MONDAY 5th AUGUST, 2019
No.105720
Recapitalising the GDF SEE STORY ON PAGE 9► – Army budget up by 75% under coalition – 400 officers, other ranks benefit from scholarships – $2.5B in equipment donated by China
President David Granger is greeted by a gleeful bunch of children as he arrived at Kamarang on his way to Jawalla Village, Cuyuni-Mazaruni on Sunday (MoTP) (See story on page 28)
GECOM staffers robbed during registration 11 PAGE
Stop making Haitians political scapegoats
– Prime Minister Nagamootoo urges Opposition elements
Guyana has lowest public debt 11 in Caribbean PAGE
PAGE
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– ECLAC 2019 Economic Survey
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Second chance needed – for ex-prisoners to make full reform, says prisons director
By Rabindra Rooplall FOR some prisoners, especially those who have spent years or decades of their lives locked up, freedom is filled with a mixture of overwhelming joy and anxiety. As such, many want to start over in a positive manner, but do not know how to start, since they may need somewhere to live and work. They need counselling but have limited resources. Some prisoners are released with only the clothes on their backs. But sometimes successful re-entry can begin with a simple act of kindness towards a former inmate, with just positive advice or an offering to assist with getting them to their destination. In an interview with several inmates who requested anonymity because of stigma and victimisation in their communities, it was collectively underscored that as human beings, all they were looking for was an opportunity to develop their lives and assist their families. “When I was released last year, it felt like I was a rat in a cage, and walking away from the prison gate made me feel like a hundred pounds of weight was lifted off of my body,” said Dexter. In discussions with these men, it was noted that the major hurdle they all faced was employment opportu-
nities. “I know many people who go back in jail, it was because they could not find a job to just survive and assist their families, but I rather starve and be homeless and survive somehow than go back in jail,” said Jason, who had served a 10-year sentence. Another inmate said: “When people hear you went to jail is like they don’t even want to know anything else; they just blacklist you. Is only some labourer work or skill work that is available, but when that is done, we still have to find money. So, when we apply for other jobs, like working at a business or company, no one wants to give you a chance to prove you’re a better person.” Statistics from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) indicate that in 2017 and 2018, there were 590 cases of recidivism. As of June, 2019, the number of cases that were recorded was 201. According to Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels in an interview with this publication, reducing recidivism is about changing the behaviour of people who have committed crimes in the past. OPPORTUNITY He said these persons can only become successful upon their reintegration in society if they get an opportunity to be gainfully employed.
Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels
“The success of our rehabilitation programmes, which is paid for by taxpayers money, can only be truly measured when ex-offenders are given a chance to demonstrate what they have leant, and to demonstrate behaviour change in society. If we fail to embrace that situation and persons continue to be stigmatised, they will eventually reoffend and end up back in prison,” Samuels noted. Many inmates, he said, work very hard at reforming themselves, but because of a lack of support outside of prison, and being gainfully occupied on a job, he said, their minds may go back to the life of being incarcerated. The prison director said the disadvantage that the prisons are facing is a limita-
tion of space to target every individual in the reformation process. “Because there are so many people in prison, there is a limited space, so even though you would like to have one-on-one activities with everyone during their reformation process, it is difficult to do that,” Samuels noted. He also touched on the preference of some repeat offenders to return to prison because of the easy life of three square meals a day, the limited work life and a roof over their heads. “I do agree that some run from responsibilities out there in the free world. However, at the beginning of the new school term, some send out their assets that they have earned while working in prison for their children. Very few view prison life as a luxury,” Samuels said, adding: “We are all humans, and are prone to mistakes. Being in prison should be a learning experience; being a free person should be better than incarceration. Now that we have access to reformation, it is safer to desist from crimes.” INHOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT Meanwhile, Psychologist Wil Campbell said a multiplicity of sometimes complex factors leads to recidivism; firstly, the prison environment does not lend
Rehabilitation of the prisons in all three counties, particularly Camp Street Prison commenced in 2019 following the allocation of $35.6 billion to the Public Security Ministry
itself to rehabilitation. Instead, he said inmates develop what researchers refer to as a “prison mentality” and this is an altered mindset that persons who are incarcerated often subconsciously develop as a survival mechanism. The problem with “prison mentality”, the psychologist, said is that the new behaviour learned in prison often endures post-release, and ex-offenders do not have the skills to discontinue those behaviours. “Prison mentality also sometimes includes psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, all of which could lead to drug abuse and criminal behaviours,” Campbell noted. Another factor that contributes to recidivism, he said, is the fact that punishment in and of itself, does not alter behaviour. “As a society, we over rely on incarceration as a crime-fighting tool but when we imprison a criminal-minded person and fail to teach that person a new lifestyle, then we will eventually release a criminal-minded person who possibly now is compounded with a prison mentality and the effects that come with it,” the psychologist said. He noted that even some decent people who happen to find themselves on the wrong side of the law are corrupted by their prison experience. NEW WORLD Another challenge ex-offenders face is that they often return to a world outside, that is different from the one they left, the psychologist said, noting that friends and family may have moved on, resources may have been occupied or used up by others and in some cases, the world is even technologically different. “This is compounded by the fact that they have a hard time finding anyone who is willing to hire them because of their criminal record. The rejections, frustrations and inability to provide for themselves often lead to conflicts and sometimes criminal acts which land them back in prison,” the psychologist explained. In offering solutions, the psychologist said prisons should be converted into
Psychologist, Wil Campbell
“rehabilitation centres,” he said, pointing out that “The Guyana Prison Service is currently doing a great job of transforming the system from a penal to corrections.” Secondly, he said there should be comprehensive ex-offender programmes to help ex-convicts reintegrate successfully into society. And thirdly, he said society need to collective change their attitudes to ex-offenders. “Most would rather not return to prison but, when they feel the rejection of what feels like an entire society, many feel they have no choice.” Research suggests that employment is often cited as a critical turning point in the lives of former prisoners since basic models of human behaviour unambiguously predict that individuals will choose to spend less time in illegal activity as the returns to legal activity grow. A simple comparison of recidivism rates between ex-inmates who work and those who do not indicates a strong positive correlation between unemployment and recidivism. Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of the prisons in all three counties, particularly the Camp Street Prison commenced in 2019 following the allocation of $35.6 billion to the Ministry of Public Security. The Public Security Minister said in addition to the rehabilitation of the prison facilities, plans are also in place to make the jails more self-sufficient by improving their ability to produce their own food while offering training for ranks.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
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Calls grow for PPP to return to House – party insists MPs would not listen
THE government, backed by civil society, is urging the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to return to the National Assembly to extend the period for the holding of elections in accordance with the Constitution. Article 106 (7) of the Constitution allows for the three-month period for the holding of elections, subsequent to the passage of a No-Confidence Motion, to be extended by the National Assembly by a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority but the Opposition is refusing to return to the House. On Saturday, the PPP said its Members of Parliament will not return to the National Assembly, pursuant to Article 106(7) of the Constitution, to support any extension of time for the holding of General and Regional Elections. It is demanding that elections be
held by September 18. But with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) indicating that it is in no position to facilitate elections by September 18, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, said to return to the National Assembly would be to act in the best interest of the country. Minister Williams, in a recent engagement with the press, explained that because the three-month period for the conduct of elections, following the passage of a no-confidence motion has elapsed, it is now for the parliamentary parties – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – to return to the National Assembly and by a two-thirds majority vote, extend the time. Like the Attorney-General, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC)
believes that now is an opportune time for the parliamentary parties to return to the House. “Both Opposition and Government must go back to Parliament to address Article 106 in its entirety. Respect for the CCJ’s ruling would see adherence to this…,” the GTUC implored the political parties in the House in a recent statement. The trade union said it is well aware that returning to the National Assembly may appear as though one side is losing ground, but the situation should not be about losing ground but rather about saving Guyana and utilising law and order. It noted that outside of GECOM, a constitutionally independent body, stating its readiness to holding election, the extant clause requires activation by “resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly
to determine” if the threemonth timeframe cannot be met. “Government and Opposition must return to the Assembly to give effect to this clause,” the union urged while questioning “why there is no effort to seek a constitutional resolution as instructed by the CCJ as opposed to a political one with the potential for conflict.” According to GTUC, Guyana can take the example of political patience and respect for the Rule of Law being faithfully exhausted in other societies. “Take the United States (U.S) and United Kingdom (U.K) for instance, they are utilising the Judiciary and Legislature to resolve serious differences with the President Donald Trump administration, and leaving the European Union as with the UK. As we watch and see the methodical and patient pursuit and execution of the law, why aren’t
our politicians learning and adopting these best practices of resolution of conflict. This nation must not be torn apart every time there is political difference and the issue of election comes up,” it reasoned. Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, backed by the Opposition, has moved to the High Court for an order to compel the Elections Commission to conduct elections by September 18, even as he challenges the ongoing House-to-House Registration. But the Attorney-General has told the Court that the Caribbean Court of Justice – Guyana’s final appellate court – has already ruled on the No-Confidence Motion, and the pending elections and no such order was granted. In ruling on the matter, the CCJ said Guyana’s Constitution stipulates that only the President, the National Assembly and, by extension,
Attorney General, Basil Williams
GECOM can dictate the precise timing of the elections. President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, said it would not be correct for the Court, by the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives, to instruct these bodies on how they must act. “It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives. The Court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no-confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21 December 2018,” Justice Saunders explained.
More upgrades for facilities at National Park circuit after daylight hours. The lights were upgraded in 2017 and 2019 under a project managed by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), with funding from the British High Commission and the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives. This upgrade has seen more efficient lighting systems installed to enable even later evening use of the
The Department of Environment has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the facilities at the National Park
THE Department of Environment (DoE), through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the National Parks Commission (NPC), has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the facilities at the National
Park so that citizens can safely utilise them for recreation purposes. The PAC has been working with the National Parks Commission since the end of 2012 to enhance the facilities at the Park, which are heavily utilised by George-
town residents. Under the Three Parks Initiative, the National Park has benefited from many improvements as resources become available. Through the initiative, lights have been installed to facilitate the use of the inner
Park’s walkways and other facilities. The Commission has started construction of the extension to the Head Office in the National Park to accommodate the growing number of staff and a large Board/Training Room. It has also engaged both advertisers and other stakeholders who are responsible for
advertisements, buildings and facilities in the Park to encourage them to enhance the facility. Stakeholders who have sponsored walking trails and other infrastructure are also being re-engaged. The construction of two stands are also earmarked for this year. TURN TO PAGE 18
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Ohio shooting: Sister of gunman among Dayton dead
(BBC) The gunman behind the mass shooting in Dayton Ohio killed his sister and eight other people in an attack that lasted less than 30 seconds, police say. Nearby police officers engaged Connor Betts, 24, shortly after hearing gunfire, as he tried to make his way into a crowded bar. Dayton police chief Richard Biehl said that had he made it through the door, the
loss of life would have been “catastrophic”. The gunman’s motives are unclear. At least 27 people were injured in the shooting, the second such attack in the US within 24 hours. Two mass shootings will anything change this time? Texas Walmart shooting is ‘domestic terrorism’ Betts fired his first shot at 01:05 local time (05:05
GMT) in the Oregon district of the city centre, Mr Biehl said. Dozens more rounds followed. Security camera footage shows dozens of people racing through the doorway of the local Ned Peppers nightclub. Seconds later, Betts is seen running towards the venue and being hit by police gunfire as he reaches the door. Betts wore body armour and came carrying extra ammunition for his .223-calibre assault rifle with high-capacity magazines. “Had this individual made it through the doorway of Ned Peppers with that level of weaponry, there would have been catastrophic injury and loss of life,” Mr Biehl said. The rifle was ordered
online from Texas, police said, and there was nothing in his history that would have stopped him from buying the gun legally. The gunman’s sister, Megan Betts, aged 22, was among the dead. “She was not the first victim, but she was one of the initial victims,” Mr Biehl said. Officials said it was too early to speculate about motives. But responding to questions about a possible racial element to the killings, Mr Biehl said there was nothing to suggest a “bias motive”. Nearby hospitals had received 27 people for treatment, and discharged 15 of them, by 10:00 local time. The Gun Violence Archive, which categorises mass shootings in the US as four or more people shot or
Monday, August 5, 2019 05:00hrs. - 06:30hrs.
Connor Betts was identified as the attacker
killed, says there have been 251 so far this year. WHO ARE THE VICTIMS? Police listed all nine of those who died. They are: * Lois Oglesby, black female, 27 * Megan Betts, white female, 22 * Saeed Saleh, black male, 38 * Derrick Fudge, black male, 57 * Logan Turner, white male, 30 * Nicholas Cummer, white male, 25 * Thomas McNichols, black male, 25 * Beatrice Warren Curtice, black female, 36 * Monica Brickhouse, black female, 39 Who was the attacker? Hours after he had been named by the media, police officials confirmed the gunman’s identity as 24-year-old Connor Betts from Bellbrook, Ohio. Police searched his home on Sunday. Earlier, US media reported that his sister had been found dead in a car with her boyfriend. But police said the male she was shot alongside was a “companion of the suspect” and did not elaborate on the relationships. “We don’t know the thoughts of the shooter,” Mayor Nan Whaley said. FBI agents are assisting police with the investigation.
WHAT’S BEEN THE REACTION? At a series of news conferences, Mayor Whaley asked people to think of those people “who went downtown on a Saturday night and thought they’d be safe”. She said that the Oregon district was “one of the safest places in the whole region”. “Frankly, we’re at a situation now in our country that these are so random,” she said. She also said the city had gone through a “really tough year”, drawing a comparison to a series of 14 tornadoes that hit Dayton in March. “What really goes through my mind is one seems completely preventable,” she said. “I just question when is enough, enough.” President Donald Trump told reporters that “hate has no place in our country” shortly before boarding Air Force One in Morristown, New Jersey. Mr Trump said mass shootings in the US had been “going on for years” and had to be stopped. When asked about possible gun regulations, the president said “perhaps more has to be done” to prevent shootings, but stopped short of making any commitments. On Twitter, local-born singer Lizzo called on people not to “normalise” shootings, saying that her family in Dayton were safe “but that’s not the case for nine other families”.
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Jamaica’s High Commissioner: All must work together to tackle crime
(TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) RECENTLY appointed Jamaican High Commissioner Arthur Williams on Sunday said Jamaicans must work together to tackle a number of societal ills and challenges, among them crime and violence. But even as he said this, Williams thanked God for the “positive trend” shown in the reduction of crime. On May 10, Williams presented his letters of credence to President Paula-Mae Weekes. Williams made the state-
ment at Jamaica’s 57th anniversary of Independence thanksgiving service held at the Trinidad Christian Centre, corner of Simeon and Morne Coco Roads, Petit Valley. Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in his Emancipation Day address, credited the “interventions made through Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs)” in its crime reduction, the Jamaican Information Service website said. On August 6, Jamaica will celebrate its 57th anni-
versary of Independence. Addressing the congregants of the Trinidad Christian Centre, which included some Jamaican nationals, Williams said the country must be recommitted into God’s hands as it seeks to encourage the value of being “your brothers’ seeker.” He added that the Christian values of honesty and respect for one another were central to rebuilding society and the nation. Williams’ address also looked at the role the church played in Jamaica’s educa-
tional development. “It is also important to note that the majority of our schools in Jamaica. In particular, our high schools...were established by the church. The Anglicans, Roman Catholics, the Methodists, the Baptists and the Seven Day Adventist churches...laid a solid foundation in our educational institutions.” This, Williams said, helped to instil good values and attitudes for Jamaica’s young people over the years and shape the nation. He added as the country celebrates its anniversary of
Independence, it was mindful of God’s continuous guidance and the pivotal role played by the church in building the nation. Trinidad Christian Centre’s Pastor Kelvin Siewdass said during his sermon that if TT and Jamaica were to be changed, it needed divine wisdom. He added that things were not all that great in TT and Jamaica and these nations need God’s supernatural intervention to make a change. Politicians, Siewdass said, have reached a point
Jamaica’s High Commissioner to TT Arthur Williams.
where they need God to intervene. His sermon carried the theme of letting God be God, and he said churches had a task of birthing nations.
T&T: Police seeking help to find 8 missing people
(TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) THE police service is asking for the public’s assistance in finding eight people who went missing between July 31 and August 2. This figure includes five teens from the St Jude’s Home for Girls. The missing people have been identified as 17-yearolds Tasha Sansan, Priya Jaglal, Leann Modeste, Latoya Charles, and Letisha Correia (St Jude’s Home for Girls); Alvin Francis, 47, from Belmont; Kahiem Kurban, 14 from Diego Mar-
tin and 17-year-old Destiny Antoine from Diego Martin. In a release on Sunday, the police said the missing teens from St Jude’s were last seen at the Barataria recreation ground at Sixth Avenue around 11.15 am on August 2. A report was made to Barataria police by a Civilian Conservation Corps social worker. They were described as follows: Sansan is of African descent, four feet; five inches tall, slim built with a light brown complexion, and black cornrow hairstyle. Jag-
lal is of East Indian descent, four feet; five inches tall, with a light brown complexion and a natural hairstyle. Modeste is of mixed descent, four feet tall, light brown in complexion and with a curly hairstyle. Charles is of mixed descent, four feet; two inches tall, light brown in complexion and with a curly hairstyle. Correia is of African descent, light brown in complexion and a cornrow hairstyle. They were all wearing a red t-shirt and a pair of long black pants at the time of
their disappearance. Francis of Makai Lands, Belmont, police said, was last seen at his home around 5.30 am on August 1. He was reported missing to the Belmont station on the same day. Francis is of African descent, five feet; five inches tall, slim built, with a dark brown complexion and bald head. Kahiem, of upper La Puerta Ave, Diego Martin,
was last seen around 11 am on August 2 and was reported missing to the Four Roads police. He is of East Indian descent, five feet; seven inches tall, slim built, with a brown complexion and low haircut. Antoine, also from Diego Martin, was last seen on July 31. She was reported missing to police of the Four Roads station on August 2. She is of African descent, slim built, with a brown com-
plexion and low cut black hair. She was last seen wearing a long-sleeved black and white t-shirt and a pair of yellow short black pants. No photos have yet been provided to the police. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these people is asked to contact the police at 999, 911, 800-TIPS, any police station or text/WhatsApp 482-GARY.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Why this Haitian xenophobia? THERE has in the last few weeks been a frenzy in sections of the media over the arrival of Haitians in Guyana. This frenzy has been fuelled by the PPP which has charged the government with smuggling Haitians into the country to be used as voters at the upcoming elections. The PPP had been making these charges as far back as a year ago. They summoned the Minister of Citizenship before a parliamentary committee to give account for these “missing” Haitians. This is a vile piece Haiti is a member of CARICOM and its nationals are entitled to the same travel privileges within the Region as other CARICOM nationals. The argument that Haiti is not part of the Caribbean
Single Market and Economy is baseless; it was CARICOM itself that lifted the visa requirement for Haitians entering sister countries. Further, Guyana is not the only country to which Haitians have been migrating and Haitians are not the only CARICOM nationals to migrate to other member countries. We feel there are two not-so-hidden sub-texts to this frenzy over Haitians coming to Guyana. First, the perpetrators have charged that the government is bringing Haitians here as part of a conspiracy to boost its chances of re-election. But where is the evidence of this conspiracy? To date, the PPP has produced not an iota of evidence. They claim that large numbers of Haitians have not returned to Haiti as
they planned to. Assuming that this is correct, since when foreign nationals who overstay their time amount to a conspiracy to illegally vote in that country? Many Guyanese and other CARICOM nationals have overstayed their time in other countries. Should we assume that they are part of conspiracies with the host governments to illegally vote in their elections? Much is being made of the fact that Guyanese and Haitians already in Guyana turn up at the airport to escort visiting Haitians. But isn’t it normal everywhere in the world for locals or friends and relatives to turn up to welcome and escort visitors? Isn’t it normal for visitors to have to declare where they would stay during their visit? It is the height of absurdity to
use this as evidence of electoral conspiracy. The PPP and its cohorts are insulting the intelligence of Guyanese and in the process inflaming tensions in the country. This talk about conspiracies to rig elections through immigration is dangerous. It has implications for political stability, as it is setting the stage for possible unrest should the PPP lose the elections. The second subtext is equally dangerous—it is the inflaming of anti-Haitian racial sentiments in the society. In a country with its own ethno-racial problems, there ought to be greater sensitivity on the part of the PPP and others on this anti-Haitian bandwagon. Those who deny that this is not their intention must answer the simple question—why pick on Haitians?
GGMC is institutionally unfit for environmental protection Dear Editor ANY Guyanese concerned with the climate crisis could only be appalled at the virtually non-existent land-restoration programme of the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) revealed in an article in the Guyana Chronicle dated July 31. Superficial understanding of restoration and non-enforcement, coupled with opaque finances, all point to an agency unfit to protect the environment from the ravages of gold-mining. In the light of this situation, the Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) is calling for fundamental re-structuring of legal, technical and ad-
ministrative approaches to land restoration, in which the GGMC should have a reduced role, operate more transparently and be subject to more rigorous oversight. GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison, was reported as stating that “Reclamation is done by making land usable again by planting trees, refilling mining pits and clearing waterways which were blocked.” This is startlingly superficial. Such activities ought to be routinely undertaken by every miner and rigorously enforced by the GGMC, not carried out by that agency. Abandoned mine-sites are silent bio-diversity graveyards; insect life is gone forever; animal spe-
cies are hunted to extinction; water sources are polluted for years; communities’ and lifestyles are affected permanently. Their restoration is a major undertaking, far beyond the commissioner’s description, which does not even do justice to the limited work his agency actually carries out. The G$100mn spent reclaiming 44 acres of land over the past three years mentioned by Commissioner Dennison appears to refer to the two pilot restoration schemes in Dakouria (Region 10) and Olive Creek ( Region Seven). This is not restoration per se, these demonstration schemes are intended to test methods of physical restoration and
to arrive at actual costs in order to implement more realistic environmental bonds and develop good practices among miners. An earlier pilot scheme at Frenchman’s Cove in Bartica established that small-scale restoration projects will cost a minimum of six million dollars. Despite the fact that both schemes demonstrate that real restoration is a very expensive undertaking, the Chronicle article reported the agency as still ‘mulling over’ whether the bond should be raised. Financing Restoration In accordance with Guyana’s Mining Regulations, a bond requirement applies to “all categories of large, medium and small mining” (225(1) applicable to ev-
Nationals from other CARICOM and non-CARICOM Caribbean and Latin American countries arrive, some in droves, every day—why not pick on them? The intention is simple. Haitians are Black and the government in power is deemed to be supported in the main by Black Guyanese. So, Haitians coming here must be reflective of a Black conspiracy. Such a narrative is aimed at whipping up anti-Black ethnic fear in the society. But it does more—it stigmatises and profiles Haitians. There are not-so-hidden references to Haitians coming from a country that is ravaged by disaster and diseases. We condemn this as naked xenophobia. Those who are engaging in this obscenity are joining the well-known
stigmatisation of Haiti and Haitians. We recall the USA sending back Haitians while admitting Cubans; we recall the massacre and later expulsion of Haitians from The Dominican Republic. There have also been instances of anti-Haitian sentiments in other Caribbean countries, Now, the PPP and others have joined. All this is aimed at stopping Haitians from coming to Guyana. This campaign must be condemned by all sane and just voices in Guyana. It is time all organisations lift their voices against this campaign. Haiti’s contribution to the freedom we now enjoy in the Caribbean is well known. Haitians are human beings with the same rights as others—they are not sub-human.
ery holder of a mining licence, prospecting permit or mining permit 271 (3). Since the 1990s, the environmental bond for medium-scale properties (up to 1200 acres in size) has been set at $100,000. According to the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Report for Fiscal Year 2017 1,329 persons were allocated a total of 3,792 medium-scale permits, between them covering some 5.7 million acres. Multiplying the G$100,000 bond by this number of permits results in the ensuing total which should have been collected for 2017 of G$379,200,000. Assuming the same calculations apply for the past three years, the total sum available for restoration should have been in the vicinity of G$1 billion. The cumulative figure since the 1990s would be enormous. Similar calculations for small-scale properties which attract a lower bond would produce smaller, but equally impressive fig-
ures, providing another sizable income to be dedicated to restoration. Mining losses due to Forest Degradation and DeForestation In addition to the failure to require adequate restoration from mining operators, mining and mining infrastructure are the biggest direct contributors to lost revenue under the REDD+ programme. In 2017 alone, mining and mining infrastructure were responsible for degradation of 7,115 hectares of forest. Using the formulae set out in the Guyana-Norway Agreement, mining-induced losses average at USD983 per hectare, placing the losses for that year in the vicinity of USD$7mn. Mining in all regions--including indigenous lands--must be subject to rigorous regulation. There can be no exceptions to restoration requirements regardless of the ownership of lands. Damage to rivers, wildlife, bio-diverTURN TO PAGE 7
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Ali et al must leave the police force alone Dear Editor,
CITIZENS should be very intolerant of politicians who are dishonest with their bold, brazen and shameless lies, always designed to create a personal profile of moral correctness, while pretending to defend what is right in the national interest. This is usually, deceptively allied to attempts at shifting the blame in another direction. It is the most despicable brand of politicians that can be found in any jurisdiction. They must NEVER BE TRUSTED; for they are hollow as the statements they would want the body politic, especially their supporters/ followers to believe. Not only is it obnoxious, but amounts to gross “eye pass” and disrespect to a nation that would have had the experience of so much of their venalities while they held office, including the degradations of vital State institutions which they sought to throttle for control to their bidding. The Guyana Police Force(GPF) readily comes to mind is immediate as being one of the institutions that became the victim of political interference that compromised its professionalism. This is well known, except that those who now seek to play dishonest politics by making a deceptive pitch to the “men and women
in uniform” by referring to “political interference” and ” favouritism” in career “path and advancement”, and “operating obsolete equipment”. This is unbelievable for the sheer audacity of the lies and old PPP/C trick of reverse psychology that is such a well-known blueprint of their propaganda delivery. Editor, one should not be made to dignify the fraudulent and effluent lies that this equally fraudulent want-to-be president now seeks to foist on the nation, masquerading as what he would wish to do for the “men and women in uniform”. My first point to Ali is that his party, while in government, and this includes himself, had 23 years to correct the very issues which his administration perpetuated to institutional status within the Force; and now, like a political rip van winkle, has awoken to their obnoxious existence being dismantled. Did Ali and his cabinet colleagues ever give a thought to the effects, in terms of the gradual dissipation of policing standards; destruction of Force morale, and of standard operational procedures, and work ethic, that he has SUDDENLY identified, and which had been rampant in the GPF DURING HIS PARTY’S GOVERNANCE PERIOD; and the negative impact that such would have caused to a once admired police force which, in its heyday, sec-
onded some of its very best officers as police commissioners to some CARICOM island nations. For sure, Ali has not been living in another dimension. For the PPP/C, police personnel were there to carry out the bidding of the political directorate of the day, IN QUITE AN UNPROFESSIONAL MANNER, which would have caused an almost irreparable damage to relations between itself and communities. Was this Ali party’s government’s concerns about staff training for professional and academic development for a better brand of policeman/woman? And was his regime concerned about the inhuman physical working/ accommodation conditions that ranks endured at police stations and outposts throughout Guyana, many of which have, since 2015 been refurbished, and new ones built? More important is the question as to what concern did Ali’s government exhibit as to plummeting morale and corruption which became pervasive throughout the Force during the sojourn of PPP/C governance? Editor, there are still challenges within the GPF, which are to be expected, given the pervasiveness of the plethora of problems that became endemic during the two decades and more of PPP/C government, however, if one were to read Commissioner Leslie James’s profession-
GGMC is...
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sity and forests are not ring-fenced to the affected site, nor restricted to the current generation. The need for an eco-system landscape approach to restoration is further reinforced when sand-mining and quarrying are taken into account. The consequences, for example, of sand quarries along the length of both sides of the Linden highway, which combined with the massive logging trucks on the highway itself create rippling effects that will become calamitous. PFG believes responsibility for environmental protection should be moved from the GGMC to another agency charged with eco-system rehabilitation. This is much broader than reclamation and would include river ecosystems, sand and loam pits and access roads leading to mining-intensive areas. The mandate of such an agency would be to professionally assess environmental consequences of all kinds of mining activity,
so that realistic economic costs of restoration can be levied. This information should then feed into revised environmental requirements by the EPA, which should be progressively implemented by miners over the life of the mine from the onset of mining activity, not when it’s finished. In this scheme of things, the role of the GGMC would then be to enforce compliance and technical-quality assurance. The bond and whatever fine is imposed for non-compliance should be adequate for GGMC to finance the outsourcing of the restoration work to licensed contractors. In view of the challenges posed by the global climate crisis and the critical role to be played by tropical forests, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that the GGMC with respect to environmental protection, is not fit for that purpose. Regards Policy Forum Guyana
al and illustrative account of the change in trajectory path of the country’s main law enforcement agency, in his efficient and thorough response to what is a clear case of interference in the GPF, one would realise that Ali is talking piffle; simply indulging in cheap but very dangerous talk that aims at causing dissent. Even the ranks must have realised this BIG ATTEMPT OF ALI’S DECEPTION. It is evident that the administrative structures now in place are very significant in purpose for the changes that are intended, and those already achieved. The structures, on closer examination, are those that are found in modern corporate institutions. Further, the fact that there is now a Human Resource Department in every police division; Group Health Insurance; Mortgage Relief Programme for rank and file; A strategic Planning Unit; Occupational Health and Safety Unit; and a Divisional Complaints Unit, points to a police force that is being designed for optimum results in bringing about a better rank that is able to function in a modern and comfortable environment, and which is also concerned about staff welfare; work
performance and rewards for such. One only has to note the 29 ranks who graduated from the University of Guyana last graduation, from the rank of constable upwards, with diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees; and the others who are now rushing to avail themselves of the academic opportunities now being offered. Coupled with the above workplace functions and infrastructure has been the introduction of modern technology for crime fighting, such as DNA facilities for crime forensic analysis; Electronic Data Management Systems for the storage and management of crime data; and a Police Records Management Information System that serves as a criminal records database. There is even ICT interlinkage with all police divisions and stations. Add the current Safe City Project designed to install CCTV cameras around the city, so as to combat crime in a quick and timely manner, and Ali and his PPP/C cohorts will realise that the GPF is being gradually removed from its obsolete and Stone Age existence into a new era that aims for modern best practices in professional policing. One wonders what Ali
can offer “OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNFORM”, which they have been receiving since this new dispensation, and will continue to receive for becoming better servants of the nation which they serve. The fact, also, that there are now established social liaison structures such as Community Strategic Action Councils and Social Crime Prevention Projects with Community Relations Officers in every police division, outlines a police force that finally understands that crime fighting is not about using deadly force; but it is about understanding the many social problems that a society present as challenges to young people, particularly the vulnerable, and which will impact on communities in differing ways; and working closely with those communities’ vulnerable sections with the aim of lessening the occurrence of criminal deviancy. This is the now new police force which Ali’s former government had served to ignore, when it had the opportunity to remake it into a professional institution. Regards, Earl Hamilton
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Reg. 9 women now certified caterers – thanks to gov’t-led SLED programme
THIRTY-two women of Parishara, in Central Rupununi, are now trained and certified in catering and the preservation of food including fruits and vegetables. The women also learned etiquette and basic table- setting skills. The women are members of the Parishara Organic Food Processors which already produces peanut butter from the cashew nuts, and flour from cassava, sweet potatoes and eddoes. The training was made possible through the government’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme which allows groups to access funding for income-generating community ventures. Addressing the graduation ceremony held at the Parishara Primary School in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock explained Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Community Development Officer (CDO), Vincent Henry; Toshao of Nappi, Guy Fredericks; and Senior Councillor of Parishara, Roy Andrew with members of the Parishara Organic Food Processors group
programme, which has allowed the Indigenous people to access funding to empower themselves. More than 277 households have benefitted from income-generating activities through the SLED programme in 2018. An estimated 1,264 persons, including women, young people and entrepreneurs, were the beneficiaries. Community Development Officer (CDO), Vincent Henry explained that the programme has been ‘life-changing’ for many in Region Nine. In the South Rupununi,
the Maruranau Women’s Cooperative purchased a minibus with their funds; Sand Creek Youth Cooperatives are in the process of constructing over 60 shade houses and a building for the preservation of fruits and vegetables; in Shulinab, the women are producing dried fruits and vegetables with their solar dryers; while Patarinau will be establishing a ranch and constructing a butchery. Other villages that benefitted from the programme include Hiawa, Moco Moco,
Aranaputa and Aishalton. Leader of the Parishara Organic Food Processors, Erlene McDonald said that her dream was to work towards establishing a training programme to empower women in her village, many of whom are single parents. She commended the government for its continued support of the development of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. The women also had on display several food items they had prepared and preserved. (DPI)
A member of the Parishara Organic Food Processors group receiving her certificate from Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock
that the programme is part of a larger initiative to empower Indigenous people. He said that from this training exercise, the women can establish their own businesses or even seek employment. “Our government is for everyone… We believe in providing opportunities; we believe in partnership… We have major developments across Guyana, and this is one of our key focus points, because it allows our people to live a healthy life leading on to a good life,” Minister Allicock said. These skills the women would have learnt, he said, will be in demand once the
Linden to Lethem road is completed and the Lethem aerodrome is upgraded into an international hub. Villagers are also planning to construct a guesthouse and create tourism activities around the Nappi Lake. With all these plans in the making, Minister Allicock is, therefore, urging the women of Region Nine to develop those recently-acquired skills so when the facilities at reference become available, they would be fully equipped to deliver quality service to visitors. He commended the Ministry of Social Protection headed by Minister Amna Ally for initiating such a
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock viewing some of the foods that were prepared by members of the Parishara Organic Food Processors
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
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Recapitalising the GDF – Army budget up by 75% under coalition – 400 officers, other ranks benefit from scholarships – $2.5B in equipment donated by China
CONTRARY to reports that the security forces are starved of resources, official records of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) show that in a period of two years, $2.5B in equipment were donated by China, while the force’s budgetary allocation has increased by 74 per cent since the David Granger Administration assumed office. In less than four years, more than 400 men and women in uniform, from the defene force, have been granted scholarships to pursue higher education. It was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, who, in a recent interview with a local newspaper, contended that members of the security forces are left with no other choice than to use obsolete equipment to execute their duties while operating under poor conditions. At the time, he was attempting to outline his plans for ‘men and women in uniform’; however, he has since come in for major rebuke from the Guyana Police Force and the Joint Services Co-ordinating Council. Official records from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) tell a totally different story from the one being told by Ali. According to the records seen by the Guyana Chronicle, between 2017 and 2018, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army contributed $2.5B in engineering and other equipment to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), thereby, boosting the force’s capacity to respond to the needs of the country. Buses, patrol boats, bulldozers, an excavator, water tankers, fuel tankers, tipper trucks and off-road ambulances were among the equipment donated. Added to that, technical and military officers from the People’s Liberation Army conducted a series of training sessions with the GDF troops, on the use of the
Brigadier Patrick West, Chief-of-staff of the GDF
equipment. The GDF has also received support from the USA in the areas of disaster management, suicide prevention and community development. In recent months, US military service members have partnered with the GDF in an operation called New Horizon 2019, to construct a women’s shelter in Linden and along with a number of community centres. A community centre was also constructed in Yarrowkabra, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. These facilities will be officially handed over today. Aside from the contributions made by external forces, the government has ramped up the GDF’s financial resources. In 2013, the GDF received approximately $7.2B. The following year, the Defence Force was allocated $8.044B; however, from then to now (2019), it has seen a 74 per cent increase. According to the Force’s records, in 2019, it received $14.019B, of which $12.977B was allocated for recurrent projects and programmes, and $1.042B for capital expenditures. In defending the amount allocated to the Force for 2019, then Minister of State Joseph Harmon, told the National Assembly that of
the sum allocated, $415.5M was set aside for the construction and rehabilitation of buildings, fences, armoury, warehouse, bond and quarters; $69M for marine development; $300M for air, land and water transport; $35M for pure water supplies; $23M for Agricultural development; and $80M for equipment. Another $120M was set aside for the National Flagship GDF Essequibo. SIGNIFICANT RECAPITALISATION Since 2015, there has been significant recapitalisation of the Air Corps. The Force’s hangar, offices and operation centre have undergone rehabilitation while a passengers’ lounge with modern facilities (baggage scanner) has been constructed. Notably, the GDF has acquired four fixedwing aircraft – two Britten Norman Islanders and two Shorts Sky Vans. Additionally, added to its fleet is a Beachcraft King Air 350 Corporate aircraft. In the pipeline are plans to acquire four rotor-wing aircraft by the end of 2020. As of present, recurrent and initial training of pilots, engineers and crew members are ongoing to effectively operationalise the air assets, according to the records of the GDF.
Commissioner of Police, Leslie James
“These multipliers will enhance our ability to provide continuous surveillance over Guyana’s air, land and maritime space, provide assistance to the civil authority in response to any threat or disaster such as casualty evac, & SAR, Anti-Piracy, interdiction of narco-traffickers and smugglers and to deploy to any part of Guyana at short notice and be effective,” the document states. In the area of housing, the GDF has partnered with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to provide affordable housing to ranks of the Force in the developing communities of Prospect and Providence in Region Four, and Wisroc and Amelia’s Ward, in Linden, Region 10. That aside, a meeting between the Joint Services Coordinating Council and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has resulted in 120 acres of undeveloped land in Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara being allocated to the Joint Services Housing Programme. The records show ranks and officers of the GDF continue to benefit from a wide range of educational programmes. They have benefited from scholarships in the USA, Brazil and China, with the majority of them
attaining first degrees and, in some instances, masters degrees. For the academic year, 2016/2017, 129 officers and ranks received scholarships to attend the University of Guyana, the Government Technical Institute, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Government Industrial Training Centre and the Critchlow Labour College, among other institutions. TRAINING For the academic year 2017/2018, 86 officers and ranks were awarded scholarships, and the following academic year (2018/2019), 110; and for the period 2019/2020, another 139 – a total of 464. The Hugh Wooding Law School, Institute of Distant and Continuing Education, Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School and the Guyana School of Nursing are among the other institutions officers and ranks are being sent to. In the not so distant future, 27 persons will undergo training at the GUYSUCO Training Centre for a period of six months. Also, in 2020, Guyana will host Exercise Tradewinds – an exercise that would be conducted by Member States of the Caribbean in collaboration with the US Southern Com-
mand. It is designed to help participants’ better respond to natural disasters and land and maritime threats. Reacting to statements made by Ali, the Joint Services Co-ordinating Council on Friday warned against any attempt to sway its members, noting that these informal efforts can affect the morale of ranks and contribute to the compromise of discipline and security at this time. In setting the record, the Guyana Police Force, on Wednesday, outlined that it has embarked on a reform programme even as it implements its Three-Year Strategic Management Plan 2019/2021. The Strategic Management Plan is guided by five (5) pillars – operational priorities, human development, partnerships, performance and infrastructure. These pillars, the Police Force explained, are designed and intended to ensure the realisation of a professional, accountable and modern Police Force. “As regards Operational Priorities, the Force received a number of vehicles and other operational modernised equipment to bolster operational capacity and to enhance efficiency in service delivery. Further, the recently highlighted CCTV Camera System, which is a part of the SAFE CITY PROJECT, will contribute immensely in the fight against criminal activities. Additionally, the Mounted Branch of the Force is also decentralized to fight crime,” the Police Force said. The Force said it now has Human Resource Departments in each Police Division, and capacity-building of ranks is continuous through professional, technical, specialist and tertiary levels of training. Like the GDF, a number of ranks and officers of the Police Force have benefited from scholarships and continue to do so.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Older sibling influence
OVER the previous weeks on 4 minutes 4 change, we looked at pubescent children and the need for adults to explain to them about the types of changes that take place in their bodies and the reasons why; this talk should happen when the child is around 10- 11 years old. Schools carry out basic sex education sessions as part of their curriculums, but it will always be the role of a parent to talk about puberty, sex, abstinence and contraception with their child. When children are not guided in the correct way, their adolescent years can be a time of sexual exploration, rather than a time of awareness, acceptance and understanding. It then becomes possible for their thoughts, urges and desires to get the better of them. Of course, some busy parents are unaware of this. Many parents try extremely hard to
make ends meet and for this, they should be commended, but children are sometimes neglected as a result and neglect can have far-reaching repercussions. There are several stories where older siblings, while left in charge of younger ones, have coerced them into sexual activity or forced them to do things of a sexual nature. Younger children are unlikely to tell their parents about what goes on behind their backs as the activity is as clandestine as it is fascinating to their young minds: and maybe it just does not occur to younger children to mention these events as they simply become a norm in their lives. A woman in her mid-20s told of how she became overwhelmed with anguish every time she visited her aunt’s home and especially when she came into contact with her cousin, who was now a man in his early 30s. When
she was left in his care as a child he used to instruct her and a younger male cousin to touch each other’s private parts and then he would tell her to lie down and tell her male cousin to lie on top of her. Because he was left in charge of her, she simply did as he bade without a thought of whether she was doing something right or wrong. Neither did she tell anyone about these incidents as a child. As an adult she felt quite ashamed at having partaken in such crudity and although it never affected her progress in life academically, it still interrupted her childhood memories on a major scale. An older family member had taken advantage of her innocence and vulnerability; no one has the right to do that to a child, not even another child (as he was at the time). Now every time she visits her aunt’s house she is not
only reminded of what took place there, but she feels compelled to act in a civil manner to her cousin, who in truth is a child sex abuser. Another woman spoke about her pre-adolescent years, she said. ‘My big sister would invite several young people to the home in the evenings while our mother was at work and a variety of sexual activities would take place in different rooms. Although I am sure my mother had a fair idea of what was going on, she did little to stop it or to protect me and my younger siblings. It was as though my mother and sister had a rapport that transcended moral boundaries and I was some kind of ‘goody two shoes.’ I looked after the younger ones the best I could, but it wasn’t long before I got roped into the scene against my better will and judgement. I was about 13 years old and found myself
performing ‘favours’ for the young men who visited and was even made to carry out a ‘favour’ for my sister’s pleasure, such was the debased content of the sexual activities.’ Today this woman, who is now in her mid-20s, is still struggling to come to terms with her adolescent ordeal. She has no sense of direction or purpose and uses illicit drugs to numb her pain. She is badly in need of counselling and/or therapy. Older sibling influence doesn’t always have to be of a sexual nature, neither does it have to be negative. There are many trustworthy teenagers who have a responsible role in caring for their younger siblings and never fail to set them good examples. They love their younger siblings and are devoted to their protection and well-being. Younger siblings have been known to emulate their older siblings in either a
positive or negative way. For instance, a boy of eight might decide to take up football, having been influenced by watching his older brother; a girl of nine might adopt the adolescent attitude of her teenage sibling and start showing an interest in boys and sex, etc. How children grow, evolve and develop in life depends on what they’re exposed to and how they are supervised and protected by adults. Parents must manage their households competently in order to give children the best possible start in life and some positive childhood memories. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION
Bartica wants taxes from quarrying Valerie Amos appointed Master of University College, Oxford to be shared with township THE municipality of Bartica has begun to lobby central government to have a fraction of the taxes garnered from the economic activity there transferred to the township so that it could become more financially independent. Like the other nine municipalities across the country, Bartica has been looking into ways to garner revenue in the municipality, to ease dependence on subvention from central government. “A critical aspect of municipality and NDCs is finances to finance our projects and pay staff and so forth,” notes Bartica Mayor, Gifford Marshall. “So we’re looking forward to come up with solutions in which we can able to better strengthen ourselves financially. Where finances are concerned, we believe that Bartica, having three quarries, should share in that. So we have started to lobby central government to have a fraction of that taxes that those quarries pay.” For most municipalities, the primary source of independent funds is from rates and taxes on properties. However, with no property valuation done since the 1970s, councils are without the necessary information to determine the proper rates and taxes to apply to properties in their areas. In new townships, virtually no taxes are collected, and in areas where rates and taxes are already applied, the amounts are wholly outdated and relatively small. In the circumstances, the Ministry of
Communities (MoC) has invested in having a countrywide property valuation exercise carried out this year. That project is scheduled to start in the County of Berbice, with the town of New Amsterdam. A contract to the value of approximately $330M has been awarded to a Canadian company, Municipal Property Assessment of Ontario, which does property evaluation for the province of Ontario, as well as other provinces in Canada and other countries. But rates and taxes aside, Marshall believes that towns should directly benefit from other economic activities being done therein. “We believe that every town is different, and in the case of the hinterland towns, especially where Bartica is concerned, we should benefit from whatever is done,” Marshall said, adding: “Presently, we have a system that is designed to send all the resources to the central government.” He believes that response from central government will be favourable, as he’s not asking for a big percentage. “Just a fraction; maybe three per cent of the taxes paid to central government,” he said. “That would take us a very far way, because we need to reach to the level where we’re able to fix our own roads, build our bridges and so forth. So we’re going to continue to lobby for that, and this government is trying to change that so we can have that sorted out and have increased finances.”
GUYANESE-born Baroness Valerie Amos has been appointed Master of University College, Oxford. Her new appointment makes her the first Black head of an Oxford College. According to a report in the Oxford Student, Baroness Amos, who is the current director of SOAS University of London, will take up the post on the first of August 2020, following the retirement of Sir Ivor Crewe, who has held the position for 12 years. “The college was fortunate in attracting a number of outstanding applicants to become its next master to follow Sir Ivor Crewe in his distinguished tenure in the role. The Governing Body is excited that Baroness Amos agreed to accept our invitation to take on the role from next summer, and we very much look forward to welcoming her to the college and to working with her in the future,” the University College said. “She brings a wealth and diversity of experience to the role, including a deep knowledge of the higher education
Baroness Valerie Amos (World Economic Forum photo)
sector, and will help us continue Univ’s outstanding reputation for excellence, access and innovation in Oxford.” Baroness Amos stated that she was honoured to be appointed to her new post. “I am honoured to have been appointed as Master of University College, Oxford. I look forward to taking up my role next year and joining a community which prides itself on providing an outstanding scholarly environment, excellent teaching and world-class research. “Univ has been engaged in opening up access and opportunity through its Op-
portunity Programme and I also look forward to making a contribution to that work.” The former leader of the House of Lord and United Nations official, who assumed the position of Director for the SOAS –University of London (formerly known as the School of Oriental and African Studies) in 2015, was born at Dry Shore on the Essequibo Coast and lived in Wakenaam until she was nine years old. She became the first woman of African descent in the United Kingdom to head a University in the UK when she was appointed Director of SOAS University of London. Before taking up the post at SOAS, she served as Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at the United Nations (UN). She has also served in a number of roles in the public sector in the United Kingdom including in local government and as Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
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Guyana has lowest public debt – ECLAC 2019 Economic Survey in Caribbean By Navendra Seoraj
GUYANA’s public debt continues to be the lowest in the Caribbean, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has confirmed. ECLAC, in its 2019 Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean, says that the Caribbean country with the lowest level of public debt is Guyana, with a public debt of 41.7 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The report, when compared to that of 2018, shows that there was a 5.2 per cent decrease in the country’s public debt. In 2018, it was reported that public debt was 46.9 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to ECLAC, the data available for seven Caribbean countries shows that, on average, central government’s gross public debt decreased in the sub region. At the national level, Barbados still has the highest public debt, the equiva-
lent of some 4.7 per cent of its GDP as of March 2019, followed by Jamaica, which has a public debt of 93.8 per cent of GDP), even though the latter has reduced its debt by almost nine percentage points of GDP since the close of 2018. The average gross public debt of the Caribbean countries was 71.8 per cent at the end of 2018, a year-onyear drop of 2.6 percentage points. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said he was commended several times for Guyana’s having the lowest debt to GPD ratio in the Caribbean. “We produce debt reports every year that show this,” said Minister Jordan in an invited comment on Sunday. The minister said he has not seen the recent report, but will comment further on the matter, once he reviews the report later this week. Back in 2017, Minister Jordan had said that despite the significant progress Guyana had made in managing its debt, the government will continue to work hard to en-
sure that debt levels remain sustainable. He had noted, too, that under the Public Debt Management Capacity Building Programme (PDP)’s Strategic Country Plan for Guyana, the country has made notable progress in the area of debt management. That programme, he’d said, came to an end in 2018. The finance minister singled out several areas that have experienced progress here, and among them are the formulation of a National Sustainable Funding Strategy in 2015, inclusive of a Debt Sustainability Analysis and Public Debt Strategy. There was also a comprehensive Public Debt Management Procedures Manual, which has improved and ensured consistent debt management operations while reducing operational risk. In addition to these was a National Workshop on Debt Management, Self-Evaluation and Improvement (DMSAI) in 2016, using the World Bank Debt Management Performance Assessment (DeMPA) methodolo-
gy to assess Guyana’s debt management operations. This workshop charted a course for the improvement and achievement of international best practices.
RAISE THE BAR “These achievements are tangible indications of our Government’s redoubled efforts to ‘raise the bar’ in the management of public finances,” Minister Jordan said, adding that such efforts ensure heightened transparency and accountability, value for money and efficient and effective allocation of the country’s resources. According to the minister, Guyana is well acquainted with the harsh consequences of an onerous debt burden, as well as the painful process of structural adjustment, and the harsh outcomes of weak and imprudent management of the public purse by previous administrations. Going forward in 2019, ECLAC has projected that interest payments on public debt are expected to fall in Guyana and Barbados.
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
Interest payments on the public debt in the Caribbean sub-region are expected to be 2.8 per cent of GDP, similar to the level reached in 2018. Public debt costs for most countries of the sub-region have remained under three per cent of GDP, which is close to the average for the sub-region in 2018 Meanwhile, the Caribbean countries are expected to take advantage of the great-
er space offered by higher public revenues to increase their total spending, which will rise to 29.2 per cent of GDP in 2019, up from 28.2 per cent in 2018. In particular, capital expenditures will raise from 3.4 per cent of GDP in 2018 to 4.2 per cent in 2019. These expenditures, which are linked to public investment, are expected to increase in eight of the 12 Caribbean countries analysed, up one percentage point of GDP or more in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Public revenues are projected to continue to rise in 2019, albeit at a slower pace than was seen in 2018. This increase — up from 27.0 per cent of GDP in 2018 to 27.7 per cent in 2019— will be the result of both higher tax and non-tax revenues. With regard to tax receipts, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago are expected to see increases of more than 1 percentage point of GDP in 2019.
Enumerators robbed during registration exercise at Covent Garden By Navendra Seoraj ENUMERATORS who were part of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s house-to-house registration exercise were robbed on Sunday. Public Relations Officer of GECOM, Yolanda Warde, said a team of three enumerators was robbed at Convent Garden, which is located on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Warde, in an invited comment on Sunday, said the robber snatched a briefcase which contained a printer, camera and fingerprint pads. She said the suspected robber was apprehended and is assisting the police with their investigation. The robbery happened just days after GECOM called on the Guyana Police Force to protect workers of the commission who were being attacked by residents of
various communities. The commission in a press statement said it had engaged the police force to provide surveillance in communities and to assist with security of its field staff. Over the last few days, a number of enumerators were attacked and injured by dogs which were intentionally loosed by their owners. “They received dog bites which were instigated by residents who are allegedly not in agreement with the registration exercise,” said GECOM. It was also reported that some persons are using threatening language, instilling fear and providing misinformation that the staff will not be paid for their service. The commission therefore urged citizens to immediately desist from such “unlawful and obscene” acts, as they will be arrested and prosecuted. Additionally, the
Enumerators on the job despite the recent attacks which have been reported by GECOM (Samuel Maughn photo)
commission reminded citizens that registration is a legal requirement and persons have a responsibility to ensure that they are registered. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who had urged supporters of the People’s Progressive Party
(PPP) to not participate in the registration exercise, had also called on persons not to target enumerators. “They are doing a job and they are professionals… treat them politely, if you do not want to participate, you can say I’m not registering,” said
Jagdeo. Warde said the attacks have not halted the registration process in any way, since enumerators have still been turning out to do their jobs. When asked if the police force had responded to GECOM’s call, Warde said they have been providing support, but she could not say to what extent. “They have been providing support but at this time I cannot say to what extent….I will have to speak with the operations team,” said Warde. GECOM had said that the countrywide house-to-house 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. The current house-tohouse registration is a new registration 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.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Oil production will be most transformative economic development in Guyana’s history
Director of the Department of Energy, Mark Bynoe
OIL production will be the most transformative economic development in Guyana’s history, said President David Granger during a message on the first anniversary of the Department of Energy. Oil revenues, some of which will be managed by the Natural Resources Fund, will be invested strategically in building human and institutional capacity, addressing infrastructural deficit and providing economic security for future generations, said the President. The Department of Energy, established on August 1, 2018, aims to effectively and efficiently manage the country’s hydrocarbon resources. “It will allow Guyana to transition to a cleaner and more energy efficient country through a sustainable pathway,” said President Granger, adding that the establishment of the depart-
ment is a step forward in ensuring, among other things, capacity-building and the strengthening of the legislative framework in the oil and gas sector. To that end, the department completed a diagnostic review of the legislative framework that governs the petroleum sector to shape proposals for revision/replacement of legislation. The department also augmented its legal team to advance the work of the department with regards to the revision of the legal framework for efficient governance of the sector. “The Government of Guyana is committed to transparency in the management of this sector,” President Granger asserted. Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe said Guyana, as a new and emerging energy producer, finds itself in a crucial and unprecedented position in the country’s history; faced with a challenging and complex task of establishing a petroleum sector and developing the country’s expected wealth. “In the shortest time, it must create a framework for the profitable production of oil and gas that will result in the transition of natural capital from the ground into intangible capital (human and institutional),” said Dr. Bynoe. He said Guyana must also produce physical capital that in turn will generate benefits for every Guyanese in the present and future generations. In confronting this new and burgeoning industry,
-Department of Energy creating framework for profitable production the Government of Guyana established the Department of Energy within the Ministry of the Presidency, with President Granger being the Minister with responsibility for the sector.
and gas sector,” he said. In managing the sector, the department has taken the approach to prioritise those areas of intervention in which the government is likely to have a comparative
‘In the shortest time, it must create a framework for the profitable production of oil and gas that will result in the transition of natural capital from the ground into intangible capital (human and institutional)’ – Dr. Mark Bynoe The department’s mandate is to manage the nation’s oil and gas resources, while simultaneously maintaining, on a continuous basis, stakeholder engagement on the hydrocarbon sector of the economy. “These efforts are being laid on the pillars of good governance, efficiency measures, improved transparency, accountability, predictability, balance and evidence-based decision-making within all areas of the oil
advantage. This is facilitated by technological intervention wherever possible. This approach has allowed the department to achieve some measured success with its small, but dedicated staff and unstinting support received from its minister, sister agencies and bilateral and multilateral partners, said Dr. Bynoe. As the country prepares for first oil and beyond, the Guyanese people can be assured that the department,
with its partners, will continue to work assiduously to reduce value leakages. OPTIMUM RETURNS It will pursue marketing strategies of Guyana’s crude oil that will bring optimum returns, build out a fit-for-purpose regulatory body, expand the physical and technological capacity within the sector, and focus on making decisions from a position of knowledge. Dr. Bynoe believes that the future of Guyana is brilliant and promising, but continuing to aggressively push for renewable conversion must be definitive, focused and intentional. “We are on a journey, but a journey neither for the faint-hearted nor the sluggard, but one for aggressive, industrious and innovative minds. “A journey where our children can shatter glass ceilings, be what they want to be…where our young men and women can dream dreams to be gainfully employed and be captains of their own destinies, where families can see expanding disposable income and where our seniors can be assured of social, economic and physical security for the remainder of their years,” said the director. He said the department, with its partners, will continue to work tirelessly to
President, David Granger
ensure all Guyanese benefit from oil and gas revenues. Among some of the achievements of the department in the first year was to secure more than US$30 million in financing for the sector. The department will now coordinate all petroleum sector donor activities to ensure focused, cost-effective and efficient support without duplication. The department also completed the final draft of its local content policy to allow for greater value extraction and capacity-building for all Guyanese engaged in the oil and gas sector. In addition, working with its partner institutions, the department will commence the first audit of the historical costs associated with the Stabroek Block. The department also approved Liza Phase 2 Development plan for the second phase of development on the Liza field to enhance the revenue flow of the country. It has also accelerated the drilling programmes for Tullow, Repsol and CGX. As preparations start for Liza Phase 2, ExxonMobil’s first FPSO to Guyana, Liza Destiny, is expected to arrive here in the first week of September 2019, some two weeks ahead of the initial projections. Dr. Bynoe said Guyana can be truly proud of this.
Berbician hospitalised from beating during home invasion A 30-year-old resident of Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam, Berbice, is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) following a severe beating during a home-invasion on Sunday morning. Rene Anthony Juman was initially rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where health officials had advised that an x-ray be done at a private institution due to the fact that the machine at the hospital
was down. However, his mother, Bibi Shamela Ali, recognising that the recommended private institution would not be open for business until Monday, opted to seek intervention at the GPHC. But that time, Director of Region Six Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, intervened and was able to get Juman admitted to the GPHC Accident and Emergency Unit.
Meanwhile, Juman’s father, Mohamed Ishmael, who is currently on dialysis, told Guyana Chronicle that his son, an employee of J’s Supermarket, had returned home with his salary and had fallen asleep in a hammock in the verandah when two intruders jumped the western fence and pounced on him. The young man was awakened by crowbar blows about his body. He also sustained 12 chops to the head and other injuries during the
30-minute ordeal. Ishmael was also choked and was cuffed to the right chest moments after he was removed from under his mosquito netting, while his wife, who was in another bedroom, was also assaulted while her room was ransacked. The father related to this newspaper that nothing of value was stolen and called on the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rene Anthony Juman
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A section of the graduates at the 2019 Vocational Skills Training Programmes (Samuel Maughn photo)
76 benefit from free skills-training courses
Board member of the Herstelling First Assembly of God, Peter Abai
By Vishani Ragobeer SEVENTY-Six youths, who were not able to complete their formal education, on Sunday graduated from various skills training programmes through the Global Outreach Centre of Herstelling Assembly of God Church, East Bank Demerara. Board member of the Herstelling First Assembly of God, Peter Abai, related that the Vocational Skills Training Institute is a training initiative started by Dr. Michelle Shivnandan some 11 years ago, after it was noted that there are many persons who needed some assistance in being employable. “What we do is we train school dropouts and young school dropouts between the
ages of 16 to 35, in vocational skills,” Abai said. These are all persons from within Herstelling and in surrounding communities. Over the 11-year life of the programme, Abai said about 1,500 persons have benefitted from training opportunities. The training is done in areas such as Information Technology, Office Administration, Cosmetology, Sewing and Cake Decorating. These courses are certified by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). There is no cost attached to the programme as it is funded by the church, with assistance, from time to time, from other bodies. Another member of the church, Sharmila Dos Santos, said social education and character development, literacy, numeracy and entrepre-
neurship are also taught to further enhance the employability of the participants. She affirmed that many of these participants go on to get office-related jobs or start up their own businesses. “They’re basically able to build their own businesses from what they learn here,” Dos Santos said, adding that the church would also connect the successful participants to businesses that are hiring. One of the participants from this year’s programme, Emmanuel Wright, shared that he studied Information Technology and Office Administration. For him, the programme was the right balance of practical training and fairly understandable content, and as such, he was able to learn a lot. Now possessing these skills, he said he has been able to get a job as an accounting clerk at Sterling Products and intends on using the certification he received to further propel himself academically and professionally. Anuradna Persaud, another participant, learnt cake decorating skills. Through the three-month training, she acquired a host of skills that would enable her to open a cake-making business with one of her colleagues from the training programme.
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Linden communities assuming new look By Vanessa Braithwaite THE spirit of local democracy has permeated Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). Several communities are getting involved in communal projects, to not only beautify their communities, but to earn money to improve their livelihoods. Currently, there are 15 registered Community Development Councils (CDC) in Region 10 and an additional 30 that are actively trying to get registered.
The Rockstone Cassava Processing Project is funded by the Amerindian Development Fund and has made strides since its commencement. Toshao Flagron Carter noted that up to 12 women are in rotation at the processing plant. There, they process the cassava into sauce, cassava bread, farine and casareep, among other things. The products are marketed in the community and in Linden. “Right now our major markets are the RDC and Chanzars in Linden. We must thank the REO, Orrin
area, so that the youths would not only come and lime and drink, but to be meaningfully occupied with volleyball, basketball and other games. We also want to build benabs and other facilities to transform the area into a resort sort of thing,” Orletha said. In this way, the community will be able to bring in money, so that residents can not only earn, but other development projects can be funded. CDCs involved in extensive developmental and beautification proj-
The recently completed sign board at Fair’s Rust
Leading them are vibrant, ambitious and proactive executive members, who are creating waves and setting the stage for others to follow. One of these is the One Mile Extension CDC that is currently involved in a seedling project. Executive Members of the CDC, Cleveland Tappin, related on Saturday, that the seedling project is getting bigger and better. Tappin works along with his brother Oliver Tappin and resident Wanda Richmond to produce the seedlings for a nursery; the seedlings are then sold and distributed to residents to start up their own gardens. The trio produces cash crops, permanent crops, citrus fruits and even medicinal seedlings. The Tappin brothers, along with Richmond, dedicate their time and energy to encouraging persons to turn to the soil and then do follow-up visits; the visits are to ensure that residents are seeing results and to give technical guidance when needed. The Rockstone CDC has also embarked on a communal agro-processing initiative that is enabling farmers, women processors, transportation providers, packagers, amongst others, to earn.
Gordon, for really supporting this project,” Carter related. MAKING WAVES The Bamia CDC, which is a relatively new group, is already making waves, and through a cooperative spirit, pushing ahead with a tourism project, which will see the community benefitting tremendously. Bamia, a small community on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is home to Linden’s most sought-after creek, the Bamia Creek, which is a weekend destination for scores of persons who visit for relaxation. While the area has been transformed drastically with government funding, Orletha related that residents are coming together to further transform the area, from just a creek, to a resort. Residents are involved in self-help efforts to beautify the area by planting flowers, debushing, clearing drains, etc. They have completed a proposal for government funding to take the project to a next step. “We want to build a little toll station so that persons coming can pay a little money for parking, and so we are extending the park, trying to backfill the other areas for this. We also want to set up a games
ects, know that neither the central, regional or municipal government has the financial capacity to assist
A family at the beautiful and clean Bamia Creek
than being fully dependent on the authorities. The Andyville CDC is setting a fine example and is moving ahead with self- help projects, where through voluntary donations and fundraising activities, they receive much-needed financial support. According to CDC Chairman Michael Greene, the community is constructing another signboard to enhance the community’s entrance. The CDC is also transforming the community’s creek (One Koker), into a tourism destination on the Wismar shore, which will also be a means of generating funds. “We already start building a benab around the creek, plus we have other attractions there, because we want to make it a place where persons can come and relax and have fun,” Greene said. Through other fund-raising ventures, proceeds from those events will be used to commence the construction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub and play centre for children, among other things. The CDCs of communities located in South Mackenzie: Richmond Hill, Fair’s Rust, Watooka
sentative. The CDC is also collaborating with the Community Policing Group (CPG) to provide the needed help in beautifying these communities. The establishment of ‘green’ spaces in the communities, which include a modern signboard surrounded by flowers and plants, is atop the agenda. This has already been completed in Fair’s Rust and Richmond Hill. Another key project from which South Mackenzie communities are benefitting is land reclamation, which is in keeping with the country’s ‘green’ agenda. For many years, bauxite mining has left many of the communities with swampy and slushy areas. Bethune noted that the overburden from bauxite mining is used to reclaim these lands, thus extending the communities’ boundaries. Residents can use these reclaimed lands for farming and other empowering activities. Deputy Mayor Bethune related that all hands were on deck to source and backfill the overburden in these many swampy areas. Community Development Officer for Region 10, Byron Kendell, applauded the efforts being
The One Mile Extension seedling project with the Tappin brothers and Wanda Richmond
all communities, in this regard. ‘HAND WASH HAND’ It calls for a ‘hand wash hand, mek hand come clean’, approach and residents too have to play their part in ensuring that their communities are transformed, rather
and Noitgedacht, among others, have seen significant improvement in their aesthetics, through selfhelp efforts spearheaded by Deputy Mayor, Wainwright Bethune. Bethune is also the chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) and the constituency repre-
made by the various CDCs and are encouraging those that are yet to be registered to organise themselves, so that they too can submit proposals to benefit from grants that are accessible from the various ministries, such as the Social Protection Ministry.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
GBTI/ Buxton Orchestra as it entertains the attendees of the event on Saturday
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Volunteer at the Museum of African Heritage, Onika Frank, shares African history with primary school pupils
BV group celebrates African heritage, honours top NGSA pupils
Attorney General, Basil Williams and the top NGSA students
THE Beterverwagting/Triumph 8th of May Movement on Saturday hosted its Annual Cultural Exhibition Ceremony at the BV Quamina Primary School. The event saw attendees being entertained through poetry, music, live steel pan orchestra and dances. There was also an exhibition of African artifacts compliments of the Museum of African Heritage. The highlight of the event which is held annually, was the honouring of Beterverwagting’s top five performers at the National Grade Six Assessment. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams delivered the charge to the students and made brief remarks. The beneficiaries of the awards and the schools they gained are: Dexziael Prince, Annadale Secondary; Zerahiah Hendricks, President’s College; Dana Mangal, St. Rose’s High; Jamal Todd, Annadale Secondary and Sasiya Hall, St. Stanislaus College. The awards were in the form of gift vouchers and came with the kind compliments of the following entities: the Guyana Livestock Authority, Restoration Opportunities through Christ, Guyana School of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. Latecia Stuart, Chairperson of the Beterverwagting/Triumph 8th of May Movement, told the Guyana Chronicle that the event aimed at fostering cohesiveness within the community and also reminding villagers of their history. “The aim of it is really to bring the villagers together to remind them of their cultural heritage, where we are coming from, and how far we have to go and it also aims at encouraging them to be in touch with their culture, while also advancing themselves through education,” said Stuart. According to the chairperson, it is imperative that persons know of their past in order for them to avoid history repeating itself. She said, “There is a saying that if you are not in touch with your history, you are bound to repeat it. So it is important that you know those struggles, the hardships and the triumphs that your fore parents would have gone through to bring you to this stage and so once you are aware of it, you tend to appreciate it more and I think that you are motivated to do even better.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Buxton/Friendship Museum Archives celebrates first anniversary
Founder of The Buxton/ Friendship Museum Archives and Culture Centre Mr. Keith Easton
THE Buxton/Friendship Museum Archives and Culture Centre, on Saturday, celebrated its first anniversary. The museum which is located at 35 Buxton Middle Street, Buxton Village, East Coast Demerara, is the home of many of Buxton’s historical artifacts.
The museum’s founder, Keith Easton, spoke at the simple ceremony saying that his main aim behind the creation of the museum was to pass down history. He stated that he wanted to make sure the youths have an understanding of where they came from, and that they should be able to use the history as a guide for them as they navigate throughout life both in the present as well as in the future. The president of the museum, Ronald Willabus, stated that the museum for African artifacts is growing far past the expectations anyone had. He further stated that although the museum is just one year old, it has hosted over 200 registered visitors and as well as an undisclosed amount of unregistered vis-
The Buxton/Friendship Museum Archives and Culture Centre
itors. Willabus believes the museum will only see greater success, and states that the members of the board of directors are poised to ensure that every six months, new artifacts and historical pieces will be added. The founder of the museum, Keith Easton, also launched a youth group which works along with the board of directors and staff of the museum. Easton said the group was created with the intention of changing the lives of the youth through fostering leadership skills and exploring, developing and utilising their skills and talents. The group was launched and used as a way to ensure the passing of the baton. The youths within the group are currently being groomed to take over from the current board members in an effort to ensure that history is preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Member of the board,
Keith Easton receiving a donation on behalf of the museum from Deon Abrams
Deon Abrams, stated that he was happy that he museum was launched because there was a disconnect in the preservation of historically significant occurrences and artifacts. “We have lost a lot, but I’m happy that today we have this museum that is trying to preserve and recollect history so that the
children, who come in the future, can be edified and be inspired by what we would have done in the past,” were the sentiments expressed by Abrams. Abrams made a donation of a picture of the Founder of the Negro Progress Convention & Buxton Scholarship, the late Hon. E.F. Fredericks.
Libation ritual
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New all-weather road will bring life-changing developments – Orealla-Siparuta Toshao assures fellow villagers, as work on $132M project commences THE Amerindian communities of Orealla and Siparuta on the Corentyne River are expected to undergo some unexpected transformations with the construction of a seven-mile all-weather road linking them both. The $132M project that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) will eventually see the road being completed with an asphaltic finish, said Village Toshao, Carl Peneux. The village leader explained to the Guyana Chronicle that the first phase of the project, which was the grubbing and clearing of vegetation in the area earmarked for the road, is almost completed, while the second phase, which is the laying of the base and sub-base will commence immediately after. Apart from the approximately seven-mile stretch of road, five other major roads will also be upgraded within the two communities, while some major repairs will be done to two bridges along the way. As Toshao Peneux noted, the roads at reference will help both communities see a massive boost to their economic activities. “We are right now promoting eco-tour-
Toshao Carl Peneux
Work has commenced on the Orealla-Siparuta all-weather road
ism and moving into large-scale farming,” he said. “This road will help us to achieve those two quite easily, and both villages will see tremendous benefits.” He also said that a request was made to have a trench dug along the roadways to help promote aquacul-
ture, which he sees as a welcome development, as it will help villagers boost their economy by rearing a variety of freshwater fish that are usually expensive and only available on the coastland. He said, too, that plans are afoot to see the road be extended to as far
as Corriverton, since it can be done. And when that does happen, he said, those communities along the way will see even more life changing benefits, as already, the construction of the current road linking the villages will change the entire mode of transportation and transform the
villages to make them comparable with any on the coast. He said that for starters, children will be able to go to and from school daily. “The entire community will be transformed,” a clearly elated Peneux said. Orealla and Siparuta are the only two Amerindian communities on the Corentyne, and have seen massive developments since the coming to power of the present administration. Among those developments are the launching of Radio Orealla, the recent provision of a river ambulance, and other major healthcare advancements. Both communities are situated some fifty miles up the Corentyne River.
51 B’ce youths learn new things, make new friends – at end of week-long ‘Summer Camp’
FIFTY-one youngsters between the ages of 11 and 17 recently spent a whole week learning all sorts of new-fangled ideas, courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport. The Camp was held at the Kildonan Community Centre in East Berbice from July 29 to August 2, and saw in attendance youths drawn from what is known locally as the the Bush Lot-Adventure catchment area on the Corentyne Coast. There they were taught about leadership, civic education, manners and courtesy, self-esteem, communicaton, their rights and responsibilities as youths and mental health awareness. They were also taught a thing
or two about The Arts like tie-dying, as well as how to play a few select indoor games. At the end of the session, they were all awarded Certificates of Participation. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Culture and Youth Director Omeshwar Sirikishun said that the children thoroughly enjoyed their stay at camp, and left feeling well satisfied. He noted that the camp allowed each child an opportunity to contribute to their development, as the activities that were done provided them with a unique environment in which to grow and allow themselves to learn how to be independent and self-confident. “Youth camps are very important,” Sirikishun said,
Some of the camp attendees with their certificates and Regional Culture and Youth Director Omeshwar Sirikishun (right) and Chairman of the Bush Lot-Adventure NDC Colin Moore (left)
“especially when schools are closed. Because the young people are at home, and there isn’t much to do, they come out to socialise with kids their age; interact with other kids from different
backgrounds, and at the same time build new friendships and develop their personal self-esteem, since the camp focused a lot on self-development”. “The children were very
happy. We organised the camp; it was not only training, but was fun as well for the kids, with a lot of indoor and outdoor games,” he added. At the conclusion of the
camp on Friday last,the youngsters were presented with certificates.A cultural interaction was also held where a number of kids were given the opportunity to showcase their talents.
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Stop making Haitians political scapegoats – Prime Minister Nagamootoo urges Opposition elements WHILE he agrees that the departure of Haitians should be better monitored, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo cautioned Opposition elements to stop picking on Haitians and making them into political scapegoats. In his weekly column, My Turn, under the caption “H2H Hysteria and Haitians”, the Prime Minister said Guyanese should not rush to judgement that Haitians are either being trafficked to Guyana or are here to register as voters. “We need solid proof, not idle speculations.” At the same time, he advised, every effort ought to be made by government agencies to encourage and facilitate the safe and smooth departure of Haitian visitors at designated ports of exit, either to Suriname or Brazil. He noted that the opposition is seeing “jumbies everywhere” the latest being terrifying hordes of Haitians, whom Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has described as being at the centre of a “massive people-smuggling racket”. “The statistics show that between January 1, 2019 and
July 30, 2019, some 135,220 persons from 11 nationalities arrived in Guyana. Of those numbers, 41,272 were Cuban nationals. No protests were made over Cuban arrivals, or departures. A fullpage ad from an anonymous interest has been appearing in a section of the print media, complaining about a reduced number of Cubans coming to shop here. “During the past seven months 45,994 American nationals arrived. No protests have been made. Arrivals from Trinidad and Tobago numbered 11,119. No protest. But 8,476 Haitians arrived, and the Leader of the Opposition singled them out as being at the centre of a massive people smuggling racket”, Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted. CARICOM CITIZENS He pointed out that Haitians are not coming to Guyana illegally. “They are citizens of a Caricom-member state. They have benefitted from an Immigration Order that was unanimously approved by regional Heads of Government in July, 2018 to allow them an automatic sixmonth stay in all CARICOM
member states. It has been long accepted by our leaders that Caricom should build bridges, not walls.” The Prime Minister said that the opposition wants Guyana to keep out Haitians. “Their claim is that the Haitians are being encouraged to migrate to Guyana to be registered to vote in Guyana’s elections. The adage ‘he who alleges must prove’ is conveniently ignored, which makes this mischief xenophobic, intended only to build hatred again Haitians as Blacks.” He concluded that it is evident that the targeting of Afro-Haitians as potential vote riggers is intended to send fears and insecurity among Indo-Guyanese and at the same time, to fortify the so-called “home” based against outsiders. Haitians are today used as political scapegoats by people who should know that Guyana has once shared the despicable fate of Haiti as the two poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, he said, adding that the two countries shared a pariah status of having the most corrupt governments in the region.
Former PPP regimes had made incestuous alliance with deadly, local drugs cartels such as the notorious “phantom squad”, which resembled Haiti’s Tonton Macoute under the dictator, Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. They were both involved in extra-judicial killings. BE GUIDED BY COMPASSION He pleaded with Guyanese to let compassion guide them, and not to fall prey to racism. Political Scientist, Dr. David Hinds, and Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander have also called on Guyanese to condemned the racist attacks on the Haitians, highlighting too that as part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), they too are entitled to an automatic six-month stay in member countries. Noting that an attack on Haitians is an attack on ‘blackness,’ Dr. Hinds told this newspaper on Friday that this is another desperate attempt by the PPP. “It
points to the desperation of the PPP. I think the PPP is desperate that they are likely to lose the coming elections and are now engaging in that kind of wanton racism. I think all Guyana, including East Indians, who themselves are immigrants of Guyana, all of us, except the Amerindians are immigrants, and all Guyanese, especially East Indians, should push back against those PPP attacks, because as I said it is an attack not only on Haitians, and not only on blackness, but an attack on people who are migrating from one country to the other,” Dr Hinds explained. For the first seven months of 2019, Cuban nationals entering Guyana have outnumbered other regional travellers, including Haitians, by several thousand. There has been much debate regarding the arrival figures of nationals of the sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country of Haiti in other sections of the media as members of the public have criticised the xenophobic focus placed on the French–speaking Haitians by those media houses. While emphasis is placed
on Haitians, the statistics tell Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo
a different story. Statistics released by the Department of Citizenship revealed that for the first seven months of this year, a total of 41,272 Cuban nationals came to Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), outnumbering by almost 33,000 the 8,476 Haitians who came. For each of the months between March and June this year, an average of 6,338 Cubans came to Guyana via the CJIA, and according to the statistics, during that same period, the figure for Haitian nationals fluctuated, with the highest recorded being 2,008 for the month of May. Overall, during the seven-month period, 45,944 Americans travelled to Guyana, in addition to 2,980 Barbadians; 5,048 Brazilians; 2,548 British; 12,259 Canadians; 1,995 Chinese; 41,272 Cubans; 8476 Haitians; 679 Indians; 2,900 Surinamese; and 11, 119 Trinidadians – a total of 135,220.
More upgrades for facilities... REHABILITATION Revetment has been installed along the Park’s main canal, which had eroded significantly over the years, resulting in a loss of land area and flooding. The Park’s walkways have also been raised, and sections paved to ensure an even path, and to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians, walkers and joggers. The athletics field has also been raised by three to four feet in some areas, and the field is rolled frequently to ensure that it is always ready for use. Additionally, a new koker, designed to look as close as possible to the original structure, has been installed. The sluice is used
in tandem with a large tractor-operated pump to remove most of the water from the Park, even when the wider drainage network is flooded, to reduce the impact of flooding. The Commission has also desilted primary canals bordering the boundary of the National Park in order to supplement its internal efforts. The main access bridge at the north-western end of the National Park was repaired at the beginning of 2019, and staff and public washrooms rehabilitated. SAFETY AND SECURITY With an increasing demand for use of this ‘green’
space, the Commission has taken steps to mitigate and reduce the challenges of maintaining order and compliance by users to enhancing security. The PAC has restructured its Security Department, and has been working on various upgrades to ensure that there is basic compliance with the rules and policies governing use of this recreational facility. These upgrades were first implemented in 2017. In 2018, the Commission hired a Security Manager and a Deputy Security Manager, who have both been undergoing continuous training to ensure optimum security. Security personnel have also been issued with handheld radios, and a bi-
cycle patrol system has been implemented along with other measures, such as the installation of additional security cameras for the provision of off-site monitoring; enforcing rules, which prohibits persons from storing their personal property on the premises; removal of personal property left in our Security Office and other parts of our premises. Moreover, some posts such as the eastern car park are now patrol posts, whereby the guards posted there are expected to be on the move to overlook parked vehicles. Also, as part of the Park’s safety precautions, traffic is usually channelled away from walkers/joggers
and other pedestrians to reduce the risk of injury.
CAR PARK On the eastern side of the Park, a lighted, 60-vehicle paved parking lot was constructed, to a height above 2005 flood levels, to provide a secure, all-weather parking option for visitors. The lot includes a ramp for wheelchair access and persons with disabilities. As with the Carifesta Avenue parking lot, vehicles are charged a nominal fee for parking from 3:00 pm every day, except on those days when the Park is reserved by both private and public agencies for other events. As the facility generates
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revenue, it is expected to cover some of its maintenance costs in the long term. Created under the Protected Areas Act 201, the PAC oversees the management, maintenance, promotion and expansion of the National Protected Areas System. The PAC has been working with the National Parks Commission since the end of 2012 to enhance the facilities there, which are heavily utilised by Georgetown residents. The Commission has also through the Three Parks Initiative, focused on enhancing the facilities and services provided by the three main urban parks in Georgetown.
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United end Dybala talks (BBC) - MANCHESTER United have ended talks with Paulo Dybala because of the Juventus striker’s wage demands. United entered talks with the Argentine, 25, as part of a proposed swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, 26. However, they were dubious about whether Dybala wanted to join them and viewed his wage demands as excessive. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has targeted young, hungry players and United officials concluded further bids for Dybala would be a move away from that. Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 and scored 10 times for the Italian side last season, including the only goal in the first leg of the Champions League group match against United at Old Trafford in October. Uncertainty remains over
the future of Belgium international Lukaku, who joined the Red Devils from Everton for an initial £75m in July 2017 and scored 12 league goals last term. Last month United rejected a 60m euro (£53.9m) bid from Juventus’ Serie A rivals Inter Milan for the forward. But Solskjaer says he has “no doubt” France midfielder Paul Pogba - who has also been linked with a move still wants to play for the club. United have reached an agreement to sign England centre-back Harry Maguire from Leicester for £80m - a world record fee for a defender, with the transfer due to be finalised in the near future. Conte ‘very hopeful’ over Lukaku Inter boss Antonio Conte revealed he was still hopeful of signing Lukaku. “We continue to work on it in the best possible way,” he
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English Racing Tips Kempton 08:45 hrs Streamline 09:15 hrs Mutasaamy 09:45 hrs Recuerdame 10:15 hrs South Coast 10:45 hrs Run Wild 11:15 hrs Ironclad 11:45 hrs Hameen 12:15 hrs Sweet Pursuit Ripon 09:00 hrs Heavens Open 09:30 hrs Four Wheel Drive 10:00 hrs Auxiliary 10:30 hrs Teruntum Star 11:00 hrs Cockalorum 11:30 hrs Two Birds 12:00 hrs Ingleby Hollow Carlisle 12:45 hrs Oriental Splendour 13:15 hrs Requinto Dawn 13:45 hrs Look Out Louis 14;15 hrs Kannapolis 14:45 hrs Redarna 15;15 hrs Perla Blanca 15:45 hrs Breathable Irish Racing Tips Cork 09:20 hrs Celine Soprano 08:50 hrs Give Battle 10:20 hrs Pravalaguna 10:50 hrs Sky Marshal 11:20 hrs Rock On Bennie 11:50 hrs Call The Barman 12:20 hrs Druim Samhraidh
said after his team’s pre-season friendly draw at Tottenham. “I understand there are
some gaps that need to be filled but at the moment I am very hopeful that this will happen.”
Dybala made his international debut in 2015
Analysis The emergence of young players such as Mason Greenwood during pre-season, allied to the presence on Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez in the United squad means it is by no means certain a replacement will come in even if Lukaku does leave. United are continuing to look at potential signings but have ruled out a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, despite being linked with him for much of the summer
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
Hamilton stages last ditch NFL’s Brady agrees $23M contract fight back to win in Hungary
Close at the start, but Verstappen held on to the lead from his first career pole position (BBC) - LEWIS Hamilton staged a thrilling fightback to catch and pass Max Verstappen for victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix. Hamilton’s eighth win of the season puts a headlock on the championship after a tense race-long battle between the drivers and their strategists at the Mercedes and Red Bull teams. Hamilton came very close to pulling off a brave move for the lead around the outside of the 150mph Turn Four. But a gamble by Mercedes to make an extra pit stop gave Hamilton much faster tyres for the closing stages and he closed a 20-second deficit in less than 20 laps to pass Verstappen for the lead with three laps to go. It puts Hamilton 62 points ahead in the championship with nine races to go - and a maximum of 234 points available. His sixth title is as good as won. It was a mouth-watering fight between the greatest driver of his generation, Hamilton, and the man who is emerging as the leader of the next, and the first time they had disputed a grand prix victory in such a way. The two were in a race of their own, with the Ferraris more than a minute behind at the flag and Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas taken out of contention by a touch with
Hamilton and then Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the first lap, which broke the Finn’s front wing. There was stalemate between Verstappen and Hamilton in the first stint, after the Dutchman converted pole position into a lead at the first corner, and Hamilton moved into second by passing Bottas, who had qualified ahead, into the second corner. But as the time for pit stops approached, Hamilton closed right in on Verstappen, forcing Red Bull into an early stop on lap 25 to ensure Mercedes did not do the same and ‘under-cut’ them into the lead. Mercedes left Hamilton out for another six laps, hoping to benefit from fresher tyres at the end of the race. Hamilton rejoined six seconds behind, but was on Verstappen’s tail within four laps and attacking hard. But the Hungaroring is a notoriously difficult track on which to overtake and Hamilton was forced to improvise. On lap 38, he was closer than ever to Verstappen and after tracking him through Turns One, Two and Three, Hamilton tried a bold move around the outside of Turn Four. It would have come off, but for a flick of oversteer in the middle of the corner and he ran into the run-off area, giving Verstappen some breathing space.
Tom Brady (BBC) - LEGENDARY New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has agreed terms on a contract extension that will keep him at the franchise until he is 44. The two-year extension is expected to be announced in the coming days. It will increase his salary from $15million (£12.34m) this year to $23million (£18.92m), according to NFL.com. In February, after claiming a record sixth Super Bowl ring, Brady had said he had no intention of retiring. Speaking last week Brady said: “I am trying to do the best I can do today and let those things [contract negotiations] work themselves out.” Brady has played in nine Super Bowls and won six. He has the fourth best record in NFL history in passing yards with 70,514, though he is likely to pass Brett Favre (71,838) and Peyton Manning (71,940) this season.
City win community shield on penalties (BBC) - Manchester City won the Community Shield on penalties after edging Liverpool in an entertaining game in front of a raucous Wembley crowd. Georginio Wijnaldum’s penalty was saved by City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, before Gabriel Jesus scored the winning kick. The meeting between two outstanding sides did not disappoint. City’s Raheem Sterling finally scored his first goal against his old club when he turned home David Silva’s flick-on from close range. The woodwork was hit three times in quick succession in the second half, as Sterling struck the post in a one on one, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk shot against the underside of the bar and team-mate Mohamed Salah hit a post. At that stage, Liverpool
Sane was fit enough to later climb the Wembley steps and collect his medal. By the time he has departed, City were ahead, with Sterling netting during
pecially in the first half - with a big hand in the opening goal. The Belgian found Silva, who knocked the ball on for Sterling to blast home. His shot was straight at Alisson, but hit with such venom from close range he could not keep it out. City definitely flagged after the break, but they could still have scored more with Sterling hitting the post after Jesus stepped over a Silva through ball. The England forward really should have done better after being sent through again, this time by Walker, but he stumbled when trying to go round Alisson.
As well as stopping the crucial penalty, Claudio Bravo made seven saves in the game
WALKER’S ACROBATIC CLEARANCE SAVES MANCHESTER CITY Debutant Rodri, playing the Fernandinho role as a sitting midfielder, was
looked the most likely team to win, with Salah having at least three chances - most remarkably when his header was sensationally cleared off the line by a Kyle Walker bicycle kick.
And so the game went straight to penalties, with City scoring all of theirs. A game whose competitive status is often questioned - and might end up
meaning little as the season goes on - was nonetheless an entertaining start to the top-level season. A curtain-raiser if you will. City started the game with no recognised striker
and Sterling playing up front. That only lasted 13 minutes, because an injury to Bayern Munich target Leroy Sane meant Jesus was brought on.
a period they were down to 10 men. Kevin de Bruyne, who missed a large portion of last season through injury, was majestic - es-
solid for the most part, doing the simple things well without making any headline-making passes. He was caught daydreaming once as Salah took the ball off him but Bravo - who was excellent in his first appearance since last year’s Community Shield - was off his line quickly to stop the Egyptian. One slight change to the way City played saw Bravo play short goalkicks in his box to Nicolas Otamendi, taking advantage of the new laws this summer which passing teams like City and Liverpool are likely to utilise. They were perhaps lucky the game went straight to penalties and not extra time, with Liverpool in the ascendancy once they had equalised. But City start the season - as they started last year - with the Community Shield.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
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Smith steers Australia again (ESPNCRICINFO) - For the second time in four days, Steven Smith wrote himself a place in Ashes folklore, while Matthew Wade completed a comeback story of his own as Australia enjoyed utter dominance with the bat to leave them as the only team with a chance of victory at Edgbaston. Smith became just the fifth Australian to hit twin centuries in an Ashes Test as his match took on even greater proportions of greatness. Wade then cantered to a career-best 110, his third Test hundred and first for six-and-a-half-years, to set up Australia’s declaration late in the evening session, after some fun from James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, leaving England needing a notional 398 in 97 overs. Rory Burns and Jason Roy made it through seven demanding overs under gloomy skies with Nathan Lyon given the new ball on a responsive surface. There
was more than enough to put a smile on his face at the potential of what’s on offer. Meanwhile, by surviving to resume in the morning, Burns put himself on the list of players who will have batted on all five days of a Test barring a washout. England would probably take that, but the forecast was largely fine. Well before the openers emerged a draw was England’s best hope before heading to Lord’s, which was a quite remarkable change of fortune from midway through the opening day when Australia were 122 for 8 and starring at another Edgbaston horror show. It was Smith, with help from the tail, who turned the tables then and on Sunday it was Smith who pulled Australia into a strong position before Wade made it impregnable. Smith did the groundwork alongside Travis Head, who made a compact half-century, in a
stand of 130 for the fourth wicket which took Australia from 15 behind to 115 in front. However, when Head edged Ben Stokes, England having waited 23 overs for a breakthrough on the fourth morning, there was still plenty of work to do. The stand of 126 between Smith and Wade deflated England’s depleted attack. Stuart Broad had started promisingly, but Moeen Ali had a day to forget, which gave Joe Root a massive problem as he lacked control and wicket-taking threat on a surface aiding spin. Moeen had been handed the first over of the day and it included the opening delivery grubbing at Smith as well as a full toss that flew over his head that he tried to swat away and seemed annoyed that he hadn’t. There was the occasional promising sign, such as when one spun sharply to beat Head, but Moeen couldn’t string together consistent overs.
Root and Joe Denly bowled 26 overs between them, with Denly’s legspin at times looking the most
stance to gather the ball. That was not overly costly in terms of runs, but with the ball not swinging and
Steven Smith brings up his second hundred of the match © Getty Images
threatening of England’s options and he should have had Head stumped on 46 but Jonny Bairstow couldn’t stay low in his
the pitch slow England lacked inspiration. C h r i s Wo a k e s o n l y bowled seven overs in the day but was the man to final-
ly dislodge Smith for 142, driving at the second new ball to leave his match tally 286 runs - just the fourth time a batsman has made two scores over 140 in a Test. Having started the day on 46 the half-century arrived early and any thought England would have found a magical formula overnight went out the window. He went to lunch on 98 and in the second over after the break drove Broad imperiously through the covers. This time the celebrations were a touch more subdued: he was just back doing what he loves. When Smith fell Australia’s lead was 241 and England might have had one final hope if the new ball had scuttled the lower order, but there was not enough left in the tank of the seamers. Root was back on with the ball six overs old, which allowed Wade and Tim Paine to pretty much do as they pleased.
BAMBOOZLED!
India take T20 series
(ESPNCricinfo) - India sealed the T20I series in Lauderhill to throw open the possibility of experimenting when the two sides meet in the third and final match in Guyana on Tuesday. Unlike Saturday where both sides scrapped on a sluggish surface, this was a more even contest, India throwing more punches with the bat to clinch a seesaw battle brought to an end by streaks of lightning. Rohit Sharma’s contribution - a 51-ball 67 - left the biggest mark on the game; an innings where he once again showed T20 batting was as much about timing and finesse as it is about the big hits. His sparkle allowed India some legroom despite a middle-order wobble. A blaze of sixes towards the end from Krunal Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja lifted them to 167 for 5, which looked good enough for the first six overs of
We s t I n d i e s ’ c h a s e . Then, Rovman Powell announced himself as India’s bowlers briefly switched off. He raised a 30-ball half-century to keep West Indies in the hunt, even as Nicholas Pooran’s struggle for timing proved to be an obstacle. Then they lost both Pooran and Powell in the same over to Krunal. This double-strike threw West Indies 22 runs behind the DLS par score when lightning stopped play with the score on 98 for 4 in 15.3 overs. CONTRASTING FORTUNES OF INDIA’S OPENERS There was some moisture and early-morning swing for the fast bowlers, but Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas struggled for rhythm. Rohit put the first ball to the fine-leg boundary and looked to carry on his World Cup form. He trusted the pace and bounce to
hit Cottrell for two boundaries in the fourth over: first a walk-across flick over midwicket and the second a lofted inside-out hit over extra cover. At the other end, Shikhar Dhawan struggled for timing in front of square. As a result, he was largely trying to use the pace to pick runs behind the wicket. Occasionally, he was beaten for pace looking to uppercut. He couldn’t generate power while hitting through the line and run scoring seemed a struggle. However, Rohit’s blazing form - he became the most prolific six-hitter in T20Is - allowed Dhawan to play himself in. India still had a firm footing as the Powerplay brought them seven fours and a six; they raced to 52 for no loss. Dhawan fell out of desperation in the eighth when he was bowled while attempting a hook across the line to a full Keemo Paul delivery.
KRUNAL, JADEJA’S SLOBBERKNOCKER OF A FINISH Virat Kohli kicked on seamlessly, but Rishabh Pant did not give himself an opportunity to make a splash in the end-overs, picking out short third man attempting a cheeky upper cut off his fifth delivery. Manish Pandey, perhaps batting out of position - a bulk of his T20 success has come batting in the top four - was out playing a ugly heave soon after. West Indies suddenly were looking at restricting India to 150. Job well done, yes? Krunal had other ideas. On 7 off 9 and struggling to adjust to the slower variations, Paul presented him with a juicy full toss which he flicked over deep midwicket for six. With his confidence restored, he used the depth of the crease to convert an attempted yorker into a half-volley to muscle the next ball over long-on. Jadeja then ended the innings with a flourish
- the final over being nailed for 20 - when he bisected long-on and deep square for the third six. India had an above-par score.
THE POWERPLAY STIFLE West Indies were walking on a tightrope, denied any room to cut or pull. Bhuvneshwar Kumar cleverly stuck the ball into the wicket with his slower variations and had Evin Lewis jabbing one that he brilliantly held on his followthrough in the second over. West Indies’ decision to take a leaf out of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ book and promote Sunil Narine also came a cropper as he was deceived in flight to be bowled by Washington Sundar, not before he’d consumed 12 balls for his four. After four, they were tottering at 9 for 2. THE POWELL MUSCLE Powell displayed brute force and utter disregard for the bowling, perhaps
with little option left. A batting strategy that can sometimes border on the reckless brought him rewards as he cleared the short straight boundaries effortlessly to give two rookies Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini the jitters. Saini, Man of the Match on debut on Saturday, was taken for 27 off three wicketless overs. As Powell blazed past fifty, West Indies had begun to mount a serious threat, needing 85 off 42. Up until this point, Pooran struggled to rotate strike and bring out the big hits, pottering to 19 off 31. He had to go for broke, he tried and fell in the process as Pandey made the pop up boundary catch look coolly nonchalant. Two balls later, Powell played all around a full delivery and was stone dead. As the weather closed in, West Indies didn’t do themselves any favours. Not even the presence of Pollard and Shimron Hetmyer meant much from there on.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
DCB elections set for August 11 By Rajiv Bisnauth
THE elections of Members of the Executive Committee of the embattled Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is scheduled for August 11 at 11:00hrs at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCB). This new development came after Justice Navindra Singh ordered in June that the DCB must hold elections no later than August 11, 2019, after an application to the Court for the holding of the DCB elections was made by Roger Harper in his capacity as President of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Davteerth Anandjit in his capacity as Secretary of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), and Bradley Fredericks as
President of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA). The respondents were the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executives, Anand
Roger Harper
Kalladeen, Anand Sanasie, Raj Singh, Alfred Mentore, Ravindranauth Persaud, Suresh Persaud, Lalta Digamber, Colin Europe,
Rohan Sarjoo and Ray Persaud. According to a Notice of Meeting seen by Chronicle Sport and published on one of the daily newspapers on
Justice Singh’s ruling now paves the way for a legitimate board for the first time since 2009. His ruling ended a decade of several Court matters, which have
Raj Singh
Bissondyal Singh
Justice Navindra Singh
Sunday, August 4, 2019, the agenda is as follows:Call to Order by a Marshal of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Ju-
Cricket Board. Election of the Members of the Executive Committee of the Demerara Cricket Board.
affected the smooth operations at the board level. In January 2011, an act unprecedented in the history of sports took place with
QC bowlers lift T&T team to first win in Canadian tournament A good spell of fast bowling from Elnathan Sukhnandan and quality off-spin from Vickash Jaikaran propelled Trinidadian side, the Caribbean Superkings, to their first victory at the fourth Annual Mississauga International tournament in Canada. The Queens College bowlers, along with schoolmates Brandon Jaikaran and Amos Sarwan, are guest players for the Superkings in the 30-over competition. After three consecutive defeats, the Guyanese bowlers stormed their way to a combined seven wickets to spur their side to a five-wicket win against Trinidad club, South Young Warriors. In the clash on Saturday, Young Warriors won the toss and opted to take first strike. Sukhnandan was ruthless as he nabbed four wickets for a single run from four overs. His stifling economy rate (0.25 runs per over), was the catalyst that spurred the Young Warriors’ batsmen into a tailspin which re-
dicature. Nomination and election of a Returning Officer for the conduct of the election of the members of Executive Committee of the Demerara
stricted them to 63 in 18 overs. Jaikaran spun his way to 3-19 from five overs (20 dot balls). Trinidadian Giovanni Ramdenny supported with two wickets. In reply, the C a r i b b e a n S uperkings were able to reach the total in 12 overs with five wickets in hand. Opener Brandon Jaikaran, who stroked a half-century in his preElnathan vious game, Sukhnandan scored 14, bagged four w h i l e wickets for a single Trinidarun in his spell dian Kion Paul led the att a c k w i t h 33 not out.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 5, 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) Jasprit Bumrah-51 wickets (BB: 3/11) (2) Jerome Taylor-33 wickets (BB: 3/6)
TODAY’S QUIZ:
(1) What was the result of the first T20 International game of the current WI/IND series? (2) Who was the Man of the Match? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE
the staging of two elections by the DCB. The separate elections were held; one by businessman Bissondyal Singh at the Lusignan Community Centre and the other by Raj Singh at the Wales Community Centre. Following those elections, the factions failed to recognize the eligibility of each other’s and this was followed by a number of Court orders, leaving the administration of the board in jeopardy. Meanwhile, under the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014, the GCA, ECCB, the West Demerara Cricket Association, the UDCA, and the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association are the Constituent members of the DCB.
Government will continue ...
expected oil revenue, will continue to enhance the lives of Guyanese across the country by bridging the gap between hinterland and coastland. In this regard, President Granger iterated that Government will restore free education from nursery to tertiary so that young people have more opportunities to advance. He reminded that it is a constitutional right to have access to free education in Guyana. “Residents of Upper Maz., sport is very important to us in the Government. Sport is part of our culture and here in the Upper Maz., you have led the rest of the country in terms of village sport and organisation. Sport is important for building self-confidence, sport is important for discipline, sport is important for fostering leadership, sport is important for the hinterland because our Government is trying to erase the differences between the hinterland and coastland,” he said as he congratulated the Upper Mazaruni District Sports Council. President Granger said there are four Cs associated with sports: cooperation, competition, commitment and Cohesion. He said sports represents cooperation between the sixteen villages which are participating in the games. “Cooperation is the first C and over the last two decades or more, you have been
able to bring about the level of cooperation from the villages in the Upper-Mazaruni that would be the envy of the other regions in Guyana. This cooperation builds team spirit, builds pride in your village, pride in your Region and pride in your nationGuyana,” the President who was accompanied by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, their daughter Ms. Afuwa Granger and granddaughter Miss Faraa Gaskin said. The Second C the President referred to is competition. “Competition, yes, is about winning or losing but it is not about hating. Competition is about improving your performance through friendly rivalry. Competition is about creating captains and leaders and this is what I see coming out of these games, year after year when I come here,” he said. The third C, President Granger said is the athletes’ commitment. He said he is always astonished to see the pride demonstrated by the athletes. “Sport is not about hatred… Sport is about the commitment to higher ideals,” the Head of State said while stating that Cohesion is also an important element demonstrated through the annual games. He said the Upper Mazaruni District games sees both young and old, boys and girls as well as people from near and far attending. This, he said, is indicative of social cohesion. “Upper Maz., your
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games are a model for the rest of the nation. This is not a political forum but this is a national forum and Guyana is proud of you, wherever you are from. This is a model I would like other regions and districts to emulate,” President Granger said as he congratulated the athletes and organisers for a job well done. The Head of State noted also the improvements made to the Jawalla Sports Complex highlighting the installation of flood lights and the erection of new buildings. This year marks the seventh Upper Mazaruni District Games that the President Granger would have attended. Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams; Regional Chairman, Region Seven, Mr. Gordon Bradford; Toshao, Jawalla Village, Mr. Harold Brown and President of the Upper Mazaruni District Sports Council, Mr. Rudolph Wellington also attended the opening ceremony. The games will conclude on August 11 and will see participation from the villages of Jawalla, Waramadong, Phillipai, Quebanang, Imbaimadai, Kako, Chinoweing, Kaikan, Waxcrrek, Arau, Paruima, Isseneru, Kamarang, Abbau, San Juan and the District Sports Council (DSC) in the disciplines of football, track and field, volley ball, archery, cricket, blowpipe, swimming and table tennis.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 5, 2019
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Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship
Gold is Money retain title with ease, Sophia cop third place By Michelangelo Jacobus
THE Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship culminated on Saturday night at the Durban Park Tarmac with defending champions, Gold is Money, retaining their title and winning $500,000 in front of a capacity crowd as Albouystown-B failed to dethrone the back to back Georgetown champions. Jermin ‘Pankie’ Junor’s fifth-minute tap-in was all Gold is Money required as they held Albouystown scoreless; Gold is Money’s defence withstood the stern challenge of negating Albouystown’s attacking Lennox Cort, keeping a third consecutive clean sheet on the night. Earlier, regulation time and extra time failed to separate Sophia and Broad Street in the third-place playoff as both periods of play ended goalless, howev-
er, Sophia held their nerve to win 1-0 from the penalty spot on sudden death pen-
alties. Meanwhile, Leopold Street defeated Sparta Boss
2-0 in the Plate final to grab $60,000. En route to that final, Leopold Street beat
Tiger Bay 5-0 while Sparta required extra time to get past Back Circle with a 2-1
Action between Gold is Money (white bibs) and Albouystown-B in the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship
Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with Archery Guyana
Government will continue to invest in sports –President assures at Upper Mazaruni Games
President David Granger, this afternoon, told athletes and residents of the Upper Mazaruni that Government will continue to invest in sports as it remains a critical part of the development of young Guyanese. He was at the time de-
livering the feature address at the 22nd Annual District Games being held at Jawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region (Region Seven). The Head of State noted that Government, with its TURN TO PAGE 26
At the Partnership Collaboration: From left, Head Coach Mr. Nicholas Hing, Brand Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc. Mr. Raymond Govinda and Archery Guyana’s Secretary-General, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon
HYDRATION was the talk of the morning of Tuesday 30th July, 2019, at the Press Conference at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. Secretary-General of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, noted that for Archery and any sport overall, hydration is very important. In this regard, she expressed pleasure at the fact that Archery Guyana will be entering into a partnership with Guyana Beverages Inc of Plot 4A Area AA1 Plantation Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, whereby Guyana Beverages Inc. will be sponsoring water products for Archery Guyana. Brand Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc., Mr. Raymond Govinda, indicated that Archery is one of the sports his Company wanted to get involved with and support over the years and that he was happy to make this collaboration. Head Coach Mr. Nicholas Hing, who was present at the briefing, reiterated the need for hydration and proceeded to tell the media more about an upcoming proposed 2-day Indoor Archery Competition. Details will be shared shortly on this. Thanks are expressed to General Manager, Mr. Samuel Arjoon and the Management of Guyana Beverages Inc. for focusing on sports development and for seeking to make Oasis the official water of Archery Guyana. Mr. Govinda ended the presentation ceremony with a powerful charge: “Support brands that support sports!” More information on Archery Guyana can be found on its website www.ArcheryGuyana.org.
victory. With their win, Gold is Money pocketed $500,000 along with a trophy while Albouystown-B settled for $300,000 and a trophy. Third place finishers, Sophia, got $200,000 plus a trophy while fourth placed Broad Street copped $100,000. All six teams have also earned berths to the National Championship which is slated for August 9th and 10th at the Durban Park Tarmac. Beacon and Police from Bartica, High Rollers from Linden, Brothers United along with Showstoppers, Ballers Empire and Up Top Bosses from West Coast Demerara, Melanie-B and Paradise-A from East Coast, Tralfagar from Berbice and Gold is Money, Broad Street, Sophia, Albouystown-B, Leopold Street and Sparta Boss will be in action on Friday and Saturday nights when the National Playoffs kick off.
President David Granger and First lady Sandra Granger in the company of Regional Chairman Mr Gordon Bradford witness the cutting of the ribbon opening the Jawalla Sports Center. Also pictured is Regional Executive Officer Mr Kerwin Ward — atJawalla Village, Upper Mazaruni
President David Granger poses with a resident
President David Granger receives the salute from participants of the Upper Mazaruni District Games to his left, Minister of State Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams accompanies the Head of State and Regional Chairman Mr Gordon Bradford on his right. Also pictured is Regional Executive Officer Mr Kerwin Ward and District Sports President Mr Rudolph Wellington
Government will continue to invest in sports
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President David Granger kicks off the 2019 Upper Mazaruni Games
–President assures at Upper Mazaruni Games BAMBOOZLED!
India take T20 series Krunal Pandya celebrates a wicket © Associated Press
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Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship
Gold is Money retain title with ease, Sophia cop third place Page
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Shikhar Dhawan was bowled for 23 © Associated Press
NSC Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, hands over the winner’s trophy to Gold is Money’s Hubert Pedro as Guinness Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste (extreme right) and other players look on
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MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2019