was in international waters.

A statement said: "We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran.

"There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers."

A Foreign Office statement said: "We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf."

Stena Bulk, the vessel owner, and Clydebank-based ship manager Northern Marine Management confirmed

Saturday 20 July, 2019 - 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs

the UK-registered Stena Impero was approached at around 16:00 BST on Friday while it was in international waters.

A statement said: "We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran.

"There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers."

A Foreign Office statement said: "We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf."

Tensions between the UK and Iran flared up earlier this month when Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker which was suspected of breaking EU sanctions.

The UK suspected Grace 1, detained on 4 July near Gibraltar, was carrying oil bound for Syria.

In response to the seizure, Iran threatened to seize a British oil tanker.

On 9 July, the UK raised the threat to British shipping in Iranian waters in the Gulf to "critical" - the highest level.

A day later, Iranian boats attempted to impede a British oil tanker in the region, before being warned off by a Royal Navy ship, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Iran denied any attempted seizure.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson tweeted that the latest reports were of "real concern", adding that "any move to seize a British tanker would be a significant and harmful escalation of a situation where de-escalation is needed".

Sir Richard Dalton, former UK ambassador to Iran, told the BBC that Iran was "trying to put a scare into the owners and operators of tankers" in the region.

How can this episode be resolved ? The likely answer - only by negotiation. And that may have to involve the return of the tanker seized off Gibraltar.

Was the decision to arrest that allegedly Syria-bound tanker the right one, especially given the context of the ongoing crisis in the Gulf ?

And did the UK Government respond effectively to the threats from Tehran?

We were told that the eventual decision to despatch a second warship to the Gulf was agonised over long and hard; balancing the need to avoid escalation with the evident threat to UK-flagged vessels.

In the event the Iranians were neither deterred nor dissuaded.

US President Donald Trump said he would talk to the UK following the claims that Iran had seized a British-registered tanker.

Wednesday July 17, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

Venezuela political chaos deepens with third claim to presidency (BLOOMBERG) If Venezuelan politics weren’t convoluted enough, they just got a bit more complicated this week.

The opposition-aligned Progressive Advance party hired Ari Ben-Menashe, a Montreal-based lobbyist, to “pursue Henri Falcon’s election as President of Venezuela,” according to a contract filed with the U.S. Justice Department.

Days after the public filing, Falcon and his advisers are walking back the purpose of the $200,000 contract. An amended document, obtained by Bloomberg News, said their main aim is “to pursue a peaceful solution

to Venezuela’s economic, humanitarian and political crisis.” Progressive Advance said in a press release that it was “absurd” to consider a presidential candidacy for Falcon.

The former Lara state governor didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Falcon lost to President Nicolas Maduro in a widely criticized election last May. That led the U.S. and more than 50 governments to recognize National Assembly President Juan Guaido as the nation’s rightful leader this January, when Maduro’s second-term began.

The lobbying effort un-

Henri Falcon Photographer: Manaure Quintero/Bloomberg

derscores an ongoing rift within Venezuela’s opposi-

tion, even as roughly fourfifths of Venezuelans share

a negative view of Maduro’s government. Last year, the nation’s main opposition bloc boycotted what it called a sham vote pitting Maduro against Falcon and televangelist Javier Bertucci.

In the contract, Progressive Advance said it’s working with Ben-Menashe’s firm to establish contact with Washington and Moscow to seek a solution to the country’s crisis. The party has proposed an oilfor-food program in which Venezuela could export oil to the U.S. and the profits would be used exclusively to buy food for the nation. At the moment, hyperinflation makes it almost impossible for most Venezuelans to buy

the food they need.

Maduro’s government and opposition officials representing Guaido started negotiations in May, sponsored by Norway, seeking to find a solution to Venezuela’s political and economic crisis. The most recent talks ended Wednesday in Barbados with no deal. Guaido’s representatives pushed for early presidential elections, according to two lawmakers with direct knowledge of the matter.

New Huawei TT CEO (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) JEFF Jin, 41, has been appointed the new CEO of Huawei Technologies TT. A statement issued

by Huawei said Jin was appointed yesterday. Jin has 16 years experience in the industry. He has worked in Huawei’s operations in Europe, Central America and in the Asia-Pacific region.

His last posts include CEO of Huawei’s El Salvador office, vice-president of sales in Sweden and business development New CEO of Huawei manager in Singapore. He Technologies TT Jeff Jin. PHOTO COURTESY OF HUAWEI has a bachelor’s degree in

mechanical engineering and a master’s in mechanical design.

As CEO of Huawei TT, Jin’s responsibilities include overseeing strategic growth, development and overall operations for the company in TT and the Eastern Caribbean. Jin said, “I look forward to working with the TT Government, operators and local partners to bring digital services to every person, home and organisation to achieve and maintain a fully connected TT.” He added that Huawei will focus on “collaborations

that sustain growth and development wherever we operate.” A sports aficionado, Jin actively participates in football, golf and tennis. Jin said he was excited to build on strategic partnerships

Huawei has already established in TT and continue growing its corporate social responsibility. Huawei first established its offices in TT in 2006. The company operates in more than 170

countries and regions. The Chinese tech giant has more than 188,000 employees worldwide and was first established as a private company in 1987.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

President and the judiciary MUCH has been said in the past weeks about government’s response to the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling, with some groups outside of the formal opposition, accusing President David Granger and his administration of showing disrespect to the court.

These views are often informed by either misunderstanding or plain distortion of the facts in order to achieve specific political ends. President Granger has not shied away from bringing clarity to his government’s position and its careful adherence to the orders of the court. This editorial will not repeat the various statements His Excellency has made on the current political situation, but to point out that since assuming office, efforts and recognition by the APNU+AFC Government to create the environment where

an independent judiciary can function ought not only to be noted but applauded.

This country, over the past four years, has emerged from the shadows of an authoritarian, ‘narco’-criminalised state, into a respectable democracy that stands on the firm shoulders of the Constitution of the Republic, and guarantees the Rule-of-Law and the Separation of Powers, under which the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature enjoy full independence.

President David Granger is on record saying: “The judicature is fundamental to good governance because it protects the people’s rights and prevents the emergence of autocracy.” The judiciary is a branch of government, just as the legislature and executive. The checks and balances these branches place on each other; their true worth

and importance to society and governance can only be felt when they are understanding of their role, and uncompromising in discharging it.

The executive has daily administrative responsibility for the State, guided by the rule of law, and the legislature’s role of oversight of and giving support to the executive through bills and other requirements, the role of the judiciary is to adjudicate the law and serve as the nation’s judicial compass.

As President Granger rightly pointed out back in 2017 at the installation ceremony for acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire, SC, and Justice Dawn Gregory as Justice to the Appeal Court, the judicature was set up under the Guyana Constitution to be an independent branch, free of interference from the executive and legislative. Acceptance of

this role will not only see the rightful securing of financial autonomy that came with the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015, but also moving to ensure daily management is free from the influences and subjugation of the other branches. This, too, was not lost sight of by the President, who noted that the judiciary has a vital role to play in maintaining its own independence.

It is not an unfair statement that the reputation of this branch had come in for questioning and ridicule under the former administration. Some factors giving rise to this were the prolonged acting appointments in the highest offices which lend to the impression such are deliberately done by the politicians to keep it under its thumb. Under-staffing, huge backlog of cases, disappearance of case jackets, case

deferrals, discontent with the jury system, poor storage and retrieval of records, have contributed to the disenchantment.

Where there have been rulings that have caused society to think decisions were arrived at inconsistent with the ruleof-law, such also feed into negative perception.

Restoring credibility and the people’s confidence require doing the requisite work, which this government set out to do from the very early days of its stewardship. Where society sees this branch failing in the discharge of its duty it could create opportunities for the rise of might is right, vigilante justice, and rise of autocratic government.

Given all the efforts by this government thus far to empower the judiciary, there can be no reservation about the President Granger’s Government in ensuring this branch

of government is restored to the pinnacle place in society.

One of the things progressive societies rely on is an efficient and effective judiciary. And while no system is perfect what people desire is the system striving for perfection, instead of settling for or falling into mediocrity. The judiciary must go forward fearlessly discharging its constitutional function and zealously guarding its independence. It could not be more concisely put than President Granger’s timely reminder that, “Judicial independence acts to prevent the derogation from the rule-oflaw. Respect for the rule-oflaw is the foundation of a law-based society, one which can be sustained only by an independent judiciary.”

Public Service pay-scale needs to be revised Dear Editor, ATTENTION: Chairman of the Public Sector Commission, Ministers of the Presidency, Health and Finance.

I would like to bring to your attention a few issues I believe should be addressed before passing the budget this year.

Young people are taught that education is the key to success. It is integral in ensuring that we become productive citizens that can contribute to the development of our beloved country, Guyana.

Many youths would attend the University of Guyana to further their studies, and then seek employment in the private and public sectors. I have worked for a number of years in the private sector, and am currently in the public sector for three years. The private and public sectors offer numerous advantages and a few disadvantages, but within the

public sector, I believe there should be some sort of reform concerning the pay scales and promotions.

The current APNU/AFC Government has made credible changes to the wages and salaries of public servants in their short tenure. The minimum wage increased from approximately $G39,000 to $G65,000. This was a great initiative, and I applaud the Government for this.

My concerns are: 1) The Public Service Commission has rules regarding appointments and promotions of public servants. I believe revisions should be made in these two areas. With the influx of young professionals into the public sector, many of them are being stifled. This is mainly due to the fact that the PSC merits experience above qualifications. For example, if Mary Jane is 25 years old with a Bachelor’s of Science

degree, she is offered a junior or entry level position. Her supervisor would most likely be Mr. John Jones, 50 years old, with a Diploma and 20+ years’ experience in the field. I sincerely respect the “veterans” in the public service. If they are promoted to managerial positions without the necessary academic qualifications, it should be mandatory that he/she complete their studies so that they can be “fit and proper” for the position. Since, if Mary Jane recommends changes in the department, it will not be considered. This is one of the reasons for the brain drain in Guyana, especially in the medical field.

Secondly, the medical profession in Guyana has not earned the respect and remuneration equivalent to the qualifications and experience needed. Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and the most overlooked profession of all, Medical Technologists, are

severely underpaid in the Public Health system compared to our Caribbean neighbours.

Medical Technologists aid in the treatment and diagnosis of patients. We are the unsung heroes in the medical system.

Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacists all depend on Medical Technologists to do their laboratory investigations, which will guide them on various treatment methods necessary.

In the recently-published vacancy circular, it was noted that numerous positions such as Medical Technologists, Pharmacists, EHOs and Registered Nurses are paid on the GS 7 Scale: 95,387(gross income) and 81,000 (net income). All of the positions mentioned require a Bachelor’s Degree. The average tuition fee for a diploma at the University of Guyana in a health-related field is approximately $G240, 000, in addition to a $G50,000 miscellaneous fee. A Bach-

elor’s Degree programme is approximately $G360,000, in addition to $G50,000 miscellaneous fee per academic year, except for the Medicine and Law programmes.

To the Chairman of the Public Sector Commission, Honourable Ministers of the Presidency, Health and Finance. If a recent graduate from UG took a student loan to finance their education, have utility bills, rent, hire purchase and car loans to pay, $G81,000 is inadequate, since the money spent on obtaining a university education by far outweighs the remuneration, thus resulting in limited spending and saving powers.

Many youths, especially in the Medical Technology field, are unable to privately further their studies to the Master’s and PhD levels, since scholarships are limited.

Lack of opportunities for promotion, poor wages and no risk/uniform allowances

will continue to negatively affect the productivity we expect in the Public Sector system, since, within the last year, I have seen young, vibrant, qualified persons leave Guyana due to financial limitations.

I believe each pay scale under the PSC should be revised and increased. My suggestions are that persons with a Bachelor of Science Degree, in lieu of experience, should start on the GS: 11 scale.

Doctors should start on the GS: 12 scale. If you have a certificate or diploma, a GS: 10 scale. Both qualifications and experience should be taken into consideration. It is my hope that my sentiments gain the attention of the respective authorities, and some positive action is taken.

Regards, Public Servant

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

Jagdeo and anti-nationals are Guyana’s problem Dear Editor, HOW pathetic! How dishonest and hypocritical for Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, to be criticising CARICOM for its “silence” on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)’s ruling as it pertains to the No-Confidence Motion, ref: “Jagdeo bashes CARICOM over ‘silence’’ on CCJ’s ruling on No confidence Motion”, News Source, July 18, 2019.

Here is Jagdeo, once again, whipping up hysteria, as is his constant daily mischief, then, having failed to solicit his expected result, perhaps socially, seeks to inveigle the regional body to raise its voice, as he had tried to do, by virtually ordering the CCJ to politically intervene in Guyana’s internal affairs. We all know the result; an emphatic NO, causing his attorney to express disappointment.

Apart from the fact that there is no breakdown of the social order, as perhaps, Jagdeo would have very much liked to see, he continues to be disappointed by a public

that has seen through his deliberate political treachery and dishonest motives. He has, by his own public report, described the discussions as per consensual list, “as going very well’’. Any political science freshman would know that such a status quo must be given a reasonable chance of concluding in a manner that is satisfactory to the engaging parties.

Jagdeo seems to believe that every time he shouts that all must head for the hills.

No, No. No! Of course, CARICOM is watching, no doubt concerned, but certainly pissed off that a country which had become a regional pariah, with all of the degrading facets of a criminal state, feasted upon by a former administration that also practised institutional racism against a segment of its population, is in the process of being reconstructed and gradually restored to both regional and international respectability by a new government, led by an incorruptible Head of State; has been assuming its traditional regional respon-

sibilities; battling against the scourge of corruption and transnational crime that became the masthead of Guyana’s social ills; and preparing Guyana for the biggest economic venture of its entire history, is once again threatened by the region’s most discredited politician who, in concert with political and economic scoundrels, plotted to remove the coalition APNU+AFC government, led by the respected person of President David Arthur Granger.

One is certain that CARICOM, as the premier regional organisation, is well aware that the CCJ did not hand down any coercive orders, as far as having to do with a date for Guyana’s regional and national elections, and the selection of a chairperson for GECOM. It is also aware that such action is not the Court’s preserve, and is best left to Guyana’s principal political actors. The government resorted to the right of due process in the first instance, thus rendering the ‘within three months period for national elections’ not practicable. Even more

Resigning from SARA is the best solution

Dear Editor,

I FIRMLY believe this is the best solution for both SARA and myself, and ultimately for the country.

First, it will protect the investigation which many want to see stopped. It will also allow SARA to address the issue of what information is being leaked or tampered with, given that files associated with the issuance of oil blocks appear to not be safe. Second, it will hopefully allow the media to focus on the many critical issues facing the nation, such as the upcoming elections with a credible list.

Third, it may diminish the personal threats that have increased since the media frenzy.

In the final analysis, there was much creative journalism in this matter. The fact of the matter is that I was not actively involved in ABR Oil & Gas since 2016, but I was President of the African Business Roundtable until 2018.The African Business Roundtable is a business service organisation similar to the Private Sector Commission, or the Guyana

Manufacturers Association or the Chinese Business Association.

The ABR Oil & Gas is a separate entity which apllied, like many other groups, for one of the remaining blocks in 2016. I was not involved in the application process, as there was a separate Management Team responsible for that company.

This confusion in the media between the dates, and especially between the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and ABR Oil & Gas, the applicant in 2016, gives rise to the perception of a conflict, therefore a conflict exists. The application for the block in 2016 was never responded to by the Government of Guyana or GGMC since 2016, although an award was made by the Government in 2017 to Tullow for the Orinduik block, therefore indicating that the ABR Oil & Gas application was passed over.

Regards, Eric Phillips

important is the fact that the Granger Government calls for a voters’ list that is sanitised, which is key to Guyana’s continued credibility as a democratic state.

As a regional organisation, CARICOM is aware what the compromising of such a key element of democracy could mean in terms of the social peace, and the imperative of an uncorrupted Voters’ List as an insurance against such a likelihood. It is not a prospect that, as a regional body, it would wish to relish at this or any other time. This, I believe, would be this organisation’s advice to Jagdeo and his cohorts:

Let there be house-to-house registration. Let there be credible elections.

Editor, apart from what one is certain is CARICOM’s concerned watch at the Guyana situation, it is not on the same level as Haiti, as Jagdeo has inferred, warranting a similar CARICOM response of “moving around the world to address problems in other countries”. There have been no street confrontations, killing of protestors and destruction of public property in Guyana, as has been the experience in Haiti.

All will agree that the problem is Jagdeo leading a phalanx of anti-national

and vested interest types, greedily salivating on 2020 oil, inclusive of political scoundrels; dangerous opportunists; economic rapists, and dubious types, many of whom are before the courts, and are still being investigated for the worst cases of State pillage anywhere in the modern CARICOM. This, one is sure, is what is of great concern to the latter body.

Which regional organisation will countenance a member State, led by such political putridity?

Regards, Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

UG launches radio station

THE University of Guyana (UG) on Thursday launched its radio station ‘95.5 Intelligent FM’ housed in the Centre for Communication Studies (CCS).

The establishment of the radio station cost some $8M. Its frequency will spread throughout a 10-mile radius of the university’s Turkeyen Campus; reaching as far as Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), and even further to reach the village of New Hope on the East Bank of Guyana (EBD).

Pro-Chancellor of the university, Major General (ret’d), Joseph Singh, while noting the university is now in its 56th year of operation, said that it is crucial that recognition be given to those who have toiled and contributed to the success of

this project.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes tests the equipment at the official launch of the University of Guyana’s

Sobers tries out the equipment in the studio.Pro-Chancellor of UG Major General (ret’d), Joseph Singh Deedra Moe, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Senior Director,

Pro-Chancellor of the University, Major General (ret’d), Joseph Singh addressing the gathering

‘95.5 Intelligent FM’ radio station.Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie

Public and Government Affairs.Director of the Centre for Communication Studies, Denise Hopkinson-Braam.A

peek inside the radio station; an operator at the controls.

One of those persons is Director of the Centre for Communication Studies (CCS), Denise Hopkinson-Braam, who shared anecdotes of her time as a student at the institution. She was elated about the completion of the project. “We were students waiting on this and it’s finally here. It’s a dream come through.” She added that the university is now poised and ready to be able to help the community and that the station is ready to provide ‘fit and proper’ content for the airways.

The CCS has been without a radio broadcasting license since 1990 despite its repeated requests for renewal. After meeting with the Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes and then CEO of the Guyana Broadcasting Authority, Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola resubmitted its request for radio and TV licenses in 2017.

Minister Hughes relayed

her happiness with the final operationalisation of the radio station citing the scores of persons who have been waiting for decades for this dream to become a reality. “At last, at last, at long last,” Minister Hughes said.

“Campus radio has become a reality. I am extremely proud because part of [my father’s dream] for the evolution of broadcasting in Guyana has finally started.”

Additionally, she said that the station would be ‘bridging the gaps’ that exist within the communication and broadcasting training sectors. Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers shared his view that the time has come for Guyana to transition to catering to persons living with disabilities; in relation to journalism and broadcasting industries. The university’s programme of Journalism and Communications has been in existence for more than 35 years. It is one of only a few institutions in the Caribbean region dedicated

to training broadcast and print journalists and producers of radio and television programmes.

Also delivering remarks at the launch was ’ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Guyana, Deedra Moe. She relayed that the company is “extremely happy” to play its role and to be part of such a momentous occasion in the life of the academic institution.

“The launch of this radio station will boost the work of the UG’s journalism and communications programme… and will also contribute significantly to the development of the university as a whole.” The radio station will provide training in live radio and television production for students enrolled in the Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. It will also support more specialised training for students of the Master in Visual Communication, set to be launched within the coming months. (DPI)

Toddler dies of scorpion sting …family says negligent system caused his death

A TWO-YEAR-OLD baby boy on Wednesday morning lost his life, after he was stung by a scorpion at his Mabaruma home.

According to reports, the child, Romero Lucian, was admitted at the Mabaruma Hospital on Wednesday morning, after he started vomiting severely as a result of the scorpion sting.

A close relative of the child said that he was admitted in a stable condition, and was given gravol for the vomiting, and saline and oxygen. However, there was no antidote at the hospital for the poison, only medications to ease the pain. “That was all they had, and they said that he would have to go to Georgetown Hospital. So they told his mom to go back home and come back around 12:00hrs to catch a flight to go down. But the plane never came till around 15:00hrs, and got to town [sometime]

after 16:00hrs,” the relative said.

The relative further added that there were other planes leaving the region before the other plane arrived, but the situation was not treated with

Dead: Two-year-old Romero Lucian

much urgency. The relative said when the plane arrived at Ogle, there was a further delay, because there was no ambulance there to collect and start treating the child.

It was when the ambu-

lance came and moved off from the airport, the child’s grandmother saw him take his last breath. “When we arrived at the hospital at the emergency unit, that’s when they pronounced him dead,” the relative said. The family believes if the situation was treated with more urgency and interest in saving a life, the baby would have still been alive.

“The first issue was that the hospital is not fully equipped to save lives, then there was a negligent system in how they treated the case. First thing the plane took long to come, and they had other planes there to use. Then there was no ambulance waiting there at the airport so that means there was no proper coordination in the health system,” another relative lamented. Now the family is left grieving at the innocent loss of the baby’s life.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Contract signed for $200M North to Central Rupununi bypass road — 4,000 residents to benefit; will significantly reduce travel time CONSTRUCTION of the North to Central Rupununi, Region 9, bypass road will commence soon following the signing of a $200M contract between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), JR Construction Incorporated and B and R Construction.

The 70-mile long all-weather road starts from Toka Village in the North Rupununi and stretches to Kwaimatta on to Yupukari, through Quatata, Kaicumbay, Fly Hill, then through Parishara, Nappi, Hiawa in Central Rupununi and into Lethem.

The road alignment has already begun and once completed, the project will benefit some 4,000 residents. This was disclosed by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock during a presentation at the North

Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) meeting on July 18. The event attracted the participation of 17 village leaders from the North and Central Rupununi.

According to Minister Allicock, once the project is completed, the time it takes to travel to Lethem to conduct business will be significantly reduced. For example, an hour-long journey from Hiawa to Lethem will be reduced to 15 minutes.

During a consultation on the project earlier in the year, the residents commended the government’s effort to push ahead with such a significant project which had been in the discussion phase for years.

Toshao of Yupukari, Russian Dorrick noted that the project will bring positive economic impact to his village that is one of the leaders in the

Tourism sector. He said that the road will ensure easier access to the village, as students will get to and from school in a timely manner.

In emergency cases, patients will get to the hospital safely and promptly and markets will be more accessible to farmers.

Minister Allicock explained that the government has recognised the importance of proper roadways in community development since it ensures better access to health care, education and other economic and social opportunities, as well as bringing improved services and supplies to the now-accessible villages.

“The opening up of roads is needed everywhere; we need better roads so that your vehicles could last longer, so that you will be

A section of the bypass road

able to access markets. The road will run from Lethem through Hiawa and Nappi, and your airstrip can also be developed… and it will be easily accessible, and you will see more activities in your villages, more jobs and more demand for products.” The construc-

tion of the road is part of a larger project to transform public infrastructure in the hinterland. It joins the list of other projects in Region 9, including the Manari bypass which was completed recently; the ongoing construction of the Lethem Township road; the

House-to-house ... not necessary for the Elections Commission to proceed with house-to-house registration and asked that the commission be ordered to use the OLE in existence in March 2019. However, by virtue of the previous decision, the CCJ also rejected the line of argument.

Jagdeo and President David Granger are now in the process of finalising a list of six eligible individuals, from which the President will choose a new chairman.

Before Patterson voluntarily left office, his last instruction to the commission was for the commencement of preparations towards the conduct of house-to-house registration. This was decided in February 2019 by the seven-member commission by way of vote.

As GECOM continues with its work, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has urged the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to desist from trying to interfere with the work of GECOM. “This dishonest behaviour has included threats and other forms of intimidation tactics against the Chief Elections Officer

and the elections commission,” said the PNC/R in a press statement on Friday.

According to the PNC/R, this underhand approach extends to the process of appointing a new chairman of GECOM. The CCJ was extremely clear that the parties work together to ‘hammer out’ a solution, yet the PPP/C has acted in “bad faith” by submitting names that they have already had rejected.

Furthermore the PPP/C appear to have rolled back from their offer that, in order to find a consensus, the leader of the opposition is not averse to the President informally suggesting names in their proposed engagement for his consideration.

“We call on the PPP to cease and desist from engaging in behaviour that is in violation of the constitution,” said the PNC/R. PPP PROTEST: TO FIELD SCRUTINEERS Meanwhile, supporters of the PPP/C on Friday, led by leaders of the party, protested against GECOM’s decision to move ahead with house-to-house registration.

Amidst the loud shouts of, “call elections now,” Jagdeo said Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, is acting in a rouge manner by going forward with houseto-house registration. “It will not prevail, we will work until we get an early election date and ensure GECOM complies with the court ruling,” said Jagdeo, adding that Lowenfield is acting in contempt of the court. He said the PPP/C will ensure that a new GECOM chair is in place and that the houseto-house registration process is morphed back into claims and objections. Asked if he intends on going back to the court to address the matter, Jagdeo said the party does not want to be caught up with an issue of long legal battle, but they will file contempt of court proceedings against Lowenfield.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo said his party would not be caught flatfooted and as such it will be fielding scrutineers to monitor the exercise. “Our protest action outside the head office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) today was to call for compliance with

the Constitution of Guyana and the ruling of the CCJ…” Jagdeo said.

He said GECOM should discontinue any attempt to do house-to-house registration and pay a lump sum, let’s say $100,000, to all the enumerators who have been trained for their efforts thus far. GECOM should recall the over 8,000 persons who were trained for the November 2018 Local Government Elections, as well as others, and start the process of training and, where necessary, re-training for General and Regional Elections. There can be no acceptance of any action that represents blatant disregard and disrespect of our Constitution,” the opposition leader said.

WPA WELCOMES NEWS The Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) said it welcomes the news that GECOM has scheduled house-to-house registration to be carried out within 90 days. “This schedule allows for the holding of elections in the shortest possible time while ensuring that the current voters list is cleaned

up.” The WPA said while it pushes elections outside the constitutionally mandated timeline, it adheres to the call of the CCJ for a marrying of principle with practicality.” GECOM should be commended for altering its original schedule to meet the demands of the CCJ ruling.

This outcome should satisfy all sides including the PPP which has been clamouring for early elections and those who are concerned that there could be no credible elections with the current list,”

Hinterland Green Enterprise Development Centre also under construction at Bina Hill, Annai; and the Agriculture Research Centre that is to be built; and the Linden to Lethem road construction just to name a few. (DPI) FROM PAGE

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the WPA said.

“In other words, the GECOM timeline offers the two political principals an opportunity to come to a consensus on elections before the end of this year.

This is a win-win outcome for all sides. WPA now urges the PPP and the President to agree on a timeline for elections and to convene parliament to extend the life of the government in keeping with that agreed timeline.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Trade unions must safeguard workers in the oil and gas sector - Narine

-Lewis suggests that oil revenue can be used for unemployment benefits WITH the oil and gas sector set to come on stream in a matter of months, trade unionists believe that the trade union movement must safeguard the interests of the workers in the sector.

“We cannot be oblivious to the fact that we are on the threshold of major developments in the new oil and gas sector…we also recognise that there is much uncertainty surrounding this sector and its impact on people’s lives and future,” said General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, during his remarks at the conference hosted in

observance of the 100th anniversary of the trade union movement, on Wednesday.

He said the situation cries out for attention from a vibrant trade union movement which is committed to safeguarding workers and people.

In the face of such a challenge, he said unions cannot shirk their responsibility; co-ordinated and united actions become indispensable.

“The leadership has to wake up to the reality that it is not what it used to be in the past, now a revolutionary approach is necessary for them to understand especially ahead of the oil and gas sector,” said Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection,

GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine

GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

Keith Scott.

He said the style of en-

gagement has changed and it is not what it used to be. Scott

believes that trade unions are under threat because less people belong to unions, there are fewer unions and there are less capable leaders with less vision.

“People need to have more confidence and develop confidence to take leadership of the union,” he asserted.

General Secretary of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, said it is the duty of trade unions to advocate for equitable, non-partisan decisions that elevate the standard of the working class. “We must advocate for deepening relationships and genuine inclusivity of all our people at every level of decision-mak-

ing,” he said.

Workers face the same struggles which they faced at the start of the trade union movement, said Lewis, adding that a lot must be done to ensure that citizens benefit from the oil and gas sector.

He suggested that revenues from the new sector should be pumped into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to benefit persons who are unemployed.

“As they talk about the windfall they will be getting from oil, it may be the right place for them to put some money in the NIS so when people lose their jobs, they can get unemployment benefits,” said Lewis.

Construction worker PPP acting in bad faith on GECOM nominations-PNCR electrocuted in Stewartville THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has accused the opposition of acting in bad faith as it pertains to negotiations to select a chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This comes after the PPP rejected President David Granger’s nominees for the post. “The PPP appears to have rolled back from their offer that, in order to find a consensus, ‘the leader of the opposition is not averse to the President informally suggesting names in their proposed engagement for his consideration’,” Minister of Communities and PNC Treasurer, Ronald Bulkan, said on Friday, as he read from a press statement at the party’s weekly press briefing.

The government and the opposition have been in continuous negotiations which began on July 4, to ‘hammer out’ the process towards the selection of a new GECOM Chairman. President Granger has to choose a GECOM Chairman from a list of six names submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. Following the high-level meeting on July 4, Jagdeo announced that while the Constitution stipulates that after consultation with opposition parties in the Parliament, he must submit a list of six names to the President, he is not against the President suggesting names of persons for the

Minister of Communities, and PNC Treasurer, Ronald Bulkan (left); and Minister with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, at the PNC press briefing on Friday

position.

“So the CCJ's ruling did not change the Constitution, and the Constitution of Guyana says six names must originate from the leader of the opposition and it must be done only through consultation with the non-governmental political parties in parliament. We are prepared to consider names if the President were to suggest those names in an informal process that hopefully would start with a smaller team over the next couple of days,” the opposition leader had said.

The GECOM Chairman post became vacant following the resignation of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson from the post last month, after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that his appoint-

ment was flawed. Patterson was appointed to the post in October 2017, after 18 nominees submitted by the opposition leader, at that time, were found to be unacceptable to the President.

On July 8, 2019, the President submitted his list of eight names for suggestion to add to the deliberation as previously deemed acceptable by the opposition leader – of the eight two were shortlisted. Earlier this week it was indicated that Jagdeo had rejected President David Granger’s nominees, and has further nominated four more persons for the position as the “hammering out” process continues, in accordance with the advice of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“The two names previ-

ously suggested by the President did not find favour with the leader of the opposition,” a joint statement by the two leaders stated.

The names of the additional four nominees were not disclosed; neither were the names of the four that were found to be acceptable to the president. President Granger has indicated that four out of the five names shortlisted from an earlier list submitted on July 6

by Jagdeo were not unacceptable to him, and can be placed on the list that would be formally submitted to him.

A 36-year-old construction worker was electrocuted on Friday after coming into contact with 220 volts Guyana Power Light (GPL) wire on a nearby lamp pole at the Stone Depot located at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Dead is Carl Benjamin of Anna Catherina, WCD. Reports indicate that Benjamin climbed a concrete wall which was about one foot away from a newly-constructed area when he came into contact with the 220 volts (GPL) wire on a nearby lamp pole.

He was electrocuted and became motionless and an alarm was raised and efforts were made to render assistance which proved futile. Personnel from the Fire Department

Dead: Carl Benjamin

and GPL were summoned to remove Benjamin’s motionless body from the wire. The construction worker received burns to the left side of his face and shoulder. His body was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police were also summoned at the scene as investigations continue.

Zeelugt fisherman killed in gang attack

POLICE are investigating the murder of a fisherman which occurred at about 22:45hrs on Thursday at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) allegedly by three men who are being hunted by law enforcement.

Dead is Alvin (only

name given) called ‘Chockoloo’, 20, of Lot 820 ‘G’ Zeelugt North, EBE. Reports indicate that Alvin and his brother, Devendra ‘Shameer’ Seenarine, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

ANUG joins call for early elections

…claims CCJ pronounced on credibility of voters’ list A NEW and United Guyana (ANUG) has joined the call for the strict adherence to the Caribbean Court of Justice’s decision for the government to respect and uphold Article 106(7) of the constitution which mandates elections be held within three months of the passage of a no-confidence motion.

In a statement, ANUG said it has now been seven months since the passage of the no-confidence motion, which was deemed to have been successfully passed. “It was made clear by the CCJ that there were no questions of credibility regarding the voters’ list on account of the existence of an effective process of continuous registration.”

The CCJ judgement and order never mentioned anything about credibility of voters’ list. According to Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice at Paragraph Five of the no-confidence motion judgment: “The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has the responsibility to conduct Elections …” Secondly, Justice Saunders, expressed “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held. It would not therefore be right for the court, by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives, to presume to instruct these bodies on how they must act and thereby pre-empt the performance by them of their constitutional responsibilities. It is not, for example, the role of the court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that,

in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives.

The court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity…”

Justice Saunders added at Paragraph Three of the no-confidence motion judgment: “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.”

According to ANUG, GECOM’s defiance was further strengthened by the late publication of the order dated June 11, 2019 in the Official Gazette, more than one month after it was drafted.

“This leads us to believe that the commission’s actions, which are in contempt of court, were deliberate and pre-meditated. A scheme to deliberately violate the Constitution of Guyana, in the absence of any necessary or practical reasons for doing so, apart from an objective to enable the ruling party to hold on to power for as long as possible, is an abuse of the commission’s power, done for an improper purpose, and as such, their actions are illegal. This has placed the leadership of the commission’s integrity under question, and in the absence of a chairman, has stripped the nation of the confidence that the process is fair and in the interest of all parties.

Where the commission is deemed to be compromised in the eyes of the public, where the commission does not enjoy public confidence, there are grave implications for national stability. We are asking that the President and leader of the opposition come to a quick decision on a Chairman of GECOM, and

Zeelugt fisherman ...

FROM PAGE

were reportedly imbibing at a relative’s home in Zeelugt and left at 22:42hrs on a bicycle. Shortly after, a loud commotion was heard nearby and upon investigating, the suspects, reportedly armed with instruments, were seen beating ‘Shameer’ and Alvin was discovered motionless with multiple wounds about his body a short distance away.

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They were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where Alvin was pronounced dead on arrival and Shameer treated and later transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he is presently admitted. His condition is regarded as serious as police investigations continue.

elections be called within the timeframe alluded to by the CCJ,” ANUG said.

In a statement, GECOM says the countrywide exercise is in keeping with a decision of the commission on February 19, 2019 and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019. “Registration is a legal requirement according

to the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 and therefore all eligible persons are mandated to register. Houseto-house registration is a new registration exercise and therefore all eligible persons must register even if they were previously registered,” GECOM asserted.

According to the commission, upon conclusion of

this exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) which is reflective of the current Guyanese population will be created. Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections. “Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, natural-

isation or registration, 14 years and older by October 31, 2019 or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for a period of no less than one year preceding the qualifying date are all eligible for registration,” GECOM stated.

It has urged residents to have the relevant documents required for registration ready and be on the lookout for GECOM’s Registration Officials in their area.

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New acting SOCU head appointed THE Guyana Police Force announced the appointment of Ms. Althea Padmore as the acting Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Sydney James was sent on administrative leave, in light of allegations of mismanagement of funds at the entity in charge of investigation white-collar crimes such as corruption and money laundering.

The decision to send the SOCU Head on leave came months after an audit revealed that there were serious irregularities at the entity, including the falsification of records.

The audit was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in February following claims of grave mismanagement which included the misuse of its operational fund.

Though the Top Cop has not commented on the findings of the audit, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has described the revelations as “damning”.

The opposition has since called for the unit to be dismantled. But President David Granger contended the government will, instead, work to restore public confidence in SOCU.

Acting SOCU Head Ms. Althea Padmore

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Bicycle thief

Jamaican jailed for 9-months escaping police custody jailed for 4 weeks Afor 33-year-old Jamaican man has been sentenced SENIOR Magistrate, Leron Daly, on Friday, jailed a man for four weeks after he confessed that he stole a bicycle.

Rayon Edwards appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, and pleaded guilty to the simply larceny charge when it was read to him.

It was alleged that on July 13, 2019 at Middle Street, Georgetown, Edwards stole a bicycle valued $10,000, property of Bruce Johnson.

Johnson told the court that he never recovered the bicycle because Edwards subsequently told him that someone stole it from him.

Magistrate Daly after hearing the facts of the matter, and learning about the conditions under which Edwards live, sentenced him to four weeks in jail.

to nine months’ imprisonment for escaping police custody.

The Jamaican, Anthony Lynch, called ‘Russian’, was found guilty on Friday when he appeared before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the police report, Lynch escaped from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown on January 7, 2019. At the time, he was being questioned about a sex tape, that he was accused of circulating – an offence he has since been found guilty of.

The Jamaican is currently serving a one-year sentence for that offence. It is alleged that he circulated a sex tape of his ex-girlfriend to his contacts on WhatsApp messenger, on January 1, 2019.

He was also charged for overstaying his time in the country. It is alleged that after being permitted to stay in Guyana from November 16, 2016 to April 29, 2017, Lynch overstayed his time until May 29, 2019. He is still on remand for this charge.

Albouystown man fined $25,000 for stealing heavy-duty battery SENIOR Magistrate, Leron Daly, on Friday, fined a 44-year-old Albouystown man for stealing a heavy-duty battery.

The man, Junior Luther of Lot 38 James Street, Albouystown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the simple larceny charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that between

July 8 and 9, 2019, at Duncan Street, Georgetown, he stole one power master heavy-duty battery valued $40,000, property of Shabuddin Huck.

In another matter on Friday, the Senior Magistrate granted bail to a man who was accused of using threating language.

Sheldon Adams, who also appeared before Magistrate Daly at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court, denied that he used threating language towards Allen Hunt.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 8, 2019 at North East La Penitence.

Magistrate Daly granted Adams $10,000 bail and transferred the matter to Court 11. It was adjourned to August 8, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Voters’ list susceptible to massive fraud ...PNCR welcomes GECOM’s move to house-to-house registration THE People National Congress Reform (PNC/R) on Friday, said a voters list would be subject to “massive voter fraud” without house-to-house registration, and charged that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was “living in fear” of a clean list and credible elections.

Notwithstanding the PPP’s continuous call for elections as soon as possible, the party has openly stated that it is not in support of house-to-house registration, even though the process would be necessary to create a new Official List of Electors for elections, since the last voters list expired in April 2019. The current list is said to contain the names of thousands of Guyanese who are either deceased or have migrated, while also disenfranchising younger Guyanese who would have since attained the age of 18 years, and are eligible to vote at elections, since the last list was compiled in 2012.

“Irfaan Ali and the PPP want to force an election on a list that is not only expired, but also is bloated, with as many as 200,000 names of people who are not eligible.

This makes the list susceptible to massive voter fraud.

The list the PPP is insisting that we use blocks thousands of young Guyanese the opportunity to vote. This is a dishonest list that can lead to a dishonest outcome, and this is why the PPP is so desperate to use it,” charged Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, as he read a press statement by the PNC. “Irfaan Ali and the PPP are actively campaigning against house-to-house registration. They live in mortal

fear of a clean list and by extension fair and credible elections. It should be noted that in 1990 the PPP delayed the elections by two years in order to conduct house-tohouse registration.”

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was scheduled to hold a meeting on Friday, to confirm whether the electoral body will go ahead with its planned houseto-house registration which had been gazetted to start on Saturday.

A publication in the Official Gazette dated June 11, 2019 shows that an order was documented for the registration exercise to commence on July 20 and end on October 20, 2019. GECOM also issued a statement on Friday confirming that new registration will commence today.

It is expected that elections would therefore be held after this date, something the PPP is not in agreement with, they are calling for elections in September.

However, Bulkan emphasised that President David Granger, remains the only one in authority to call elections, and maintained that the President would only do so based on the advice of GECOM. “The legal and constitutional authority in relation to the dissolution of the National Assembly and the setting of a date for the general elections lies with the President. The President says he is committed to the earliest general elections, but he can only take those actions following the advice of GECOM. He has to be advised on when GECOM is in a position to hold the earliest possible elections. It therefore places the responsibility with

GECOM,” Bulkan noted.

Bulkan declared that the PNC, the largest party within the coalition government, is in support of GECOM’s call to proceed with house-tohouse registration to create a new voter’s list. “GECOM concern is to ensure that the Guyanese nation has credible elections. What is the paramount consideration from our opinion it is to have an elections that can be viewed as credible, an elections that the Guyanese people deserve.

The remit for the conduct of elections belongs to GECOM and GECOM has stated thus far that in order to ensure credible elections that it is premised on a credible list,” Bulkan said.

Elections became necessary following the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that the no-confidence motion voted on in Parliament on December 21, 2018 was validly passed.

The constitution states that following the passage of a no-confidence motion against the government, elections are to be held no later than 90 days after the passage of the motion. CCJ, the final court of appeal, made it’s ruling on June 18, 2019.

However, while delivering consequential orders earlier this month, the CCJ refrained from putting a date to when elections should be held, emphasising that such powers rest with the President and GECOM, even as they noted that the constitution must be upheld. CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders noted, “it would not be right for the court by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives to presume to instruct these bodies on how they must

Herstelling man charged with assault

FORTY-TWO-YEAROLD Roy Persaud of 352 Third Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday to answer a charge of assault.

It was alleged that on

July 14, 2019 at Third Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, Persaud committed the offence against Shivannie Singh, also of Third Street Herstelling, East Bank Demerara.

Persaud pleaded guilty to the charge and asked

the magistrate for a light sentence.

Persaud told the court that he did not attack the virtual complainant Shivannie Singh on the day in question.

The matter has been adjourned to July 30.

act,” and thereby pre-empt their mandate.

Justice Saunders said that it is not the role of the court to establish a date on or by which elections must be held or lay down deadlines or timelines that in principle are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives. Bulkan acknowledged that the period between the expiration of the 90 days, and the holding of elections would create a “grey area”, but stressed that the government remains until elections.

“We would be in a grey area following the dates alluded to, but it doesn’t change the fact that the ball essentially starts with GECOM giving advice to the President in relation to when they can conduct elections that can withstand scrutiny,” he said.

Minister of Communities and PNC/R Treasurer, Ronald Bulkan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

GCAA gives Liza Destiny’s helideck the green light

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has given the Liza Destiny’s Helideck the green light for operations in Guyana’s territory.

The Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel is en route to Guyana and is expected to arrive in September to begin storage and transportation of oil offshore Guyana.

In a release on Thursday,

the GCAA stated that it sent its Chief Air Navigations and Aerodromes Inspector, Adrian Bassier, to conduct a Helideck inspection aboard the Liza Destiny, in Singapore.

The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (Ghana CAA) which has qualified inspectors and technical expertise in the licensing and certification of helidecks.

Meanwhile the release indicated: “The inspection in Singapore was done to ensure compliance with Guyana’s Civil Aviation regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), while the vessel was in the shipyard so that any irregularity can be addressed before it leaves the port.”

Qualified inspectors and technical expertise aboard the Liza Destiny conducting licensing and certification its helidecks

The Ghanaian Inspector performed the function on behalf of the GCAA so that the requisite licence and certification for helideck would be issued by the GCAA, the agency that will be responsible for the oversight of helidecks on FPSO vessels in Guyana’s territory.

The collaboration between Guyana and Ghana for the certification process emanated from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between GCAA and Ghana CAA in December 2018, in Nairobi, Kenya, at the ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) event.

The GCCA stated that

it was the fruit of bilateral commitments made by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, to President David Granger during a State visit to Guyana in June 2019.

Prior to this collaboration, Guyana’s relation with Ghana was strengthened in 2018 when the two nations signed Air Services Agreements at the International Civil Aviation Organisation Air Transport Meeting held in Guyana.

The MoU between the two civil aviation authorities provides for technical cooperation and sharing of expertise and knowledge in

the areas of civil aviation between the two Civil Aviation Authorities.

“The GCAA is presently building the capacity of its inspectors to address the needs of the emerging oil and gas sector in Guyana by undertaking initiatives which will provide on-thejob training opportunities for its inspectors. Over the years the GCAA has invested significant financial resources to build the capacity of its inspectors, which enables them to conduct their functions with more efficiency and effectiveness,” the authority said.

CARICOM, Commonwealth in partnership to counter violent extremism THE CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have collaborated in an effort to build the capacity of over 110 participants from Trinidad and Tobago and over 300 regional participants to prevent and counter violent extremism in the Region, at a three-day course slated for July 23-25, 2019 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Titled: Preventing Violent Extremism Course in CARICOM, the course advances the CARICOM Counter Terrorism Strategy.

According to a CARICOM Secretariat release, over 130 persons have left the Region to support the Islamic State (IS) as foreign terrorist fighters. This presents an urgent threat that CARICOM governments are continuing to address. (CARICOM IM-

PACS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have also pledged support to the Region to prevent violent extremism and counter terrorism. The police, military, customs, immigration, prisons, as well as government agencies, tertiary level academia, NGO’s and other regional organisations will benefit from both face-toface and online video instruction, which will expose them to best practices and support measures. They will also be able to use this platform to discuss key concepts, international agreements and norms.

International experiences and regional cooperation in preventing violent extremism is also an area of focus.

The participants will also be provided with an in-depth understanding of both CARICOM IMPACS and the Commonwealth Secretariat Counter Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism Programmes.

A key objective of the ‘Preventing Violent Extremism Course in CARICOM’ is to build the capacity of stakeholders to develop innovative responses; while promoting the protection of freedom of expression, privacy and other fundamental freedoms.

It is expected that these efforts will provide a detailed understanding to manage returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters, counter terrorism financing and prevent the exploitation of social media and digital spaces. Funded by CARICOM IMPACS and the Commonwealth Secretariat, this initiative ensures that the Commonwealth Secretariat’s assistance package is in synergy with the CARICOM Counter Terrorism Strategy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

Parika business community donates booths to police IN an effort to aid the police in ‘D’ Division (West Demerara – East Bank Essequibo) in the execution of their duties, the business community in Parika donated three mobile booths to them.

Ronald Singh, a representative of the business community, while noting that the police are often criticised when they fail to effectively execute their functions, said they must also be applauded when those functions executed well. He said too that the force needs the support of the community, and that includes the commercial sector.

“Parika is a popular place since many persons pass through from the islands to head to Georgetown and return; it’s always going attract deviant behaviour for persons looking for opportunities and easy prey. The Parika business community has been in operation for decades and has always been civic minded and we need

Commander Edmond Cooper cutting the ceremonial ribbon with Deputy Commander Dion Moore (left), President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan (right), flanked by other law enforcement officers

the presence of the police,” Singh said.

He said policemen should not be made to stand on the road all day without a place to shelter from the elements, and as such, the business community thought it fitting to donate

the booths.

President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan, echoed similar sentiments, and called on all and sundry to support the Guyana Police Force as it carries out its functions.

“The presence of police ranks in these booths will act as a deterrent

since crimes are based on opportunities. We would also like to donate Walk-

ie-Talkies to the policemen manning the booths so they can quickly communicate with each other if something happens in the area,” Khan said.

He said in assisting the Guyana Police Force, members of the business community should also ensure that CCTV cameras are placed outside of their businesses to capture any illegal activity that may occur. The footage, he added, should be handed over to the force without hesitation.

The commander, Senior Superintended Edmond Cooper, said that the booths will not be used for any other purpose other than to alleviate crime and traffic lawlessness within the division.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 20, 2019

YEST graduates lauded for commitment to self-development

-170 graduate from across Guyana at Kuru Kuru Training Centre

YESTgraduates with Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, and other officials

“IN this ever-evolving world, it is important that you keep building your capacity, so as to remain sufficiently informed and relevant,” Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, urged the graduates at the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme’s 19th graduation ceremony.

Over 170 youths from across Guyana graduated from the YEST programme, on Thursday, at the Kuru-Kuru Training Centre, Linden, Soesdyke Highway.

The 10-month training programme covered the areas of business studies, carpentry, electrical installation, furniture

making, garment construction, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing and sheet metal, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and welding and fabrication.

Mark Rodrigues of Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, was named best graduating student. The 18-year-old, who is now certified in Electrical Installation, noted that he was not “doing anything” before the programme, however, his ambition now is to continue moving forward.

Other outstanding graduates in their area of specialisation were Cleon France, Carpentry; I-Zion Iah, Data Operations; Romeo Peneux, Furniture Making; Tamara

Dey, Garment Making; Clinton Ambrose, Masonry; Aricia Stephen, Motor Vehicle Repairs; Menelek Adridge, Plumbing; Roy Lambert, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and Devandra Persaud, Welding.

Norton applauded them, for their commitment, persistence and fortitude towards the programme and their self-development, in his address to the graduates.

According to the minister, the YEST programme has helped thousands of young Guyanese people to develop the necessary skills to obtain higher education, find lucrative and legal employment, or to even enter the world of entrepreneurship.

Best graduating student, Mark Rodrigues, of Lethem

“The YEST programme encourages independence on various levels. It helps our young people to become more adaptable; it allows them the opportunity to explore new spaces and interact with different persons and developing new interests, thereby broadening their perspectives on life itself. You have experienced positive changes in your life,” he noted.

Norton added, “More importantly, being here, at this institution puts our young people in an ideal position to fully grasp the concept of social cohesion, and understand the importance of working together for the betterment of our Guyana.”

“Share your knowledge

with other young people, especially from your community, so that they too can become exposed to what this facility has to offer,” Norton encouraged the graduates.

Another aspect of the training offered at the institution, is remedial Mathematics, English Language, Information Technology and Entrepreneurship.

The graduation saw in attendance acting Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce; staff of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport; Educators and relatives of the graduates.

Min. Lawrence plugs community-centred healthcare delivery --says training of staff to deliver services in respective communities viable

THE Ministry of Public Health now boasts of a new approach taken when training staff members in various areas in the health sector. This will ensure there is an effective health sector and efficient workforce.

Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence made this disclosure during National Communications Network’s (NCN) ‘Context’ programme with host, Leeron Brummel. This interview is scheduled for airing at a later date.

According to the Public Health Minister, this is a ‘regional approach’ to guar-

Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence

anteeing adequate and competent human resources are provided at all health facilities throughout the country.

More specifically, she said staff (whether Community Health Workers, Pharmacy Assistants, Technicians) are trained and placed within their respective communities to deliver services. This has proven to be beneficial in many areas.

Minister Lawrence also highlighted the disadvantage of deploying persons to work in areas away from home as it may affect work performance. “We believe that we will be able to cross several barriers; language barriers,

cultural barriers and also that apathy that steps in from time-to-time when you send persons from the coast into the hinterland. When they go it’s new so they are excited but after a while they miss home.”

This approach of harnessing human resources within respective communities also caters to a specific need; for example, a hinterland community may require a health worker that is familiar with the terrain and other logistics within the village boundaries, the minister explained.

“By training persons within the region, there is so much more than you can

gain. One they know the people, they know when somebody is not attending the clinic, they know when somebody should be accessing services and is not doing so; there is that connectivity,” Minister Lawrence said.

This approach embraces the existence in many varieties of population, backgrounds, lifestyle patterns and choices and allows for more targeted interventions.

The minister added that this is part of the Ministry of Public Health’s vision of ensuring “everyone everywhere has access to health services.”

She reminded that the His

Excellency, President David Granger, had delivered a policy directive to the ministry.

This directive is to ensure that no one should have to travel more than five kilometres for healthcare regardless of their location, ethnicity, religious persuasion or class.

This approach has already taken effect in several hinterland areas. For Regions One and Nine in particular, persons from villages are undergoing training to become CHWs. Following the training, they are expected to return to their villages to render health services. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

St. Cuthbert’s residents better equipped ...to solve community issues

Toshao Beverly Clenkian RESIDENTS of Pakuri Village, better known as St. Cuthbert’s Mission, benefitted from a conflict resolution workshop. During the oneday workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, the participants were exposed to conflict resolution and consensus-building methods aimed at improving their communication skills and assisting in the establishment of a conflict resolution framework.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton, noted that St. Cuthbert’s Mission has developed but there are still some areas that require improvement. Therefore, the department has returned to offer direction and remind the residents of the importance of

Participants at the conflict resolution workshop at St Cuthbert’s Mission

crafting their Village Improvement Project (VIP).

“Sometimes we know what the problem is and we know what is causing the problem but you may need

Salvation Army launches 125th Anniversary ...encourages persons to get on board

THE Salvation Army Guyana Division on Friday launched its 125th Anniversary, under the theme, “A Celebration of God’s Faithfulness through the Years,” at the Salvation’s Divisional Headquarters.

Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer

The spiritual organisation will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary during the period of April 22-26, 2020. For this period, the division is aiming to enroll 125 new members into the organisation.

Giving his remarks at the event was, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, who stated that the Salvation Army has grown from strength to strength and is an essential organisation rooted in the history of Guyana.

He made a call for sponsors, while stating, “I would

like everyone to support the Salvation Army, especially during this special anniversary, to ensure that we could continue to help the needy and downtrodden.”

As part of its calendar of activities for its anniversary, it will be hosting four indoor meetings, marches of witness, school devotions, an extravaganza open-air meeting and one fundraising dinner.

The division has established a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, one of the largest rehabilitation programs in Guyana and it boasts a success rate of 75 per cent in the male client’s rehabilitations. It also provides “prison ministry” and ‘after care help” for prisoners when they are released.

The Salvation Army is a non-governmental organisation, consistent with compassion and it is well known for providing shelter spaces and feeding programs for the elderly, disabled and unfortunate. Additionally, the organisation teaches women craft and cookery through the Women’s Ministry Programme.

In addition, Boyer expressed sincere gratitude to the private donors, organisations and volunteers that would have provided assistance to the organisation over the years.

guidance… we are prepared to offer you that guidance and that is why we have returned because we want to assist in the continued development of the community,” Minister Norton said.

He encouraged all participants to be open-minded and respectful to the contributions made by others as it will assist in the community’s development. The minister also commended the involvement of the young people who have begun to take up the leadership mantle.

Toshao, Beverly Clenkian, told the Department of Public

Information (DPI) that she welcomed the workshop as it helped the residents to face, and most importantly, resolve issues in the community. Clenkian expressed the hope that similar interventions are held in the village in the future.

In addition to the workshop, other activities which will benefit residents are planned for the community; the minister announced that a music teacher will be deployed to St Cuthbert’s on August 1 to host a workshop and residents were urged to take advantage of the opportunity. (DPI)

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton pays keen attention to a resident during the workshop

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, interacting with participants at the workshop

Woodlands ex-staff guilty of $1.4M robbery TWO former Woodlands Hospital employees were on Friday found guilty of staging a $1.4M robbery at the medical institution on August 31, 2017.

Haniff Peters, a security guard of East La Penitence, and Susan Daniels, a cashier of Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara, were on trial before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Daniels was also charged separately for giving false information to the police at the Brickdam Police Station on September 1, 2017; she

had alleged that she was robbed, which caused the police to conduct an inves-

tigation into the matter. She, however, denied that charge too when it was read to her.

Susan Daniels and Haniff Peters (News Source Photo)

She was also found guilty of this offence.

Magistrate McGusty deferred sentencing until August 2, 2019 and remanded the duo to prison.

Particulars of the offence state that on the day in question, Daniels was taking cash from the day’s sales to her supervisor when she alleged that she was robbed by a lone masked man.

The matter was reported to the police and based upon their investigations, it was revealed that the woman and Peters had staged the robbery.

Four months for break and enter and larceny LATCHMAN Sukhan, a 45-year-old Albouystown, Georgetown resident was on Friday sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for break and enter and larceny.

Sukhan reappeared before Magistrate Annett Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, after spending the last two months on remand.

Latchman Sukhan Stabroek News Photo)

Sukhan was jointly charged with Compton Fernandes in May 2019 for the offence and they were remanded to prison. Sukhan’s accomplice Fernandes was recently sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge.

When he re-appeared in court on Friday, Sukhan opt-

ed to plead guilty to save the court’s time.

The man admitted that between May 20, 2019, and May 21, 2019, at Albouystown, he broke and entered the shop of Shanelle Prince and stole two gas bottles along with a Samsung music set, the total value of the items being $113,000.

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Phillips walks from SARA ERIC Phillips, who up until Thursday July 18, 2019 had held the post of Special Assistant to the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), has tendered his resignation.

Phillips, announced his departure in a media release in which he stated, “I firmly believe this is the best solution for both SARA and myself, and ultimately for the country.”

Phillips made the news headline, following a claim by the Kaieteur News that he was one of the beneficial owners of a company, African Business Roundtable Oil and Gas Exploration (ABR O&G), which applied for oil blocks in 2016.

The claim was subsequently absorbed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the People’s Progressive Party which he heads. The party subsequently latched on to the issue, claiming that Phillips presence at the agency and his being associated with the ABR O&G, represents a conflict of interest.

The SARA of which Phillips was a part, is currently probing the awarding of oil blocks offshore Guyana to “junior” companies by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration, just before it demitted office in 2015.

On Monday, July 15, Phillips, during an interview with this publication, categorically stated that he was not a member of SARA when the application was made by ABR O&G, that he joined SARA in May 2017, and that fact that the newspaper even made the weak connection is suspicious. He added that the recent attempt by Jagdeo and the Kaieteur News to paint the ongoing oil blocks inves-

was made by the government in 2017 to Tullow for the Orinduik block, therefore indicating the ABR Oil & Gas application was passed over,” Phillips added.

In his earlier interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Phillips had stated that Jagdeo’s “using of age-old political trickery”, will not take away from the fact that the oil blocks given away under the former administration over just a six-week

Eric Phillips

tigation as compromised, has failed for a lack of merit.

Outlining the reasons for his resignation, Phillips stated that: “it will protect the investigation which many want to see stopped. It will also allow SARA to address the issue of what information is being leaked or tampered with given that files associated with the issuance of oil blocks appear to be unsafe; it will hopefully allow the media to focus on the many critical issues facing the nation such as the upcoming elections with a credible list; it may diminish the personal threats that have increased since the media frenzy.”

Noting that there was much creative journalism in the matter, the former SARA executive reiterated that he was not actively involved in ABR Oil & Gas since 2016, but was President of the African Business Roundtable (ABR) until 2018. He reasoned that the ABR is a busi-

ness service organisation, similar to the Private Sector Commission or the Guyana Manufacturer’s Association or the Chinese Business Association.

Further, he stated, “The ABR Oil & Gas is a separate entity which applied, like many other groups, for one of the remaining blocks in 2016.

I was not involved in the application process as there was a separate management team responsible for that company.

“This confusion in the media, between the dates and especially between the African Business Roundtable (ABR) and ABR Oil & Gas, the applicant in 2016, gives rise to the perception of a conflict, therefore a conflict exists.

“The application for the block in 2016 was never responded to by the Government of Guyana (GoG) or the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) since 2016, although an award

Sherwin Hamilton back in court SHERWIN Hamilton, of Lot 20 Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, who is charged with disorderly behaviour and the use of threatening language at the Timehri Police Station on March 7, 2019, re-appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Hamilton is also charged with assault causing actual bodily harm committed on Candace Edwards . His sister Patrina De Groot is charged with disorderly behaviour.

On Thursday, Hamilton brought police witness Constable Gravesande of the Timehri Police Station to confirm that he did not curse or use any abusive language to the police on the day he was arrested.

After being cross-examined by Police Prosecutor Corporal Shawn Gonsalves on Wednesday, Hamilton stuck to his story.

However, Constable Gravesande told

the court that he was not sure of Hamilton’s use of expletives at the Timehri Police Station on the day he was in custody for the alleged offences. He said that he was attending to other duties, while Hamilton and his relatives, including his sister Patrina De Groot, were at the station.

Sherwin Hamilton and his sister are charged with disorderly behaviour at the Timehri Police Station on March 7, 2019.

Hamilton is facing a number of charges including an assault charge to cause actual bodily harm committed on Candace Edwards the use of threatening language and disorderly behaviour.

Magistrate Latchman has adjourned the matter for July 23, 2019, at 09:30hrs.

period was worth “hundreds of billions of dollars”.

He also criticised the opposition party for calling on the current government to go into a “caretaker” mode, which sees them awarding no contracts when they did worse than the opposite in years past.

“Note that these blocks were awarded secretly when there was no parliamentary oversight because parliament had been pro-

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rogued since November 10, 2014, with elections held on May11, 2015. Of course the ‘duplicitous’ PPP former administration has been arguing since December 21, 2018 that no major decisions of this type should be made during a period close to an election,” the SARA executive highlighted in his July 15, interview.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Algeria win Africa Cup of Nations (BBC) - ALGERIA won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time as a freak early goal secured a 1-0 win against Senegal in the final in Cairo.

Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot took a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looped over goalkeeper Alfred Gomes.

their second appearance in the final since 2002, dominated for large periods but struggled to make the most of their possession.

M’Baye Niang was at the centre of two of their best chances as he flashed a fierce drive over the bar just before the break, and rounded keeper Rais

a VAR review was under way.

After watching the replays on the pitch-side monitor, which clearly showed Guedioura’s arm being by his side, Alioum reversed the decision.

Although the decision was correct, the result was harsh on Senegal, with

Algeria’s only effort of note all game was the heavily deflected shot in the second minute that ultimately proved to be the winner

Senegal, who have never won the competition, were awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but it was overturned after a VAR review.

Algeria closed out the rest of the game to win their first title since 1990.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who said before the game he would swap his Champions League winners medal for Africa Cup of Nations success, looked disconsolate as Algeria players celebrated around him.

Senegal, making only

M’bolhi early in the second half only to shoot wide from a tight angle.

M’Bolhi also did well to palm over a stinging effort from Youssouf Sabaly.

The decisive moment for Senegal was the reversal of the decision to award a penalty on the hour mark.

Ismaila Sarr ’s cross was blasted straight at Adlene Guedioura’s arm, referee Neant Alioum pointed to the spot, but, just as the Senegal players started celebrating the decision, he quickly indicated that

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, July 20, 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) Eoin Morgan-22 sixes (ENG) (2) Rashid Khan-9/0/110/0 (AFG vs ENG) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest team score recorded in ICC World Cup 2019?

(2) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Algeria managing only one shot on goal.

The game was billed by many as a battle between Liverpool’s Mane and Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, but both were on the periphery of this encounter.

Mahrez’s lack of contribution was largely down to Algeria’s defensive approach after taking the lead, but Mane will perhaps be disappointed with his input.

He was clearly the player Algeria fans feared most - every touch of the ball was met with boos - but he showed only glimpses of his pace and danger on the ball, possibly showing the signs of fatigue following a long season for club and country.

It is 363 days since Mane began pre-season with Liverpool - and he will only have a couple of weeks rest before the new campaign gets under way on August 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Julian Alaphilippe wins Tour de France stage 13 (BBC) - DEFENDING champion Geraint Thomas lost time to Tour de France leader Julian Alaphilippe after the Frenchman’s stunning time trial win on stage 13.

Britain’s Thomas had set the fastest mark, only to see last man Alaphilippe finish 14 seconds quicker over the technical 27.2km course in Pau. Alaphilippe now leads Thomas by one minute 26 seconds heading into an important weekend in the Pyrenees.

“I didn’t really expect that from Alaphilippe,” Thomas told ITV4.

“The way he’s riding, if he can keep that up, he’ll win.”

It was a remarkable effort

by Alaphilippe to extend his lead on the 100th anniversary

of the introduction of the yellow jersey, with the Deceuninck Quick-Step rider having been expected to lose time to Thomas here.

Alaphilippe, 27, may yet fade on the longer climbs to come when Team Ineos set a high tempo in service of Thomas and today’s summit finish at the famed Tourmalet on stage 14 will be a huge test of his overall credentials.

But this was a clear statement that Alaphilippe, who also won stage three, intends to fight all the way to stay in yellow.

“It’s incredible. I’m really happy. I knew I could do a good performance on such a course but I didn’t think I could win the stage,” he said.

“I pushed my limits and, with the help of the public, I gave everything until the line.”

Tour de France leader Julian Alaphilippe

This was still a strong ride by Thomas as he put more time into his other general classification rivals.

Night two of G/town ... group matches.

TODAY BERLIN TARMAC (1) LA Ballers vs John Street - 19:00hrs (2) Tiger Bay vs Albouystown-A - 19:30hrs ( 3 ) A l e x a n d e r Vi l lage vs Albouystown-B - 20:00hrs (4) Back Circle vs Rising Stars - 20:30hrs

(5) Leopold Street vs Future Stars - 21:00hrs (6) North East vs Sophia - 21:30hrs (7) Sparta Boss vs Charlotte St - 22:00hrs (8) Gold is Money vs Broad Street - 22:30hrs Friday (July 26) National Cultural Centre (1)Alexander Village vs Charlotte St - 19:00hrs (2)Broad Street vs John

FROM PAGE 27 Street - 19:30hrs (3)Albouystown - A vs Future Stars - 20:00hrs (4)Sophia vs Rising Stars - 20:30hrs (5)LA Ballers vs Gold is Money - 21:00hrs (6)Leopold Street vs Tiger Bay - 21:30hrs (7)North East vs Back Circle - 22:00hrs (8)Sparta Boss vs Albouystown-B - 22:30hrs.

McIlroy misses ... missed the cut.

It is the first time both Woods and Mickelson have gone out of the same major after the first two rounds.

The crowd, following the Northern Ireland’s McIlroy around the County Antrim course, began to grow in size as he sank birdie after birdie on the inward nine.

By the 18th the cheer that greeted the 2014 champion was as if he was going for his second title rather than a mission to make the cut.

However, his hopes faded with his approach to the green, as the wind took the ball down the bank. The following chip landed wide and ended the 30-yearold’s hopes of winning a major on home soil.

“Part of me is very dis-

appointed not to be here for the weekend. I’m emotional but happy with how I played,” said McIlroy.

“The support I got out there was incredible and you could see on the back nine, I went with it today and that’s what I was planning to do all week.

“Yesterday gave me a mountain to climb but I dug in and showed good resilience.

“It’s going to hurt for a bit. I’ve been looking forward to this week for a long time.

“I didn’t play my part but everyone in Northern Ireland came out to watch me and played theirs.”

It has been quite an eventful 12 months for Lowry who has risen from world number 90 to 33 following victory in Abu

FROM PAGE 28

Dhabi in January and an eighth place at the US PGA. His best performance at a major to date was tied second at the 2016 US Open.

However, he is now targetting his first major.

“I’m obviously going to be thinking about it tonight,” the 32-year-old said when asked about the prospect of winning the Claret Jug. “There’s no point in shying away from it. I’m in a great position but, my goodness, have we got a long way to go!

“As a golfer you have such a long career. I’ve been 10 years now and it’s just a roller coaster. I think the reason I’m so good mentally now is I know - I think - how to take the downs.”

The Welshman, who set off second last, beat longtime leader Thomas de Gendt by 22 seconds, with the Belgian finishing third.

“It was OK, just that last bit I didn’t feel like I really did it - when I really wanted to step on it, I didn’t have that last 5% but it’s still a decent ride,” said Thomas.

A tricky course that included two lengthy climbs, a fast descent and a ramp at 17% gradient near the finish improved the overall contenders’ chances of stage victory, particularly with world time trial champion Rohan Dennis having mysteriously abandoned the race on Thursday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Perry, rain hamper England Women’s charge (BBC) - ENGLAND’S Women’s Ashes hopes are hanging by a thread after Ellyse Perry and persistent rain thwarted them on day two of the Test at Taunton.

Perry made 116 runs, adding 162 for the fourth wicket with Rachael Haynes (87) to further bat England out of the game.

By the time rain arrived at lunchtime Australia had reached 341-5 and no further play was possible after that.

With only two days of the Test remaining, the tourists just need to avoid defeat to retain the Ashes.

Having won all three one-day internationals, Australia lead the points-based, multi-format series 6-0.

England desperately needed early breakthroughs but could not find a way past Perry.

Unbeaten on 84 overnight, she brought up a deserved century off 247 balls, but was eventually - and unexpectedly - caught off a

full toss from spinner Laura Marsh.

After an unbeaten 213 off 374 balls against England at North Sydney in 2017, Perry had amassed an incredible 329 runs from 655 deliveries since her previous dismissal in Tests.

But after four and a half hours at the crease, there was still no first Test century for Haynes, who had made 98 on her debut a decade ago.

Dropped on 66 by Sophie Ecclestone, the vice-captain fell lbw, also to Marsh.

The weather forecast is better for today and tomorrow but, having taken only five Australia wickets in four sessions, England will need inspiration with bat and ball if there is to be any chance of an unlikely victory.

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Jonathan Finch, high performance manager for women’s and girls’ cricket, confirmed on BBC Test Match Special

that England will travel to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in December to play their away series with Pakistan

gland lose this game trying to win it than going out to play for a draw.

“If Australia declare,

“You either go out and score quickly and declare behind, or you go out and score 100 more than Aus-

Ellyse Perry shakes hands with Heather Knight after her Ashes hundred. (Getty Images)

in the ICC Women’s Championship.

Ex-England captain Charlotte Edwards on TMS: “I would rather En-

there are two ways that I hope (captain) Heather Knight and (coach) Mark Robinson are thinking about.

tralia, declare and try to get them out (and win by an innings).”

England spinner Laura Marsh told BBC

Sport: “We can take a lot of pride in how we’ve bowled. Perry has played very well, not a lot of luck has gone our way throughout the series but luckily the full toss I bowled went straight to Heather.

“We still believe we can turn this around. The game can change quickly.

If we can come out and put them under pressure, you never say never.”

Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry told BBC Sport: “I’ve had some good fortune at times in the last couple of matches, but we love the challenge of Test cricket and want to make the most of it.

“The conditions in the last couple of days demanded a bit of grit and sometimes some slower scoring. But it’s up to us to make a game of it, we’ve got to take 20 wickets and that’s going to be a pretty hard task.”

McIlroy misses cut but Lowry shares lead (BBC) - RORY McIlroy agonisingly missed the cut at his home Open as Ireland’s Shane Lowry produced a four-under-par 67 to take a share of the lead.

McIlroy’s 79 on Thursday left him eight shots shy of the cut at one over, and he almost achieved his feat but failed to pick up birdie at the last.

L o w r y, 3 2 , i s o n eight-under alongside USA’s JB Holmes, with England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood a shot back.

Another Englishman, Justin Rose, is on six- under after a 67 at Royal Portrush.

World number one Brooks Koepka and 2017 Open champion Jordan Spieth are a shot further back on five under, but former winners Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Darren Clarke all TURN TO PAGE 27

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th during the second round of the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Prem’s Electrical; B.M. Soat Auto Sales support GMR&SC Race of Champions

PREM’S Electrical and B.M. Soat Auto Sales are two more companies that have added sponsorship to this weekend’s second National Race of Champions of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC).

A release from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has indicated that two companies have readily backed this Sunday’s National Race of Champions round two which is set for the South Dakota Circuit at Timehri.

GMR&SC vice-president Hansraj Singh, speaking about the two companies, indicated, “They are longstanding sponsors and we never have any doubts about their commitment

to the sport.”

Meanwhile Team CAMS from North America have confirmed participation.

CAMS will have Christopher Lall in the Group four and Afraz Ally in the Choke Starlet Cup. Meanwhile competitors in the Group two class will see the overall champion being given a return ticket to Miami in the United States, compliments of Ramchand’s Auto Body Shop and Wrecker Service, along with Executive Travel Service.

In addition, the winners of the Choke Starlet Cup, Miracle Optical Street Tuner and Prem’s Electrical Sports Tuner are

set to pocket $500 000 each while Mohamed’s Enterprise has sponsored $100 000 for the bikers with the fastest time.

The Street & Sports Tuner, along with the Starlet Cup championships, will have lucrative cash prizes for the first time this season.

The event will see support from E-Networks, Tropical Shipping, BM Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machine Shop, Blue Spring Water, Motor Trend, Ramchand Auto Spares, Power Line Automotive, Motul Oil and KGM Security.

BRAVA lubricants racing Evo to make debut tomorrow GROUP three competitor Stefan Jeffrey will debut the BRAVA lubricants Mitsubishi Evolution in the newly announced MOTUL time attack series.

Jeffrey, who spoke to the media yesterday, explained that mechanical difficulties have once again sidelined

the Automotive Art ‘Unruly’ Honda Civic but he will be racing.

The ‘street-ed’ out Mitsubishi Evolution IX is one among many road cars that will form part of the new series, organised by GMR&SC. “Those who know the Evo know what it produces,

but for those fans who are going to see it for the first time, we are going to `definitely blow some minds.”

“It’s a fully street legal car, it’s also my daily car that I drive and I want people to see that the same BRAVA lubricants that I use in my race car, I also use in my daily

West Indies-A beat India-A (CMC) – SENIOR team all-rounder Rovman Powell summoned all his international experience to produce a terrific final over as West Indies-A beat India-A for the first time in the five-match series with a nerve-jangling five-run victory here yesterday.

With India-A entering the final requiring nine runs to reach their target at 299, medium pacer Powell conceded four singles to limit the visitors to 293 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

All six deliveries were full-ish in length, denying set batsman Axar Patel any opportunity to free his arms and carry his side to a victory which seemed unlikely with India-A tottering on 160 for six in the 32nd over.

Axar led the revival, however, blasting an entertaining unbeaten 81 off 63 balls with eight fours and a six, while anchoring two precious half-century stands down the order.

First, he put on 60 for the seventh wicket with Washington Sundar who made 45 off 52 balls, before adding a further 69 for the eighth wicket with Khaleel Ahmed (15).

But with the momentum having shifted in India-A’s favour, Powell held Axar to a single off the first ball as Navdeep Saini (0) found himself short at the non-striker’s end attempting a second run.

And accurate, nerveless bowling then silenced Axar

for the remainder of the over, as West Indies-A broke their sequence of defeats in the series.

Powell finished with two for 47 while fellow seamer Keemo Paul picked up two for 61.

West Indies-A had earlier produced their best batting display of the tournament when they posted 298 for nine off their 50 overs, with captain Roston Chase (84), wicketkeeper Devon Thomas (70) and left-hander Jonathan Carter (50) hitting half-centuries.

Sent in at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the hosts benefitted from key partnerships after they lost left-hander Kjorn Ottley for one with just three runs on the board in the first over, nicking a loose drive to the wicketkeeper off left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (4-67).

Thomas, promoted to number three, then put on 73 for the second wicket with opener Sunil Ambris who made 46, then added 81 for the third wicket with Chase.

It was Ambris who did the bulk of the scoring early on, stroking six fours and a six in a 36-ball cameo before holing out to long off in the 15th over off left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya.

Thomas counted four fours and four sixes in a calculated 95-ball knock but like Ambris, found the fielder on the ropes at long off in the 33rd over off off-spinner

Washington Sundar.

Chase and Carter then combined in an exhilarating 97-run, fourth-wicket stand which further accelerated the scoring rate and put West Indies A on course for 300.

In a 100-ball stay at the crease, Chase stroked four fours and two sixes while Carter faced 43 deliveries and counted eight fours.

Chase appeared set for three figures when he picked out mid-wicket with Khaleel and his dismissal triggered a collapse as West Indies-A lost six wickets for 35 runs, with seamer Avesh Khan finishing with three for 62.

West Indies set back India-A early in their run chase when Anmolpreet Singh was run-out for 11 by Sherfane Rutherford’s direct hit from mid-off in the sixth over and opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad (21) nicked Paul’s out-swinger to wicketkeeper Thomas in the following over.

Pandya, whose 45 came from 56 balls with five fours, then rebuilt the innings in partnerships of 46 for the third wicket with Hanuma Vihari (20) and 41 for the fourth with captain Manish Pandey (24).

His dismissal – taken low down at short mid-wicket by Carter off left-arm spinner Khary Pierre in the 25th over – left India-A once again with the task of rebuilding as Pandey followed in the next over, caught and bowled by Powell.

driven car.”

Stefan’s team of mechanics includes Justin Jardine, Kris Gonsalves, Mario Jardine, Junior Jacobs, while his sponsors include Automotive Art, Brava Lubricants and Cristal car care products.

The event begins at 09:00hrs. Admission for adults is $1 000 and children $500.

Sponsors include E-Networks, Tropical Shipping, BM Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Mira-

cle Optical, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machine Shop, Blue Spring Water, Motor Trend, Ramchand Auto Spares, Power Line Automotive and KGM security.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

Department of Tourism on board with Lusignan Open Golf tournament

THE Department of Tourism has thrown its support behind this weekend’s Lusignan Open Golf tournament, set for the Lusignan golf course.

During a brief presentation ceremony yesterday, Director General, Department of Tourism within the Ministry of Communities Donald Sinclair, in handing over the sponsorship package to Public Relations Officer Guy Griffith, said his department looks forward to a good and successful event.

Griffith, on behalf of the Lusignan Golf Club, expressed appreciation for Sinclair and the Department’s involvement.

With lots of trophies provided by the sponsor of the event and with well-prepared grounds for the tournament, spectators are urged to come see, free of charge, the best golfers in Guyana showcase their individual talent and learn just how intense the competition is in this amazing sport.

The tournament will be played under the Medal Play format, and there will be four Flights – 3 Men’s Flights and Ladies’ Flight. The Men’s Flight are classified as A Flight – Handicaps 0-9; B Flight – handicaps 10-18; and C Flight – handicaps 19-28.

The Ladies’ Flight is for females with handicaps 0-36.

Sukhram backing on abilities to perform

By Rajiv Bisnauth DESPITE her absence from the golf course for over eight months, top female golfer Christine Sukhram is backing her abilities to perform at this weekend’s Lusignan Open Golf tournament.

The nine-time Guyana Open Golf winner was missing from the game due to some personal reasons. She is expected to face a stiff challenge.

“Yes, I have been out of the game for some time but I am backing my abilities, which will certainly take desire, concentration and determination in order to come out on top,” she said.

Undoubtedly one of the best golfers locally, the 30-yearold is fully aware of the challenges she is expected to face from former Guyana Open women’s champions Shanella Webster and Dr Joaan Deo, along with Anasha Ally, Errin Mitchell, Kari Emhling and Eureka Giddings.

“As you know this tournament will be a prelude to the national tournament later down in the year, since it will be

a gross tournament as the national one. So I am looking forward to showcase my skills and, having said that, I am ready for the challenge,” the motivated golfer said.

She added, “I had some priorities to take care of and I have been out of the golf scene for a while, but I am glad to be back playing at the club. As you know that is where I started out, and my father was the one who taught me the game when I was young. So I am really looking forward to playing and having fun with the rest of the players.

“I am sure it will it will be exciting and also competitive. It’s my first tournament for the year with almost no practice but I trust my abilities to perform at my best.”

Meanwhile, information reaching Chronicle Sports revealed that over 60 of the country’s top golfers will be in action on the nine-hole course, with keen rivalry in the Championship Flight (0-9 handicap), B Flight (10-18), C Flight (19-28).

Avinash Persaud is the reigning male champion who, during an exclusive interview with this reporter on Thursday, has signalled his intention to retain his title.

Night two of G/town Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship on tonight

ALL roads will lead to the Berlin tarmac tonight when the second night of the group stage in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship kicks off.

The young LA Ballers take on John Street at 19:00hrs in the opening match, with Tiger Bay facing Albouystown-B at 19:30hrs and Alexander Village taking on Albouystown-B at 20:00hrs.

In the fourth fixture, Back Circle will match skills with Rising Stars from 20:30hrs, while Leopold Street engage Future Stars at 21:00hrs and North East face-off with Sophia from 21:30hrs.

The final two matches of the night will put Sparta Boss against Charlotte Street from 22:00hrs and defending champions Gold is Money versus Broad Street at 22:30hrs.

The group stage which will last for three nights will end on July 26. The top two finishers from each pool will advance to

India to announce squad on Monday

Round two of the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ kicks off tonight at the Berlin tarmac (High & Drysdale Streets) with eight pulsating matches expected.

the quarterfinal round and subsequent semi-finals on July 27. The grand finale is pegged for August 3.

The eight teams who fail to advance from the group round will contest the Guinness Plate Championship.

Winner of the event will collect $500 000 and the championship trophy, with the second-, thirdand fourth- place finishers copping $300 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively with the corresponding trophy.

They will also earn an automatic berth in the National Championship in August.

To date Beacons (Bartica Champions), Melanie-B (East Coast Demerara winners), Brothers United (West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winners), Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) have secured automatic berths to the national championship. Below features the complete fixtures for the TURN TO PAGE 27

India are set to play a full tour against West Indies

CMC – INDIA are set to announce their squad for the tour of West Indies on Sunday, authorities here said Friday, with the future of long-serving wicketkeeper MS Dhoni up in the air.

Media reports had indicated the squad would have been named on Friday but the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) quelled speculation by fixing a date for the announcement.

The composition of the squad has been the subject of heavy debate especially after India failed to win the recent ICC World Cup in England.

The Virat Kohli-led side entered the tournament as one of the favourites but went out at the semi-final stage at the hands of eventual losing finalists, New Zealand.

One of the major talking points has surrounded the place of former skipper Dhoni in the white ball format.

The wicketkeeper/batsman is 38 and it is widely believed India’s selectors will be looking to rebuild starting with the West Indies

tour, especially with Rishabh Pant lurking in the wings.

India will play a full series comprising three Twenty20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals, along with two Tests, from August 3 to September 3.

The tour opens in Fort Lauderdale, United States where the teams will meet in the first two T20 Internationals on August 3 and 4, before the Guyana National Stadium plays host to the final match two days later.

Georgetown will also be the venue for the opening ODI on August 8, with Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain hosting the last two matches on August 11 and 14.

The opening Test has been carded for August 22 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground while the second Test is set to bowl off August 30 at Sabina Park.

West Indies have not beaten India in a Test in nearly two decades and have not won an ODI series against the Asians since 2006.

MVP Sports supports 10th ... expansions and hoped for a long-lasting partnership.

Ian Ramdeo, manager of the store, said this is just the beginning of exposing local athletes to the various renowned brands and he earmarked these types of events as crucial in edifying the public about the durable products they have to offer.

As was the case before when clubs benefitted, cash incentives, amounting to more than $2M, would now go directly to the athletes.

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The top three finishers would receive $40 000, $25 000 and $15 000 respectively. The event will get underway at 09:00hrs and admission is $1 000 for adults and $500 for children.

Other sponsors include: National Sports Commission, ANSA McAl Trading, ExxonMobil, DeSinco Limited under Swiss Brand, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, YK Investments Pawn Shop, Jude Bike Shop and Power Producers Distributors Inc.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 20, 2019

ExxonMobil Schools Football Tournament 2019

Girls’ semis; Boys’ quarters on today THE 2019 edition of the ExxonMobil Schools Football tournament will get down to the business end today, with the Girls’ semi-finals and Boys’ quarter-finals.

Set for the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue, the action begins at 12:00hrs.

In the opening game

from 12:00hrs, new Campbellville Secondary play Charlestown Secondary while Tucville face East Ruimveldt on pitch two.

Their final will take place next Saturday.

I n t h e B o y s ’ q u a rter-finals, which begin at 13:00hrs, Marian Academy will oppose Queenstown Secondary while Carmel

Secondary School clash with New Campbellville on pitch two.

Lodge Secondary and Cummings Lodge meet at 14:00hrs, with Plaisance Orphanage taking on Dolphin Secondary on pitch two.

The semi-finals are billed for next Saturday with the final and third-place playoff scheduled for August 3.

The ExxonMobil Schools Football Tournament 2019 returns today with Girls’ semi-finals and Boys’ quarter-finals

Corporate Guyana rallies behind ‘Lady Jags’ AS the National Women’s footballers continue their steady performance in Group A of the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship Qualifiers at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, four corporate partners have also been steady in their support of the team.

The long-standing partners of the Guyana Football Federation – Impressions Branding, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Power Producers Inc. and MVP Sports – have made both monetary and product contributions to promote the tournament and offset related costs.

Impressions Branding, which has contributed to the tournament’s awareness via the production of a tournament billboard and banner, said women empowerment and the promotion of sports are among their key areas of interest.

“Impressions is pleased to be in full support of the Guyana Football Federation’s U-20 Lady Jags team as a brand sponsor,” said Impression’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Sukhlal.

“The team hopes to promote the importance of women empowerment all across Guyana. Impressions, with

its 25-years of branding experience has always been in support of the sports industry and sees this as a new and

from July 1 to 21.

Guyana have been placed in Group A along with Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Suri-

the other groups to advance to the knockout stage of the competition: Group C: United States,

National U-20 Team at MVP Sports outlet at the Giftland Mall

equal opportunity for growth in the football arena.”

The other three GFF partners have also signalled their interest in the promotion of the sport of football and more so female involvement. The CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Qualifiers is being held

name and St Lucia. According to CONCACAF, following this qualifying leg of the tournament, the top two finishers of Group A and B will advance to the knockout stage of the final competition.

They will then be joined by the top three finishers of

Honduras, Dominican Republic, Cuba.

Group D: Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico.

Group E: Canada, Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador.

Group F: Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Cayman Islands.

MVP Sports supports 10th Jefford’s Track and Field Classic THE annual Jefford Classic Athletics meet is scheduled for August 11 at Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden, and momentum is swiftly building with an influx of corporate support.

The latest entity to join is sports apparel and cleats retailer, MVP Sports, located at Giftland Mall. The company has pledged to outfit the championship athletes and to reward them financially.

Those two athletes will receive $25 000 worth of Under Armour apparel and $25 000 worth in cash along with the respective trophy. Additionally, MVP Sports, along with Urban Life, will sponsor the male

and female 400m.

E d i s o n J e ff o r d , t h e founder of the event, expressed immense gratitude for the support and wished the company well in its TURN TO PAGE 30

Edison Jefford (right) accepts the sponsorship from MVP Sports Manager, Ian Ramdeo, at the store in Giftland Mall

MVP Sports supports 10th Jefford’s Track and Field Classic Page

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Department of Tourism on board with Lusignan Open Golf tournament Page

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Stefan Jeffrey’s BRAVA lubricants racing Evo

Donald Sinclair (right), hands over sponsorship cheque to Guy Griffith

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SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019