Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_22_2019

THURSDAY 22nd AUGUST, 2019

’ No.105737

No decision

on way forward SEE STORY ON PAGE 02 ►

…GECOM commissioners to continue meeting on Friday

ABUSE OF FREE SPEECH …PM slams Guyana Times article urging violence against President

…chief elections officer made presentations on possible scenarios

11 army officers get scholarships to China

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03

…President emphasises importance of Technical Corps

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1357 Guyanese benefitting from oil-related jobs …Exxon Senior VP tells Guyanese in Toronto

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Local content policy must be tied to GSDS 12 PAGE

…economist tells forum The eleven scholarship awardees of the Guyana Defence Force during the ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency

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No decision on way forward …GECOM commissioners to continue meeting on Friday …chief elections officer made presentations on possible scenarios

By Navendra Seoraj OFFICIALS of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have started discussions on the way forward after analysing and discussing the ruling on the legality of GECOM’s house-to-house registration exercise.

“We have started the discussions on the way forward, but it is incomplete,” said Government-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander in an invited comment following a three-hour long meeting between commissioners and Chairperson of GECOM, Retired Justice, Claudette Singh, on Wednesday.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled that the ongoing house-to-house registration being undertaken

by GECOM, is within the confines of the Constitution and is therefore legal. The Acting Chief Justice delivered her judgement in a case challenging the constitutionality of houseto-house registration brought before the High Court by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram, in which GECOM, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and Attorney-General Basil Williams were the named respondents.

When asked what aspects of the ruling were discussed, Alexander said there is only one aspect of the ruling to be discussed and that is the question of the role of the house-to-house registration.

The GECOM commissioner said the Chief Justice ruled that there should be an alternative to the use of what comes out of the house-to-house registration.

He further explained that, the ruling stated that the houseto-house registration should be used for verification rather than for a deletion of names from the list.

Asked about his position on

the house-to-house registration process, Alexander said at the end of the day, the Official List of Electors (OLE) must be sanitised. “That is the objective by whatever means… house-to-house has been the mean which I have identified and I am sticking to that in the absence of another suggestion,” said Alexander.

Although he said there was an absence of another suggestion, the commissioner said the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield made presentations on other possible scenarios which could be used.

“I will say that we have in fact asked the CEO for further clarification on the scenarios,” said Alexander, adding that house-to-house has not been thrown out.

Despite sticking with the idea of house-to-house, the commissioner agreed that there may be other methods of preparing for elections. He said among the other methods is “regulation 40,” which would have achieved the same objective as house-to-house registration.

Regulation 40, he said, provides for the Chief Immigration Officer to provide the Chief Registration Officer with information on people who have departed and returned to Guyana.

This method then provides the Chief Registration Officer with the option of determining what is done with that information, in his/her deliberate judgement.

“I don’t think at this time, given the timeframe required for regulation 40, it is an option…it is not an option,” he said, adding that other workable options are, however, being explored.

In that regard, asked whether he is concerned about the future of the house-to-house registration process, Alexander said the GECOM chairperson has not shown her hand, so he

has no basis to be worried. He said the chairperson, however, played her role in guiding and moderating the discussions on Wednesday.

“There were frank discus-

Government-appointed Commissioner of GECOM, Vincent Alexander speaking to media representatives on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)

sions on the topic…we were arguing our own dispositions, but at the end of the day, it is an incomplete discussion,” said Alexander, adding that in the circumstances of the ongoing discussion, he would prefer not to make any further revelations about what occurred in the meeting.

“I would say one may concur that we prefer in the interest of taking the process forward, preferably to not make public disclosures…the public will get a decision,” he said.

Officials of GECOM are set to meet again on Friday at 13:00hrs to continue discussions on the house-to-house registration process. Although a decision is yet to be made, the house-to-house registration, which started on July 20, 2019, has been ongoing.

Public Relations Officer of GECOM, Yolanda Ward had said that on August 18, the commission recorded 270,282

registrations. She said the process has been going smoothly so far.

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

House-to-house registration is a new registration exercise, and all eligible persons must register, even if they were previously registered, the elections management body stated. Upon conclusion of this exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB), which is reflective of the current Guyanese population, will be created. Subsequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections.

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

Residents are urged to have the relevant documents required for registration ready and be on the lookout for GECOM’s registration officials in their area. “These documents include an original Birth Certificate, a Valid Passport, Naturalisation Certificate, Certificate of Registration, Adoption Certificate and Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate (if applicable),” said GECOM.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

ABUSE OF FREE SPEECH …PM slams Guyana Times article urging violence against President THE publication of appeals for violence is an abuse of free speech, so said Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a comment on a recent Guyana Times article.

After accusing President David Granger with “bullyism”, the pro-PPP newspaper asked this question: “Will none of his supporters rid us of their renegade leader – to even save themselves??”

(Eyewitness, page 8, August 17, 2019).

Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that on the face of it, this is seditious libel, the publication of which, though sparingly used, constitutes an offence in our existing laws. “The published words are inflammatory, and are calculated to foment and incite violence against a democratically-elected Head of State”, he wrote in his weekly column, My Turn, which was published in the Sunday Chronicle on August 18 last.

This incitement, he said, is coming from an opposition political organ, which is sheltering under the protection of freedom of the press which, under the President David Granger government, has been guaranteed and fully protected.

What Guyana Times is advocating is not free speech but political terrorism, the Prime Minister noted as he alerted organisations such as Reporters Without Bor-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

ders and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers about this abuse.

He also called on organisations such as the Private Sector Commission to condemn the Guyana Times’ instigation, pointing out that “malicious, criminal and reckless writings are not protected as freedom of speech.” He also called on the PPP to distance itself from what he described as “reckless advocacy” before any harm is done. Besides being a veteran journalist and a former Vice-President of the International Organisation of Journalists (IOJ), the Guyanese Prime Minister holds responsibility for public information and broadcasting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

11 army officers get scholarships to China …President emphasises importance of Technical Corps

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday, at the Ministry of the Presidency, met 11 scholarship awardees of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who will soon travel to the People's Republic of China to take up their five-year scholarships.

The 11 Second Lieutenants will be pursuing studies in the fields of industrial, naval architecture and ocean engineering, computer science and technology, industrial, electronic information engineering, mechatronic engineering, bio-engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering and technology.

In his address to the awardees, President Granger said that the Defence Force is being restructured and reorganised to ensure that it is well-commanded, welltrained and well-equipped to perform this role. The President said the force’s technical corps – the Air Corps, Engineer Corps, Intelligence Corps, and Signal Corps as well as the Coast Guard – are being improved and re-tooled, as part of this restructuring and reorganisation process.

"Improvements in the technical corps are necessary to develop a more modern and technologically-savvy Defence Force; to improve the force’s operational and organisational capacity; to support the work of the non-technical arms of the force; and to repel threats, including non-traditional threats along our borders,” he said.

Moreover, the Head of State said the Defence Force "must be ready to react effectively to traditional threats – incursions and to other forms of interventions. It must be prepared also, to strengthen its capacity to respond to new and emerging threats, such as biological and chemical warfare, cyber threats, electronic warfare, and environmental hazards."

President Granger said too that Guyana’s doctrine of total national defence places emphasis, inter alia, on ensuring a body of scientifically-trained personnel populates the technical arms of the force. The continuous training of officers is a key element of this policy. The President reminded that in his address to the graduates of the Standards Officers’ Course No. 50 and the Reserve Officers’ Course No. 16 where he said training is fundamental to military service. “It is the

President David Granger (centre); His Excellency Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (left of President Granger); Ministers of Foreign Affairs and State Dr. Karen Cummings (right of President Granger) and Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams (left of Chinese Ambassador) respectively; Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West (fourth right), and Director General of Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon (third right) with the scholarship awardees

His Excellency Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana interacts with a few of the scholarship awardees

foundation of a professional and proficient force. Training is essential for ensuring the success of military missions and enhancing operational and organisational effectiveness,” he said.

The doctrine of total national defence, he said also, emphasises defence cooperation. Cooperation, with friendly governments and their armed forces, have allowed our defence force to improve its capabilities through training, joint exercises, the exchange of information, intelligence-sharing and procurement of non-lethal equipment, the President said.

“Defence cooperation is being pursued with several countries – under regional, multilateral and bilateral arrangements. The People’s

Republic of China and the People’s Liberation Army in particular, have been very supportive of our efforts at recapitalising the Guyana Defence Force. They have provided non-lethal equipment and transport vehicles to our Defence Force. They have continued their long-standing policy of offering training to officers through the extension of scholarships to Chinese academic and military institutions,” the President said.

The Head of State said Guyana welcomes the People’s Republic of China’s latest offer of 11 full scholarships to officers of our Defence Force. “I thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its cooperation and assistance over the years. I express my

personal appreciation to His Excellency Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, for his efforts, while being here in strengthening cooperation between our two states and I congratulate him,” he said.

CONFIDENCE President Granger told the scholarship awardees that their selection is testimony to the confidence which the force reposes in them. “I urge you to make the best use of the training and education which you will receive. I wish you every success in your studies and to your contributions to the establishment of a more modern Defence Force,” he said.

His Excellency Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Similarly, Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West, said that the 11 scholarships represent a historic milestone in the Defence Force. He reminded that it was President Granger who charged the force to explore opportunities for training and education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in order to develop the technical competence of its members and also to establish the Technical Corps.

"Some of these areas, despite being new to the GDF, are currently employed in the world at large. I am therefore certain that the education and exposure granted will see us beginning to achieve the aim of building the capacity of

the Technical Corps," Brigadier West said. The Chief of Staff explained that the force had only one prior instance where officers were granted extensive scholarships. Those awardees were members of Standard Officers Course (SOC) 16 who departed for Romania and Russia immediately after commissioning in 1985. Brigadier West thanked China's Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun for the support provided to the force.

“I can say unequivocally that I expect that these awardees will be good ambassadors of the Force. We will hold them to the highest standards and expect great returns for the sacrifices the force will be making in investing in their education in this way. I wish to express thanks to the members of the force’s academic board for the selection of this group who in their opinion were likely to earn selection at the universities of their choice,” he said while congratulating the awardees.

STRENGTHENED TIES Meanwhile, Ambassador Cui Jianchun said with the scholarships, Guyana and China's cooperation is strengthened. He urged the recipients to cherish the opportunities provided to them and to be good Guyanese ambassadors.

"Guyana has a bright future...Guyana and China have a great foundation... share your experiences," the ambassador urged the scholarship awardees, even as he noted that “we need engineers, we need technology and we need the Guyana Defence Force to do more things for Guyana’s development.” The scholarship awardees are Kevon Blount, Romain Wilson, Shaka Williams, Floyd Phillips, Jamaal Leitch, Sevon Ferreira, Shane Blair, Neon Fiedtkou, Shivanand Persaud, Seabra Manbode and Jehu West. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

Merkel: Backstop alternative 'possible within 30 days' (BBC) German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested an alternative to the Irish border backstop - a key Brexit sticking point - could be found within 30 days.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Berlin, she stressed it would be up to the UK to offer a workable plan.

The PM said he was "more than happy" with that "blistering timetable".

He accepted the "onus" was on the UK, but said he believed there was "ample scope" for a new deal to be reached.

In his first overseas visit to a fellow leader, Mr Johnson is meeting Mrs Merkel after he told the EU the backstop -

which aims to prevent a hard Irish border after Brexit - must be ditched if a no-deal exit was to be avoided.

He will meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, before attending the G7 summit on Saturday alongside other leaders including US President Donald Trump.

The EU has repeatedly said the withdrawal deal negotiated by former PM Theresa May, which includes the backstop, cannot be renegotiated.

And - despite Mrs Merkel's comments - that message was echoed by Mr Macron on Wednesday evening.

"Renegotiation of the terms currently proposed by the British is not an option that exists,

and that has always been made clear by [EU] President Tusk," he told reporters in Paris.

At the news conference, the German chancellor said a realistic alternative to the plan would require "absolute clarity" on the post-Brexit future relationship between the UK and the EU. "The backstop has always been a fall-back option until this issue is solved," she said.

"It was said we will probably find a solution in two years.

But we could also find one in the next 30 days, why not?"

Mr Johnson replied: "You rightly say the onus is on us to produce those solutions, those ideas [...] and that is what we want to do.

"You have set a very blistering timetable of 30 days - if I understood you correctly, I am more than happy with that," he added.

He added that alternatives to the backstop had not been

"actively proposed" under his predecessor Theresa May - but he was pressed by Mrs Merkel to spell out what such alternatives might look like.

The prime minister has insisted he wants the UK to leave the EU with a renegotiated withdrawal deal, but the UK must leave on 31 October "do or die".

If implemented, the backstop would see Northern Ireland staying aligned to some rules of the EU single market, should the UK and the EU not agree a trade deal after Brexit.

It would also see the UK stay in a single customs territory with the EU, and align with current and future EU rules on competition and state aid.

These arrangements would apply until both the EU and UK agreed they were no longer necessary. Brexit supporters fear this could leave the UK tied to the EU indefinitely.

Mr Johnson called the

backstop "anti-democratic" and "unviable".

Should we be optimistic about the scope for a Brexit breakthrough after Angela Merkel suggested a solution to remove the need for the backstop could be found - possibly even within just 30 days?

Boris Johnson will certainly be pleased the German chancellor has left a door open.

But don't get carried away.

There's a reason Europe is so adamant the backstop has to stay in the Brexit deal - it just doesn't believe there is a workable alternative available right now.

Boris Johnson says it's his job to find a solution and accepted a deadline of 30 days to come up with one.

The pressure is firmly on the UK to find that solution - and it's going to be a huge challenge to put it mildly.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn has cancelled a trip to

Ghana later this week, urging opposition MPs to meet urgently to discuss ways to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has confirmed he would attend the meeting next Tuesday, but warned the Labour leader that "all options must be on the table".

Mr Corbyn has proposed that in order to prevent a nodeal exit, opposition MPs should help him defeat the government in a no-confidence motion and install him as a caretaker PM. If he wins the vote, he plans to delay Brexit, call a snap election and campaign for another referendum.

But the Liberal Democrats, and some potential Tory allies opposed to a nodeal exit, have indicated they won't back a plan that leads to Mr Corbyn in No 10.

22 August, 2019 - 09:00hrs ~ 10:30hrs

Wednesday August 21, 2019

12 06 15 16 26 11 4

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August 16, 2019

23, 09, 15, 06, 04

3, 2, 4

6, 9, 6

01, 03, 13, 14, 15

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Record number of fires in Brazil's rainforest Brazil's Amazon rainforest has seen a record number of fires this year, new space agency data suggests. The National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) said its satellite data showed an 84 per cent increase on the same period in 2018.

It comes weeks after President Jair Bolsonaro sacked the head of the agency amid rows over its deforestation data.

The largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon is a vital carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming.

It is also home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people.

Conservationists have blamed Bolsonaro for the Amazon's plight, saying he has encouraged loggers and farmers to clear the land, and scientists say the rainforest has suffered losses at an accelerated rate since he took office in January.

Meanwhile, US space agency NASA said that overall fire activity in the Amazon basin was slightly below average this year.

The agency said that

while activity had increased in Amazonas and Rondonia, it had decreased in the states of Mato Grosso and Pará.

It was earlier reported that a blackout on Monday in the city of São Paulo -- more than 2,700km (1,700 miles) away -- had been caused by smoke from the Amazon fires.

But some meteorologists say the smoke came from major fires burning in Paraguay, which is much closer to the city and not in the Amazon region.

Wildfires often occur in the dry season in Brazil but they are also deliberately started in efforts to illegally deforest land for cattle ranching.

Inpe said it had detected more than 74,000 fires between January and August - the highest number since records began in 2013. It said it had observed more than 9,500 forest fires since Thursday, mostly in the Amazon region.

In comparison, there are slightly more than 40,000 in the same period of 2018, it said. However, the worst recent year was 2016, with more than 68,000 fires in that

period.

The satellite images showed Brazil's most northern state, Roraima, covered in dark smoke, while neighbouring Amazonas declared an emergency over the fires.

Bolsonaro brushed off the latest data, saying it was the "season of the queimada", when farmers use fire to clear land. "I used to be called Captain Chainsaw. Now I am Nero, setting the Amazon aflame," he was quoted

by Reuters news agency as saying.

Later he appeared to suggest that non-governmental organisations had set fires, as revenge for his government slashing their funding. He presented no evidence and gave no names to support this theory, saying there were "no written records about the suspicions".

"So, there could be..., I'm not affirming it, criminal action by these 'NGOers' to call attention against my person, against the government of Brazil. This is the war that we are facing," he said in a Facebook Live on Wednesday.

Inpe noted that the number of fires was not in line

Inpe said it had detected more than 72,000 fires so far this year

with those normally reported during the dry season.

"There is nothing abnormal about the climate this year or the rainfall in the Amazon region, which is just a little below average," Inpe researcher Alberto Setzer told Reuters.

"The dry season creates the favourable conditions for the use and spread of fire, but starting a fire is the work of humans, either deliberately or by accident."

Ricardo Mello, head of the World Wide Fund for

Nature (WWF) Amazon Programme, said the fires were "a consequence of the increase in deforestation seen in recent figures".

The reports of a rise in forest fires come amid criticism over Bolsonaro's environmental policies. Scientists say the Amazon has suffered losses at an accelerated rate since the president took office in January, with policies favouring development over conservation.

Over the past decade, previous governments had

managed to reduce deforestation with action by federal agencies and a system of fines. But Bolsonaro and his ministers have criticised the penalties and overseen a fall in confiscations of timber and convictions for environmental crimes.

Last month, the far-right president accused Inpe's director of lying about the scale of deforestation in the Amazon and trying to undermine the government. It came after Inpe published data showing an 88 per cent increase in deforestation there in June compared to the same month a year ago. The director of the agency later announced that he was being sacked amid the row.

Inpe has previously insisted that its data is 95 per cent accurate. The agency's reliability has also been defended by several scientific institutions, including the Brazilian Academy of Sciences. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ministerial outreaches IN any democracy, Government meeting with the people, listening to their views and concerns and making a concerted effort to help them improve their stations in life, constitutes key measures in the scheme of good governance.

Even though bigger in size, Guyana is smaller in population compared to some of our top sister Caricom member states, and with 90 per cent of the population concentrated on the coastland, frequent interactions should be a norm. Being a small nation and one which does not wield any great influence, developments in the international arena can negatively impact Guyana, and the Government must be able to communicate these implications to the people.

Communicating through the press has been the traditional

way of getting information to the people, but meeting and grounding with the people is a means that should not be placed on the back burner but should be made a priority. Not so recently, the government has been fanning out to different parts of the country, listening to the views, concerns and complaints of the people and has been offering solutions of its own. This is a most welcomed step in the right direction.

Time and time again, governments in general make decisions, but sometimes without much consultation with the people and this has been a main source of their discontent, especially when they are adversely affected by decisions made. Frequent interactions with the people provide the avenue to alleviate some of these ill-feelings and open up a pathway to build genuine rela-

tionships and expand on gains made. This sort of rapport cannot be overstated as people generally, when aggravated, gravitate to persons who would listen to them and an absence of the government in the fields can prove to be an uphill task in effectively getting its message across.

People, regardless of where they sit on the fence, have concerns on matters that affect them, their families and communities.

Even though Local Government Elections were held about two years ago after more than two decades, many are still concerned about the state of drainage, roads and bridges in their communities.

Most of these issues which should be dealt with at the regional level are not getting the attention they deserve. The manner in which their schools are managed, the operations of health

centres in their communities and the negligence of district and regional officials in addressing issues that affect them are still pressing concerns of the people.

In some cases, residents, in their frustration, have given up hope on regional officials bringing any relief to their plight and feel they have no one to whom they could air their grievances.

Government ministers visiting communities and listening to the people will certainly restore some confidence in the people, while at the same time giving them (the ministers) first-hand information on the ground. By connecting with the grassroots, it also gives them a fair sense of how to respond to issues raised. For some time now, the government has been calling for more persons to get into entrepreneurship and agro-processing.

While this call has been welcomed by many farmers and young people, as much as they do have an interest in getting into business, the majority lack the finance required to do so.

This challenge is compounded by inadequate information on accessing financing and training. These are matters which can be raised and discussed in some detail during the ministerial outreaches, since entrepreneurship is a key step in empowerment of the grassroots and beating back rural unemployment. Government also do not have solutions for all the challenges of the country, and it is important that the masses are regularly engaged. The importance of the ministerial fan-outs cannot be over-elaborated.

affront to Guyanese that Irfaan Two wrongs don’t make a ItAliisisanbeing touted as a potential leader right: the story of Irfaan Ali Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the letter published in Kaieteur News on August 21, titled, “Mr. Ali would right all the wrongs”. I would like to first start with the old adage, two wrongs don’t make a right, and certainly Irfaan Ali’s 19 wrongs don’t make a right.

The argument that any wrongs might be righted under an Irfaan Ali led government is pure and laughable PPP fiction and fantasy. Let us not forget that Mr Ali is facing 19 criminal charges for fraud, for cheating the people of Guyana out of substantial sums of money. The suggestion that a man facing that many criminal charges

is going to address the issue of crime is simply not believable. The only change would be to undo the considerable progress that has been made under the David Granger led APNU-AFC government, to combat serious crime. We have in fact witnessed a 30 per cent drop in serious crime under this government.

This is the kind of progress that makes a difference to people’s lives. This means that fewer women are suffering the horrors of rape, less families mourning the loss of a father or brother to murderous gangs and ‘narco’-traders and fewer parents living in fear of losing their children to violence and drugs. If anything, putting Irfaan

Ali forward as Presidential candidate is a clear indication of the PPP’s commitment to criminality at the highest levels and a sure signal that the PPP have not changed. In 23 years they oversaw a rise in violent crime that left families broken and people afraid to walk the streets, while Guyana was transformed into a ‘narco’-state. Thankfully we have moved on from those dark times and our country is finally moving in the right direction.

Regards Earl Hamilton

I was surprised to see a letter published in Wednesday Kaieteur News talking to Irfaan Ali’s vision for the future and oil.

To present the man as having a vision for the future is the exactly the sort of lie we have come to expect from the PPP and its stooges.

Irfaan Ali must rank as one of Guyana’s most dishonest men. He has still not come clean about his education, a red flag to any self-respecting Guyanese and a question of his qualification to hold the highest office in Guyana.

He has been charged with 19 counts of fraud highlighting his character and sure sign of things to come once oil revenues begin to flow.

He has been banned from entering Canada – if those in the Canadian Government

don’t trust him enough to let him into their country, why should we trust him to run ours? It is an affront to the Guyanese people that we are being asked to consider Irfaan Ali as a potential leader. More than this, it is a demonstration of how rotten the PPP is at its core, where dishonesty and criminal activity are rewarded, and how detached the party is from the people of Guyana and the issues they face.

As we look forward to the proceeds of oil production, it is clear to me that we cannot go back to the days of the past under the PPP. Our country is at cross roads and the choice we will face at the next elections will determine the long-term future.

We cannot risk a return to the criminality and greed of the previous regime. Under Irfaan Ali, a man with no

leadership qualities and a pathological tendency for dishonesty, oil will become a force for chaos on a scale Guyanese have not yet seen.

The only people licking their lips at the prospect of this are Irfaan Ali himself and his cronies.

We are on the right path now under the current government, after decades of mismanagement and destruction under the PPP. We must ensure we stick to this path and ensure oil is not used as a vehicle to enrich Irfaan Ali and his cabal, but that it is used to underpin the government’s plans for education and jobs and better life and standard of living for all Guyanese.

Regards Mark DaCosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Edghill wants answers from Minister Patterson

Dear Editor

I write to offer a warm welcome back to my parliamentary colleague, Mr. David Patterson; the public infrastructure man seems to have been hibernating in a back room. Patterson has returned to the pages of our nation's newspapers in his inimitable splashy style. Mr. Patterson announced a 188 Megawatt natural gas plant would be built by the government, no cost or feasibility study was referenced, it would seem with no parliamentary over-

sight in place, anything can be said or promised during the election season. Patterson was accompanied by Larry London (of D’urban Park fame) when he turned the sod for the construction of a new Civil Aviation Authority Headquarters; despite no source of financing yet identified for this impressive-sounding building. The Patterson Style!

While Mr. Patterson is in ‘announcement' mode, the people of Guyana would have been pleased if he could have explained how US$9000

from the Chinese Consortium appeared in his personal bank account and if he could have produced evidence of transfer of the said US$9000 to MARAD. The people await announcements that the Auditor General has found the $600 Million missing from the D’urban Park project; A completion date for the CJIA extension project; an explanation of how the CJIA cost the Taxpayers, millions of US Dollars more for a smaller airport than originally paid for by way of ‘fixed price’ contract; he would have come

clean on how the harbor bridge feasibility study has cost 10’s of million more than approved by Cabinet and which has now been referred by the Public Procurement Commission to the Auditor general for forensic investigation.

Patterson has taken every other opportunity for ‘announcements’, a ‘Skype call’ from a Virgin-Atlantic Airlines executive was parlayed into ‘Virgin coming’. Mr. Patterson fears no embarrassment, taking to social media to claim credit

for the expected increase in rice production; the fact is the rice farmers have demonstrated great resilience and tenacity resulting in an upswing in production despite adverse budget measures of the APNU/AFC, that include application of 14 per cent vat on machinery, sending up cost of acquisition; increase of land and water charges; the lack of assistance with drainage and irrigation; the removal of fertiliser subsidies and the virtual neglect of farm-to-market access roads.

The mango season is

upon us and we can expect more glib statements and empty promises from Mr. Patterson and his colleagues.

The people of Guyana have seen this play before; Mr. Patterson’s promises’ did not end well the first time, maybe he should have done a feasibility study before returning to the limelight.

Dear Comrade Juan A. Edghill, Thank you for your warm welcome, to say that I have missed your usual warm fraternal greetings would be a gross understatement.

I note in the post below you made several statements.

I will take the liberty of offering some responses: • 188MW natural gas plant – yes there are feasibilities studies.

• GCAA HQ – funding is to be from their revenues with support from the gov-

ernment – all to be done via public procurement.

• Funding for Trip to Macau – refund has been made, the AG can verify when that agency is audited.

• Durban Park Audit – MoPI has provided the Auditor General with ALL requested information relating to our involvement in this project.

• CJIA – the cost is the same as per the contract that YOUR government signed 14 days before the general elections in 2011.

• Demerara Habour Bridge Feasibility Study – this was fully investigated

by SOCU, whose findings were – “no misuse of funds, no evidence that a criminal offence was committed and no evidence of any collusion between Lievense CSO and staff of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.”

• Virgin Atlantic Airlines – I confirm once again that discussions were held.

• Rice Production – according to the GRDB, rice production is poised to ex-

ceed 600,000 MT this year – the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

As you broached the subject of feasibilities studies and parliamentary oversight, I would be eternally grateful if you can inform the public, as well as provide copies of the feasibility studies for the following projects done under your government: • CJIA Expansion Project • Skeldon Sugar Factory • Fibre Optic Cable to Lethem • Amaila Falls Access

Road • Marriott Hotel • Pradoville II • High Street Office Complex • Berbice River Crossing • Chinese Ferries (both) • GPL Vreed-en-hoop Power Plant • Submarine cable under the Demerara River There is a saying “YOU SHOW ME YOURS AND I WILL SHOW YOU MINE” – thus I am willing to meet at very short notice, in any public space, to produce my

reports, provided of course, you are willing to do likewise and produce the above requested reports.

One other thing – please also produce the missing certificates for your Presidential Candidate.

Regards Bishop Juan A. Edghill PPP/C MP

Minister Patterson answers, calls out Juan Edghill

Yours truly, David A. Patterson MP Minister of Public Infrastructure

PPP laying groundwork to dispute elections results when they lose Editor, Please permit me space in your publication to comment on the reaction of many PPP supporters and big wigs to the most recent ruling of Chief Justice, Madam Roxane George-Wiltshire.

In all my years on the face of this earth, I have never been forced to endure the level of sore ‘loserness’ that we have experienced since last week’s ruling. Clearly, the PPP and its supporters were banking on the court to outlaw the house-to-house registration

exercise and to order a date for regional and general elections. The court did not agree with the pleadings of the battery of lawyers that the PPP had hired to fight its case. But what disturbs me most at this moment, Mr. Editor, is the continued calls by supporters for the registration exercise to be abandoned in spite of the ruling. All over social media and in newspaper letter columns, the PPP and its supporters are still railing against this exercise, even telling people not to get registered. To me this is highly irresponsible and is causing confusion among many.

Ironically, these are the same people who attack the government for not obeying the constitution and the laws, for flouting democracy. These same folks are now crying wolf simply because they lost in the court system.

The winds and helium gases in their political balloons have been punctured.

My fear therefore, is that the groundwork is being laid to dispute the results of elections if the coalition wins, especially by more than one seat as was the case back in 2015. They are going to cry wolf and argue that the national list was padded

in the coalition’s favor and that Haitians would have played a hand in the victory.

I therefore urge PPP to get along with its business and be prepared to play a role in governance after the elections by joining forces with the coalition as it will in fact emerge victorious.

Regards Peter Joseph

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

Government of Guyana continues its efforts to provide the best possible care for the elderly

By Naomi Marshall

IN keeping with government’s position of ensuring that elderly persons are respected, treated fairly, with dignity and live productive lives, the Palms Geriatric Home, on Wednesday, received medications donated by the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

Senior Registrar of the Geriatric Home, Dr. Laura Perera, stated that the donation was one of importance since the main illnesses being treated at the home are Non-Communicable Diseases such as, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, among others.

“This donation is [a]very important contribution for our patients because they need assistance all the time. The most important patient that we have are patients with disabilities and we are treating all these patients and this will help everybody,” Dr. Perera said.

The Registrar expressed sincere gratitude to the Minister

of Public Health on behalf of the Home’s patient, in and out of the facility.

The doctor pointed out that the institution, located on Brickdam, not only houses 180 patients currently, but it also treats 600 patients in and out of the community with a complement of four doctors and one pharmacist.

As the government continues to show support to the Home which has been housing hundreds of Guyana’s senior citizens over the years, the government launched its Minimum Standard Regulations for Geriatric Facilities in May 2017.

Additionally, in January of this year, the Palms Geriatric Home received a minibus that accommodates persons living with disabilities to improve the transport of elderly citizens and patients with special needs, from the Ministry of Social Protection at a cost of $11.4 Million.

The minibus, which was handed over by the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally,

Senior Registrar of the Palms Geriatric Home, Dr. Laura Perera

is fully equipped with multiple lifts, seatbelts and advance security mechanism.

Minister Ally said that her ministry is dedicated to providing proper services to the citizens of Guyana and will ensure that the patients of the Palms are offered the right services.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence with staff of the Palms Geriatric Home on Wednesday

In March 2018, an $18M infirmary and out-patient clinic were commissioned at the institution which has since resulted in a reduction in the number of transfers to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).

In addition, three lifts,

worth $14 million in total, and a rehabilitated ward at the Brickdam facility were commissioned in September 2018, which aimed at allowing the seniors at the facility to move between levels of the institution while using a walker or wheelchair.

Vendors’ uncaring disposal of garbage -poses hazard for Guyana Fire Service

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has been making stringent continued efforts to have vendors and businesses take responsibility for cleaning the immediate surroundings where they dwell, on a daily basis.

But it appears that the scourge of irresponsible dumping of huge piles of garbage around the city is again raising its ugly head.

Recent complaints have been levelled against the wholesale and retail vendors who conduct business in the vicinity of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the old Georgetown Ferry Stelling on Monday nights.

The vendors are accused of selling and leaving the area in an unsightly state even though there are skip bins placed strategically in the vicinity where the odd and ends comprising of rotting fruits and vegetables and discarded cardboard boxes and other storage receptacles can be thrown.

Commuters using the Route 31, 32 and 42 minibuses to either get to work or conduct personal business, have complained to this publication of having not only having to see the unsightly heaps early in the morning but, also endure the stench. According to Marilyn Lynch, a public servant who commutes from Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara daily, “it very disgusting to see how these people (vendors)

generally have no regard for other people. They sell and just leave the stuff around, the other day I fell and injured myself having stepped on a rotten banana skin. At least they can clean up after they are finished selling and throw the stuff in the bins.” Donna Singh, a resident of Ocean View, West Coast, Demerara, said she wished she could have avoided the area, but it is where she has to disembark, or access transportation to and from home.

She is of the view that the City Council, in addition to collecting fees from the vendors for selling, should arrest the errant ones and make them pay a hefty fine. “Something has to be done, let their pocket feel the squeeze!” she exclaimed.

Cecile Stoute, on vacation from overseas, in an invited comment remarked, “I think the city council officials need to be more vigilant and stern with the vendors conducting business here, and even the regular citizens who are also guilty of littering. Why can’t they [vendors] cleanup after they’re finish selling. I remember being here a couple of years ago, when this Stabroek Market area was like a dump site, with garbage almost everywhere.

“Look how clean this place looked for the 50th Independence Anniversary, what has happened to the pride in our people, is that how they keep their immediate surroundings,” she lamented.

A skip bin

Initially, vending in the vicinity of the Guyana Fire Service was facilitated by the M&CC on Monday and Friday afternoons leading into Saturday morning, but with the removal of the vendors who used the ply their trade at the now condemned Stabroek Market Wharf, there has been an influx of persons who now vend there on a daily basis. However, the activity has apparently spiraled out of control, as the vendors now occupy a wider area. They now occupy in and around the vicinity of Cornhill and Hadfield Streets, in front and aback of the GFS, the latter area that is east of the old ferry stelling and to the north of the Stabroek Market.

This publication is aware that the M&CC has repeatedly urged the vendors to dispose their refuse in a responsible manner, and have repeatedly complained about the wanton disposal of refuse after vending in the very areas,

but apparently their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

According to a source at the City Council, the vendors give the impression that because they are required to pay the council to vend, it is the job of the council to clean up after them.

To their credit, the council has placed `skip’ bins aback of the fire station to accommodate the refuse generated during market days, but it has been observed that most times the volume of refuse overspills the containers.

Cognisant that the GFS and its vital operations are at centre of the vending activity, the Guyana Chronicle sought a comment from Chief Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, on how the service manages to cope.

According to Gentle, vending has been ongoing for some time in the vicinity but with the influx of new vendors, who were removed from the wharf and have encroached the area,

it makes ingress and egress for the service a greater challenge.

He spoke of instances when the GFS response time to emergencies to a fire or to the scene of an accident, is delayed by as much as five minutes, as the service vehicles seek to maneuver their way out the area. Also, with most of the drainage pipes in the location running underneath the GFS building, when the rain falls the water takes a long time to recede. Gentle pointed out too, that most vendors at the end of their activity, leave behind piles upon piles of rotting perishables, sometimes in the middle of the roadway, which pose a sanitation problem.

Additionally, some vendors do not even bother to dismantle the makeshift stands they set up to conduct their businesses.

The senior fire officer said while he is aware that the vending situation is being monitored by the City Council, he is of the view that the increasing numbers of vendors seem to have overwhelmed them. Earlier this year, Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine was observed assisting in the cleaning of the environs west of the Parliament Building.

The M&CC has constantly been imploring upon citizens and businesses, to desist from the wanton disposal of garbage and littering and join in helping to keep the city clean.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the facility is maintained and it is envisaged that these standards will be lifted to ensure the elderly in such homes are provided with the best possible physical, psychological and psychosocial care.

Young porter remanded

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, remanded a 20-year-old porter to prison for allegedly killing his drinking partner during an argument.

Kallis Rodrigues appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the capital offence of murder.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on August 17, 2019, at Kumaka Water Front, North West District, he murdered Oswald Henry.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Rodrigues to prison until September 30, 2019 and transferred the matter to the Aquiro Magistrates’ Court.

According to reports, on the day in question, Henry, who resided in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), was imbibing with Rodrigues at a shop, when an argument of unknown nature broke out between them around 21:00hrs.

It is alleged that Rodrigues armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt several blows to the victim’s head. Henry fell unconscious after being struck and the suspect fled the scene.

Persons picked up the victim and took him to the Kumaka District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Linden Hospital Complex soon to offer dialysis treatment, CT scan PATIENTS residing in Region Ten and suffering from kidney diseases and other ailments that require the purification of the blood through regular dialysis, very soon, will no longer have to journey to Georgetown twice a week to receive that service. This is because the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) will soon have the service available.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of LHC, Toshanna Allicock, related that the room has already been prepared for the equipment and other necessary medical equipment to be set up. “All we are waiting on is the necessary approval and confirmation from the Ministry of Public Health and the service will be up and running sooner than later,” she said.

Payment for the service will still be done, as is required in Georgetown. The main reason for decentralising the service is to reduce the inconvenience as well as the transportation cost of citizens having to travel to Georgetown. One dialysis patient, who journeys to Georgetown twice a week,

said that he pays $8, 000 minimum in transportation cost per week. That is $24, 000 for a month for transportation alone. The decentralisation is very welcoming, he said, as that money can be included to pay for the treatment.

There are approximately 45 patients who are in need of regular dialysis, living in Lin-

centre, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning will also be made available soon at LHC. The room to house the equipment has already been prepared and the management is deciding upon the fastest way to have the service made available. Allicock said that three means of sourcing are being consid-

The Linden Hospital Complex

den. Allicock also related that the service will do well for in-patients who need dialysis before receiving treatment.

Training of medical personnel at LHC, if needed, will also be conducted.

In addition to a dialysis

ered. This includes sourcing same from the MoPH, the LHC procuring one from its 2020 budgetary allocation; since it was already included in the budget, or to have one donated. Allicock said that whichever one of these

means delivers first, will determine when the service will commence. This should be done by next year.

Again, she said the scan will be of more benefit to emergency or in-patients who need to conduct one before being diagnosed. “Sometimes the patients are so ill and then to have them travelling back and forth in the ambulance just to get a CT scan done and then to bring them all the way back here, it is a longer time for the doctor to diagnose, so all of these things we are trying to mitigate,” she said.

The rooms that were prepared for these services are located at the old Mackenzie Hospital building. The LHC management has been utilising space at that location to provide a number of services to the residents of Region Ten. Last year, a spanking new opthamology department, with its own surgical unit was opened. A social service unit for abused children, a mental health department, a daycare centre and an antenatal centre were all established at the old hospital.

Serial robber to spend three years in prison A MAN who told the court that he committed a series of criminal offences to “help raise” money to buy clothes for his children, was, on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Raahim Abdool, a vendor of Broad Street, Charlestown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the four charges when they were read to him.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on August 17, 2019, at Lombard Street, Georgetown, Abdool, while in the company of others, and armed with a gun, robbed Amos Rambhajan of $70,000 cash and a phone valued at $42,000.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and place, he robbed Kumar of a phone valued $25,000 and $14,000 cash.

The third charge stated that, on August 17, 2019, at Broad Street, Charlestown, he had 3 live rounds of .38

ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

The last charge stated that, on the same day and place, he had a .38 revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that Rambhajan and Kumar are vendors at Lombard Street and, on the day in question, around 03:30 hours they were approached by Abdool and two other males.

The men held the two vendors at gun-point and demanded that they handed over their valuables. The victims became scared for their lives and handed over all of their possession.

Abdool then demanded more money from Rambhajan and placed his gun to the man’s head and started to count to five.

Rambhajan took the robbers to a vehicle which his wife was in and she handed over her bag which contained cash and a cell phone. The men then made good their escape on a motorcycle.

Mansfield also told the court that the

victims made a report at the Brickdam Police Station.

The police, acting on the information received, went to Abdool’s home at Broad Street, Charlestown, and when they approached him (Abdool) he disposed of the firearm under a house.

A rank retrieved the firearm, in the presence of Abdool who was arrested and admitted to having the firearm in his possession. Abdool was identified

by Rambhajan and Kumar as the person who robbed them.

“I must apologize for what I have done. I only borrowed the gun to help raise more money to buy clothes for my children” Abdool said.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan sentenced Abdool to serve two years for each of the two charges relating to firearm and ammunition possession and three years for each of the robbery charges. The sentences will run concurrently and Abdool will only spend three years behind bars.

Homeless man remanded A 57-year-old homeless man was, on Wednesday August 21, 2019, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court Particulars of the charge stated that, on Thursday August 15, and

Friday August, 16, 2019 at Cummings Street, Georgetown, Daniel Guilford, in company with others, broke and entered the house of Revon Thorman, and stole a Samsung smart Television valued at $150,000, an X-box valued at $100,000, a HP laptop valued

at $110,000, a polo watch valued at 10,000 and a Johnny Walker red label valued at $7000, all valued at $377,000.

Magistrate McLennan adjourned the matter until August, 30, 2019.

Nabaclis woman fatally stabbed during domestic dispute POLICE are investigating the death of a 44-year-old woman who was allegedly stabbed by her husband at Nabaclis Sideline dam, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday.

Dead is Vinnette Headley-James, a vendor and mother of three. The woman’s husband, Sherlock James, 45, who allegedly stabbed himself following the incident, is hospitalised under police guard.

Reports are that around midday on Wednesday, James attacked his wife and stabbed her in the neck and on the chin. She later succumbed to her wounds while her husband fled the scene. Later, he was arrested by police after he attempted to take his own life by inflicting stab wounds about his body.

Reports are that the man, who is a miner, works in the hinterland and would spend long periods there. It was alleged that the man suspected his wife was having another relationship and, on August 18, 2019, the two had an argument.

The man assaulted his wife and left their home.

The man returned to the house on Wednesday and the couple’s eldest daughter relat-

Vinnette Headley-James

ed that her mother placed her father’s clothing in their yard as they argued. The assailant warned his wife not to commit the act even as he threatened to kill her.

However, the woman continued to place the man’s clothing in their yard. He then angrily ventured into their home and grabbed a knife and stabbed his wife.

The victim was rushed to the CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis where she died while receiving treatment.

The assailant was found aback the scene of the crime with a wound to the neck which he allegedly inflicted on himself.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is being treated for the injury.

Investigations are ongoing.

Mahdia man sentenced for larceny ON Wednesday August 21, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, a 21-year-old man, charged with break and entering and larceny, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment

by Senior Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge stated that, Calvin DoSantos of Mahdia, on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday August 18, 2019, broke and entered the shop of Lee Xiu Juan and stole a collection of Digicel cards valuing $200,000 and $300,000 cash.

Police Prosecutor noted that, on the days in question, the virtual complainant secured her business and

retired to bed. Upon waking, she discovered the front door to her shop was partially open. She then checked her cashier box where the phone cards and cash were previously stored and found same empty.

Upon realising that her shop had been broken into, she then checked the CCTV camera and saw the defendant and reported the matter to the Mahdia Police Station.

The police then apprehended DoSantos, and the sum of $15,000 was retrieved.

Magistrate McLennan remanded DoSantos to prison.

Bourda market vendors ‘sentenced’ to hours of community service TWO vendors of Bourda Market, accused of assaulting each other in a fight, were, on Wednesday August 21, 2019, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that James Brown of Mahaica Village, on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Karon Whyte of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Brown pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Meanwhile, Karon Whyte admitted to assaulting Brown

to cause actual bodily harm on the same date in question.

Police Prosecutor noted, that the two had a misunderstanding, where Whyte armed herself with a piece of wood and proceeded to hit Brown about the arm and chest.

A medical report provided, showed that Brown sustained soft tissue injury and abrasion to his right forearm and palm.

The Senior Magistrate pleaded with the two to live in love and learn to compromise. The pair was sentenced to 10 hours of community service and is to return to the court on September 6, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

AG distributes ‘DAVID G’ backpacks to East Coast pupils ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC and his team, on Tuesday, distributed a number of “David G” branded backpacks to primary school pupils residing along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) corridor.

The distribution of bags to school-aged children residing in the villages of Belfield, Victoria, Golden Grove, Nabaclis, Haslington and Enmore was made weeks ahead of the commencement of the new academic year.

According to a release from the Legal Affairs Ministry, the distribution exer-

cise conducted at the Golden Grove Community Centre, saw scores of pupils receiving backpacks. Attorney- General Williams was assisted by the Regional Chairman, Regional Democratic Council, Region Four (4), Genevieve Allen and People’s National Congress/ Reform stalwart, Ernest Elliott.

Attorney-General Williams, according to the press statement, told the pupils present that the backpacks were gifts from no other than President Granger, while noting that education is the topmost priority of the administration.

“The distribution of backpacks complements President

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, presenting the “David G” branded backpacks to primary school pupils in the East Coast Demerara corridor.

David Granger’s Five Bs initiative, aimed at providing boats, buses, bicycles, books and breakfast to school children,” the ministry detailed while adding that the Five Bs initiative has alleviated some of the hardships previously faced by parents and students, and saved them much-needed monies.

Minister Williams and team are expected to conduct several similar exercises in other villages in his constituency along the East Coast of Demerara throughout this week.

Back-to-School Drive!

M

inister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally on Wednesday visited the Wales Primary School and distributed bookbags to scores of children.

According to Minister Ally, the distribution is in keeping with President David Granger’s wish for every youth to receive an education. (Photo by: Peter Lester)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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1357 Guyanese benefitting from oil-related jobs …Exxon Senior VP tells Guyanese in Toronto

SENIOR Vice President of ExxonMobil in charge of exploration and new ventures, Michael Cousins, told a gathering in Toronto on Sunday that the sanctity of contract should be respected and that the investment being made by his company to recover oil here will see major transformation in Guyana with some 1357 Guyanese already benefitting from jobs.

The top official was at the time responding to a question posed from the audience during a town hall meeting on Guyana’s Oil and Gas Development hosted by the Canadian Council for the Americas at the Leparc Banquet Hall in Thornhill, Ontario.

Over 450 Guyanese turned up to hear from the Exxon officials which included Vice President Cousins, Guyanese Born Geoscientist Ashlika Persaud and Craig Kelly, Senior Director, Americas, with responsibility for International Government Relations.

The event got underway with Counsel General Anyin Choo lauding the initiative, opining that it was a welcomed one since it is preferable to hear directly from Exxon given that much of the information coming out of the media is sometimes controversial.

Among the invitees at the Canadian Council of the Americas event were diplomats, former president of the Guyana Association of Municipalities and Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, officials of Exxon, representatives of various Guyanese organisations including the University of Guyana and Queens College Alumni and Guyanese living in Canada.

During his presentation, Cousins thanked the over 70,000 Guyanese living in Canada and said they show a great sense of responsibility in regards to development of the oil industry in Guyana. He added that during his 38 years in the industry he has never worked on a project quite like Guyana’s and saw the addition of Liza Destiny to the operations as a significant achievement.

Getting to this point in the process was however not without major sacrifices as over 326 wells were

Senior Vice President of ExxonMaobil, Michael Cousins and Guyanese Born Geoscientist Ashlika Persaud

drilled overall without any success which cost Exxon and investors over USD 140 Million. Striking oil in 2015 however brought calmness to anxieties as history would have shown one of Exxon’s major competitors losing millions of dollars in its attempt to discover Guyana’s oil.

He further added that the 2015 Liza discovery shows that in four years Guyana found over six billion barrels of oil compared to Trinidad and Tobago which found 2.3 billion barrels over the course of its exploration. This significant investment he opined will see major transformation in Guyana with 1357 Guyanese already employed- of which 35% are women, and expenditure with local suppliers doubling annually as Exxon supports the building of a strong local content.

Cousins told the packed Banquet Hall that recovering the cost of exploration development will take four to five years, after which Guyana will enjoy 60% of the profits as Exxon believes in maximizing recovery benefits for the people of Guyana. He agreed that the 2% royalty is very topical at the moment but encouraged persons to examine the many other areas of benefits to Guyana.

The recently released Ministry of Finance’s 2019 Mid-Year Report records that for the first half of the year, withholding tax grew by $3.9B, or 65.9 per cent, largely reflecting payments from companies within the oil and gas sector. Personal income tax collections grew by $2B, or 16.4 per cent, when compared with the same period in 2018.

Companies operating in the oil and gas sector accounted for $1.2B, or 61 per cent,

of the collections. At the same time, the increased economic activity meant VAT from domestic goods rose by $2B, primarily due to higher payments from the manufacturing, distribution, services and oil and gas sectors.

The report also noted an expansion in foreign direct investment (FDI), of 60.5 per cent to US$826.4M. The significant increase in FDI was largely supported by oil and gas activities, which accounted for US$354.6M of the amount.

Imported capital goods increased substantially, from US$155.2M to US$423M, primarily attributed to a substantial expansion in mining machinery, again, supported by oil and gas activity.

Activities directly related to the oil and gas sector also contributed to growth in many sectors including finance and insurance activities, transportation and storage, and other service activities. There are also numerous spillover effects on other sectors such as construction, where there has been an increase in construction of commercial and residential properties to service the oil and gas sector. The rebasing of the GDP, which is currently underway and expected to be completed before the end of the year, will better allow for a quantification of the impact of oil and gas activities on economic growth.

Guyana is on the verge of becoming the world’s newest petro-state and potentially the richest, Bloomberg said in an article last Tuesday. “In 2015, Exxon Mobil Corp. made what one of its executives described as a ‘fairytale’ discovery in the vast Stabroek exploration block off

Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil, Michael Cousins with former Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland and other Guyanese

The large Guyanese audience at the forum

the Guyana coast. Since then, it’s found so much oil that by the mid-2020s Guyana, with a population of about 778,000, will probably produce more crude per citizen than any other country,” Kevin Crowley wrote in his article ‘The World’s Newest Petrostate Isn’t Ready for a Tsunami of Cash.’

Alluding to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Bloomberg noted that Guyana’s reserves would make it OPEC’s 12th-largest member after Angola. At the time of the compilation of the report, US oil giant ExxonMobil had projected

that there were 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent resource in the Stabroek Block based on the finds to date, however, that figure that has been upgraded to six billion barrels. Based on 2018 statistics, Venezuela has the largest barrels of oil reserves with 302.8 billion followed by Saudi Arabia with 267 billion barrels and Iran with 155.6 billion barrels.

Guyana’s economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $3.63B, a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, is expected to further grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent

in 2020 and 2021 respectively. This is according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, which is an American stock exchange. It is the second-largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, behind only the New York Stock Exchange located in the same city. NASDAQ said, with a per-capita income of $5,194, Guyana is a middle-income country and is covered by dense forest. It is home to fertile agricultural lands and abundant natural resources. Gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, timber and shrimp are among its leading exports.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

Local content policy must be tied to GSDS …economist tells forum

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA’S Local Content Policy should allow for the building of competencies and capabilities in a wide cross-section of areas that are necessary to advance the country’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), Dean of the University of Guyana (UG) School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), Dr. Leyland Lucas, said on Thursday.

Dr. Lucas, who was among 10 speakers who addressed a private sector forum on Guyana’s draft Local Content Policy at a symposium, said while it is critical for the country to be well positioned to tap into the vast opportunities that the Oil and Gas Industry brings, it is must not limit itself to that industry.

“Where do we go as a nation when oil prices are low and producers have decided that it is not within their best interest to continue pumping oil at a certain level? The nation has to survive; the development has to continue, and that development has to be built around the Green State Development Strategy,” Dr. Lucas told the well-attended forum organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

The draft Local Content Policy, when adopted by the National Assembly, would outline the framework on which local content will be understood, developed, measured and secured and it is Dr. Lucas’ belief that it should be geared towards realising the objectives of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Vision 2040 – a plan that will guide the management of the country’s natural resource wealth, support economic resilience, and build human capital and institutional capacity.

“So when I think about

this concept of local content, I think everything we need to do, must be around building competencies and capabilities that are necessary to advance our national development strategy and not so much as to fit into the needs of the Oil and Gas Sector,” the University of Guyana Dean reasoned.

While using the opportunity to applaud the Government of Guyana for developing the Local Content Policy, Dr. Lucas said because of the country’s failure to put critical systems in place in the past, it is important, at this stage, to manage local content.

“Local content has to be managed, in part, because as a nation over 30 plus years we failed to develop a human capital development strategy,” he said, while adding that as a result of that failure, Guyanese would not be able to immediately take full advantage of the massive opportunities that are coming as a result of the emergence of this sector. Those benefits of local content, he posited, will be experienced in Guyana ‘years down the road.’

“More importantly, as we think about local content, we also have to bear in mind that over the past 30 plus years, we have been exporting our most important resource, human capital, and because we have been exporting human capital, now to take advantage of local content, the definition of local content cannot ignore the diaspora,” Dr. Lucas said during what turned out to be a very frank but respectful discourse.

He posited that the expansion of the definition should not only address issues of building human capacity but, also development of partnerships and joint ventures.

But while former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, endorsed the concept of

building local content around a national development strategy, he opined that ‘plan’ should not be the Green State Development Strategy.

“I see local content as bridging the expectations gap between what is taking place in the industry and what it means to the ordinary man and woman, don’t matter where he or she lives…but the Local Content Policy has to be linked…it has to be mainstreamed in a national development strategy, not an environmental strategy which is the Green State Development Strategy, but a national development strategy that looks where the country is going to be in 2030, in 2040,” Persaud opined. According to

Dean of the University of Guyana (UG) School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), Dr. Leyland Lucas

Former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud

him, that strategy must garner the support of all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, President of American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM), Zulfikar Ally, said AMCHAM has taken note of the fact that the defining parameters for Guyanese local content policy framework is well aligned with globally-accepted standards for local content plans in the oil and gas sector.

He pointed out that it provides for workforce development, such as training and

employment of local workforce; supplier development through the increasing localised supply chains in procuring goods and services; and through additional factors, such as capacity building and knowledge transfer.

“Key to local content development is early understanding of opportunities, challenges and or barriers to enable Guyanese workforce and business participation. This analysis when conducted and performed collaboratively with indus-

A 46-year-old Jamaican National was on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment and fined $10.8M for trafficking 27 kilograms of cannabis, while his co-accused was granted bail.

Errol Brown of BB Eccles, East Bank, Demerara

and Shellyann Pompey of Craig, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on August 19, 2019, at Lot 125 BB Eccles, the duo had in their posses-

sion 27.318 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Brown pleaded guilty to the charge while Pompey pleaded not guilty.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on day in question, around 11:00 hours, ranks from the

Police Narcotics Branch went to Brown’s residence, identified themselves and requested to conduct a search. Brown made no objection.

Mansfield also told the court that a large green traveling bag and a large plastic bag were found which contained several parcels of

compressed cannabis.

Brown and Pompey were arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where the parcels were weighed in their presence.

“She [Pompey]have nothing to do with this, she is just a visitor at my house

Director of Manufacturing and Marketing in the Business Ministry, Dominic Gaskin (seated at the front) was among the officials who attended the Local Content Policy Forum organised by GCCI (Photos by Adrian Narine)

President of American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM) Zulfikar Ally

try can support developing capacity with realistic targets while avoiding unintended consequences. I believe that the proposed local plan and its requirements for the developers, contractors and suppliers to report half yearly on implementation timelines are welcomed,” the AMCHAM President said.

He noted that the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana is also pleased that there local content plan would allow for gradual implementation by companies based on the various stages of their development. This, he said, is important because there are different stages of exploration, development and production that entail various degrees of expertise and commodities.

“Underpinning the approaches and analysis emanating from the draft policy, I believes it is also critical to ensure transparent and free flowing information, within the bounds of commercial sensitivities -- balancing local development and a stable and enabling business environment. As national authorities work collaboratively with industry, partners, advisers and other development stakeholders including civil society, it is necessary that a steady supply of information is provided so opportunities and requirements are understood by companies operating in the sector and that the existing capability of local firms is clear in the market place,” Ally added.

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams; immediate past President of GGCI, Deodat Indar; President of GCCI; Nicholas Boyer and Charles Ramson Jnr. were among the presenters.

Jamaican sentenced for possession of drugs, co-accused granted bail

and she don’t live there” Brown said. The Magistrate released Pompey on $200,000 bail and adjourned the matter until August 29, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Guyana signs revised supplementary agreement with UN Atomic Energy Agency specific emphasis on the regulatory functions of the Environmental Protection Agency which is the designated interim regulatory body. It will apply equally to such functions within the Ministry of Public Health.

Guyana has also benefitted under several regional and interregional Projects through expert missions,

Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, signs the revised supplementary agreement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

THE Government of Guyana, on Wednesday, signed a revised supplementary agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – a move that will see the country benefitting from even more meaningful technical assistance from the UN organisation.

During the simple but significant ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the signing of the agreement is evidence of Guyana’s rapidly developing relationship with the IAEA. “The IAEA is a UN body uniquely equipped and experienced to offer holistic assistance in treating with the use of radioactive substances which offer viable solutions to a range of the development challenges with which our world constantly grapples of which Guyana has not to date fully availed. It has thus become necessary to conclude this Agreement to facilitate the provision of even more meaningful technical assistance to the Government of Guyana from the IAEA,” the Foreign Affairs Minister explained.

The revised standard agreement sets the foundation for collaborative and cooperative endeavours between Guyana and the IAEA on terms similar to those of other UN agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Minister Cummings noted that the agreement builds on a number of discussions that took place with the IAEA in recent times and takes account of the priorities of the Country Programme Framework as well as the Caribbean Regional Strategic Document.

“As you have heard, and I am sure you know, the Ministry of Health is the Focal Point for the IAEA

in Guyana. What I am sure is not as well known is that the peaceful applications of radioactive sources go well beyond the health sector.

Thus, the signature of this agreement at one and the same time, consolidates our use of such sources within the health sector while also laying the platform for the many other applications of importance to Guyana, especially at this juncture of our development,” the foreign affairs minister explained.

She said that agreement would prove to be helpful particularly in the areas of agriculture, climate change, food and nutrition security, water management, health and radiation safety and emergency management.

“With the many and increasing radioactive sources and radiation-emitting devices within Guyana, partnership with the IAEA is both strategic and timely.

It is of course essential to have adequate laws, regulations, controls, monitoring, trained personnel, modern equipment, emergency preparedness and response, etc. in Guyana to ensure the safe and peaceful use of radioactive sources and radiation-emitting devices,” she said.

It was noted that Guyana previously benefitted from many resources and technical support from the IAEA through its Technical Cooperation (TC) Projects.

The 2018-2019 national project focuses on capacity building in the areas of health, agriculture and food safety, water management, and radiation emergency management with a budget of EUR 107,000. “For the 2020-2021 cycle, a project is contemplated which aims to enhance the country’s capacity for radiation safety and protection as well as regulatory functions, with

training and the provision of equipment,” the foreign affairs minister detailed.

For those reasons, the minister said she is pleased to have concluded the agreement which opens opportunities for further assistance and allows for Guyana’s policies and practices to be aligned with those of the International Health Regu-

lation and IAEA as it strives to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy for peace, health and prosperity.

The Government of Guyana, she said, will continue to support measures for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, which contributes to international peace

and security and acceleration of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Representatives from the IAEA, the Public Health Ministry, the Department of Environment, Office of Climate Change, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs witnessed the signing ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Guyana’s folklore wows South Trinidad

A fight scene from the Tadja Mark Luke Edwards during his spoken word piece on domestic violence/ violence against women

Mark Luke Edwards (centre) in character during the re-enactment of the Tadja done by the National Drama Company

By Vishani Ragobeer THE National Drama Company of Guyana has wowed patrons in South Trinidad as they put on a showcase of Guyanese folklore and culture with intersperse performances on few social topics.

The performance was held on Tuesday evening at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando, Trinidad. It was part of a host of activities organised for CARIFESTA XIV, which began on August 16 and will conclude on August 25.

Guyana began with a showcase of the 'Tadja'. It usually involves processions carrying flags, tadja drums and replica of the coffin and shrine of Hussayn (a.s.). At Guyana’s performance, there were also

A photo from the ‘Stick Fighting' scene

The Ol' Higue being beaten

sword-fighting displays.

The Tadja came from India, specifically with the Muslim indentured labourers.

Over the years, the Tadja performance has lost its popularity, with Hindu cultural elements taking a greater role at East Indian celebrations.

The drama company; how-

ever, endeavoured to not only revive the Tadja but, also re-enact it at a grand platform, i.e., Carifesta.

Drama presentations detailing the folklore of the Baccoo and the Ol' Higue followed the Tadja. Though the performance of the Baccoo had an eerie beginning

with 'Baccoos' sneaking up on persons in the audience, the performance was thoroughly enjoyed by patrons because of the comical elements that drama company integrated into it.

On the other hand, the Ol' Higue performance really caught the attention of spectators. This performance illustrated how the old woman changes into the Ol' Higue and sneaks in through the window to suck the baby's blood. But it also showed the process of catching the Ol' Higue, making her count 1000 grains of rice, and the trashing she would receive once caught.

One Trinidadian, who was in the audience, hailed the Ol' Higue performance as "one of the best" portrayals of this particular folklore he, has ever seen.

These two performances

were followed by the story of 'Stick Fighting'. Through this, the kings of two masquerade bands fought to rule over Georgetown. The stick fight has its roots in African traditions, where males would assert their dominance through fight and dance. This was brought to the Caribbean with the enslaved Africans and incorporated into the spirit of carnival. The dramatisation of this also gave insight into the origins of masquerade.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, one Trinidadian patron remarked that the showcase was definitely a well done one. For him, the portrayal of the 'stick fighting' which had masquerade elements in it, reminded him of his own Trinidadian Carnival. This section of Guyana's play, alongside the masquerade done by the St.

Kitts and Nevis masqueraders emphasised the shared culture across Caribbean countries, which has been derived from the plantation experience.

The drama performances were followed by spoken word pieces which spotlighted social issues. On Tuesday night, these pieces dealt with speaking up, youths and the future, domestic violence and environmental conservation.

Local actor and spoken word poet, Mark Luke Edwards, was the one who got a resounding applause from SAPA's audience with his piece on domestic violence, which highlighted the struggles women face. Keon Heywood's piece on environmental conservation was also well-received.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Captain Charles on labour-related charges for death of pilot THE Director of Domestic Airways Inc., Orlando Charles, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, on four charges, in relation to the death of Pilot Randy Liverpool, who died during a plane crash at Eteringbang, Region Seven several months ago.

The four charges were brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan following an investigation by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H) Department.

On February 21, 2019, Captain Liverpool died when the Cessna 206 he was flying crashed at Eteringbang, near the Venezuelan border.

The aircraft was shuttling at the time and was seen flying at a low altitude before falling into the jungle

below.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, between February 20, 2019, and February 25, 2019, at Georgetown, Charles, being the employer of Liverpool, failed to keep a register of accidents, as required by law. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the second charge stated that, between February 20, 2019, and February 25, 2019, at Georgetown, Charles failed to give written notice of an accident resulting in the death of Liverpool. He confessed to the charge and was fined $25,000.

The third charge alleged that, between February 20, 2019, and March 20, 2019, Charles failed to make an application to the Chief Officer of the OS&H within 30 days as per procedure.

Charles pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined

$50,000.

The Director of Domestic Airways Inc., Orlando Charles

The fourth charge alleged that between February 20, 2019, and February 25, 2019, at Georgetown, Charles failed to provide to OS&H Officer, Dwain Vyphuis, information in relation to the accident which

American Airlines flight delayed following runway incident

AN American Airlines flight, which was destined for Miami late Tuesday night, was delayed after the plane’s tyres were damaged while it was preparing for take-off at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.

Reports are that shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the aircraft, a Boeing 738, was taxiing for take-off along Runway 06 when the tires struck the lighting system.

The CJIA management said in a subsequent statement that at approximately 00:34hrs on Wednesday morning, American Airlines flight AA1512 was executing a turn on RWY 06 threshold for takeoff.

During the turn, the aircraft’s nose gear and right main gear tires were deflated after coming into contact with temporary threshold lights. As a result, the aircraft became disabled, and the runway was closed.

The aircraft was subsequently parked on another runway while passengers were taken back to the terminal by bus. They were expected to travel on a second aircraft late on Wednesday.

Works are currently ongoing at the CJIA and the airport’s management stated that the aircraft struck temporary threshold lights which were put in place by the

The American Airlines aircraft

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to facilitate the runway extension works.

“The appropriate Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was previously issued to advise of these works and for pilots to exercise caution when in the vicinity of the threshold,” the airport management said.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

This is the third incident in recent weeks that the airline has faced, resulting in passenger delay although the delays were as a result of incidents attributed to factors on the runway and onboard the aircraft. A few weeks ago a pressurisation issue forced one of the airline’s flights to return to the CJIA minutes after take-off.

Reports are that a similar

issue had occurred earlier in the day.

In a separate incident, another flight which was inbound to the CJIA from Miami was forced to make an alternative landing at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad after the runway lighting system at Timehri malfunctioned.

American Airlines entered the local travel market last November as Guyanese continue to welcome travel options in the face of high ticket prices.

Another international carrier, JetBlue, is expected to commence service here in a few months and a team from that airline is expected to meet with the authorities here in September.

led to the death of Liverpool. Charles confessed to that charge and will return to court on Thursday, August 22, 2019 for sentencing. In addressing the court, the defendant explained that he was not aware of the OS&H unit since, he noted, the aviation industry is strictly regulated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and that he acquired a license from that body to operate.

Charles stressed that he has been a pilot for the past 18 years and is new to aviation management.

He explained that that the GCAA is currently conducting their own investigation in the matter and he was advised not to give any information to the media or any industry.

This, he stressed, prevented him from providing information in relation to the accident to OS&H Officer, Dwain Vyphuis.

Dipcon makes claim for payment for road construction THE Challenge filed by Trinidad engineering and construction company Dipcon, quashing the President David Granger’s decision to grant Jordan a respite from 21 days’ imprisonment, is set for hearing on September 23, 2019 before Nareshwar Harnanan at the High Court At an in-chamber case management conference Wednesday, August 21, 2019, the judge ordered both sides to have legal submissions filed, served and laid over with the court.

Dipcon, the claimant, which lists Attorney General Basil Williams and as the respondent, is seeking an order of certiorari.

The company is looking to secure the over US$2 million owed to it by government for road construction works thus challenging the presidential respite granted to Finance

Minister Winston Jordan, who was liable to be held in criminal contempt for non-payment.

The Trinidad engineering and construction company wants any further order that the court deems just to grant as well as court costs against the respondents.

Justice Sewnarine-Beharry made the order on June 24, 2019, in the High Court which stemmed from a contempt motion filed on behalf of the company by Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas in May of this year. The award to the company was first handed down by Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud, on October 21, 2015, and, while the government has challenged the award, Jonas moved to the court with contempt proceedings against Jordan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

GFC financial woes started under PPP …MNR says coalition gov’t not wholly responsible for shortfalls at Forestry

REJECTING allegations that the Government is responsible for the financial difficulties facing the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Ministry of Natural Resources, on Monday, said it was under the People’s Progressive Party/Administration (PPP/C) that the Commission was raped of its financial resources.

“While it is said that the difficulties come as a direct result of the contraction of the forestry industry post-2016 by the removal of two million hectares from production forest, it should be known that the difficulties have stemmed prior to 2015, when the then administration appropriated $600M to construct a High Street building that was, on completion, deemed unsafe. To add to this, over $300M was then used to assist the Iwokrama Forest Conservation Project; the GFC has never fully recovered from this dent in its finances,” the

Natural Resources Ministry explained.

As the commission struggles to keep its head above waters, the Natural Resources Ministry said it must be noted that the forestry subsector continues to grow, pointing to the Government’s half-year economic report.

In that report, the forestry subsector, for the second consecutive year, recorded a growth rate of 8.6%.

“This specifically points out the production of timber and credits the growth to improvements in infrastructure in the latter half of 2018 and small-scale concessions and forest operators increasing their output, seeing many achieving higher production levels. Also, though there are claims that the fall in production and export levels within the forest sector have caused operators to struggle to make a profit, the report shows otherwise,

with primary lumber producers recording gains of 32.4% in the first half, capitalising on increased local demand for construction,” the Natural Resources Ministry said.

It, however, acknowledged that though there was an increase in log production, there was a decline in international demand for Roundwood, resulting in contraction. “Regardless, the report shows the outlook for the remainder of the year remaining positive for this subsector, with log production expected to remain high and Roundwood to stabilise,” it noted.

Turning its attention to infrastructure development, the ministry said notwithstanding the inclement weather, it will soon commence works on various roads throughout the hinterland, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

It is assuring persons within the Forestry Sector that government will continue to explore avenues in an effort to resolve the issues facing the Guyana Forestry Commission. “A Task Force was appointed to examine the structure and functioning of the GFC and present a report for consideration. The Minister of Natural Resources has also committed to taking this to Cabinet with a view to seeking a subvention for the Commission as an immediate relief.

The Minister would advise the divestment of the High Street property to repay the GFC its investment,” the Ministry said as it summed up its plan of action. The Natural Resources Ministry said despite attempts to mislead the public, it remains committed to its work plan and its agenda of bettering the lives of all Guyanese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

No movement on EIA for chemical warehouse …as EPA awaits information from CH&PA

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently awaiting clearance from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) before it proceeds with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on Nalco Champions’ proposed chemical warehouse at John Fernandes Ltd. Inland Terminal at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt.

EPA Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Adams, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said while Nalco Champions has applied for ‘Environmental Authorisation’ for the operation of a chemical warehouse, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which forms part of the review process, cannot be initiated until CH&PA signals the ‘green light’ to do so.

He explained that CH&PA must formally indicate to the EPA whether the proposed chemical facility will be erected in the correct zone – that is an industrial zone. Dr. Adams said only then a determination can be made on whether or not to proceed with the EIA. “We are not going to proceed to process any application without us knowing whether they are in the right zone,” EPA Executive Director told this newspaper, noting that the proposed site must be industrial in nature.

In determining the impact the proposed project could have on the environment and human life, Dr. Adams indicated that public consultations would be conducted in addition to the technical assessment that would be done, however, he reiterated that the EIA cannot commence unless EPA is informed that approval has been granted by the CH&PA for industrial activities to occur within the location. “We have got to get the final information, if CHPA said yes there are in the right zone then we will take it from there and see whether they could or should be permitted,” Dr. Adams said. At a public consultation session at the Houston Secondary School on Tuesday, CH&PA Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart, told concerned residents that in 2014 the housing authority granted approval to John Fer-

close proximity to the proposed site. On Tuesday, they told the authorities to take the proposed facility elsewhere.

“Let us be clear, we don’t have a problem with people

EPA Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Adams

nandes Ltd. for the operation of an industrial warehouse facility at the Industrial Site.

However, it is unclear that the change in land use approval caters for the operation of chemical facilities such as the one proposed by Nalco Champions.

In addition to storing the chemicals, Nalco Champions is proposing to transport the chemicals from the Inland Terminal to John Fernandes Water Street Port and then unto a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels offshore Guyana. In its defense, the international oil and gas company, said the proposed facility at John Fernandes Ltd. Inland Terminal will only house chemical products, making it clear that there will be no manufacturing of chemicals there.

At the public consultation session, the company’s Global Business Development Manager, Mike Knippers, said though described as a warehouse, the proposed facility is really a modernised shed where chemicals will be transferred from one chemical tank to another for transfer to the FPSO vessels offshore Guyana.

He assured the residents, that, if approval was granted, the operations would have little or no impact on the environment or residents within neighbouring communities of the facility.

“There will be no blending; there will be no reactions; no permanent storage tanks; no buried chemicals; and no vapour clouds, no emissions coming out of that

facility,” Knippers told the residents.

His colleague, Miller disclosed that the four Guyanese who will man the facility are currently in the U.S undergoing training. Clarifying the use and functions of the proposed facility, the Project Manager said “it is only a facility to store, filter and repack product.”

Miller, in his bid to convince residents that Nalco Champion’s operation would be safe, emphasised that it would be strictly a storage and container facility which will have a range of safety features including the presence of 20 and 25-pound fire extinguishers. He was keen on pointing out that it would have protective frames, pressure safety valves and internal safety shut-off valve, adding that every two and a half years, the facility, which would be ISO certified, would be inspected.

“Nalco Champion, an Ecolab company, provides safe, sustainable chemistry programmes and services to the upstream and midstream oil and gas industry, refineries and petrochemical operations in more than 170 countries around the world. Through onsite problem-solving and the application of innovative technologies, we maximise production, optimise water use and overcome complex challenges in the world’s toughest energy frontiers,” the company had said.

But the explanations given, from all indication, were of no satisfaction to the residents particularly those from Houston Garden, who live in

coming into this country and making it a better place; we don’t have a problem with the facility, it is the location, and the manner in which this was done,” Kent Phil-

lips one of the residents told the officials. He and other residents proposed that the facility be set up further up the Demerara River or at Wales, Region Three.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 22, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Newly-elected GCF president pledges focus on development, transparency … Cyclists do not have to fear discrimination

By Michelangelo Jacobus MERELY a day after attaining the presidency of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), former National cyclist Linden Dowridge has pledged that under him and his executives, cycling will be revived locally as they will now focus on development of the young athletes. Transparency at every level will also be paramount, according to Dowridge.

In a discussion with Chronicle Sport, Dowridge underscored the importance of beginning with a clean slate and sorting out the cycling fraternity from the ground upwards.

This he pointed out will begin at the club level.

“Our immediate aim is to make the GCF more functional at every level and to keep the body viable throughout our tenure. As a federation it is our duty to encourage and support the various clubs, this is why we, at the GCF, have pledged our support and every resource available towards helping clubs countrywide in any way possible.”

On another note, Dowridge noted that there are too many dormant clubs across the country. This, he explained, will be addressed as soon as possible; “If we have to revive those clubs we will, if not, we will look at having them merge with larger clubs if they are in agreement.”

Meanwhile; Malcolm Sonoram who is now the Racing Secretary revealed that the Racing Committee will now be renamed and changed to the Racing and Development Committee.

Under Sonoram, that committee will move to establish an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ team of National cyclists picked from the current crop across Guyana.

To this end he highlighted; “We will be looking at cyclists based on their performance. We will not be tolerating any favours, this will no longer be a friends-and-family affair, and cyclists will have to earn their spots through performances.

There will be absolutely no discrimination against anyone, so cyclists have nothing to fear; we will work tirelessly on bringing back cycling to the fore of Guyanese sports.”

“We will be running the GCF in a professional and businesslike manner. Through this we hope to build partnerships with corporate Guyana to achieve our goals of developing our young cyclists and at the same time, moving

the sport of cycling in the right direction,” Sonoram stated.

Both Dowridge and Sonoram shared that the GCF will not be a one-man show but it will be all-inclusive and transparent in all its dealings.

Another main objective of the newly elected executive is the revival of National cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed’s nursery of young budding cyclists.

“Coach Hassan’s nursery is on the brink of dying and without the introduction of new blood to the sport, it will slowly wane away. To this end we are looking to have former athletes and coaches go to schools across the country to try and attract young cyclists.”

In response to the question of more GCF-organised races, Dowridge revealed that the classification system might undergo some tweaks while at least three additional races, inclusive of stage races, will be added to the GCF calendar, Asked about fielding a National cycling team in the near future, Sonoram and Dowridge said that it is very possible that Guyana will be represented by a 5-member team as soon as October, at the Tobago Cycling Classic in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Among the names up for consideration are Michael Anthony, Team Coco’s wheelsman Jamual John, United We Stand’s Briton John and Andrew Hicks along with Trojan PSL’s Curtis Dey and Romello Crawford.

The GCF has already begun their process of professionalism with creating a Facebook page, acquiring a domain on the World Wide Web which means that the federation’s executives can have their own email addresses @gcf.com; also in the future a website is envisioned.

After the GCF’s elections on Tuesday afternoon at the Guyana Olympic Association’s head office in Liliendaal, the following is the list of executives: ♦ President - Linden Dowridge ♦ 1st Vice-president - Paul Cho Wee Nam ♦ 2nd Vice-president - Oneika D’Agrella Ramsuchit ♦ 3rd Vice-president - Enzo Matthews ♦ Secretary - Marc Sonoram ♦ Treasurer - Inga Peters ♦ Race Secretary - Malcolm Sonoram ♦ Assistant Racing Secretary - Steve Ramsuchit.

Fernandes outshines Best to take women’s senior CASA title … Jamaica’s Binnie surged to a record ninth singles title

GUYANESE squash ace Nicolette Fernandes rolled back the years on Tuesday night to produce some fantastic strokes for the 2019 senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) title.

Playing on home soil against Barbadian Meagan Best, the Guyanese showed why she was ranked in the top 20 of the world, with some excellent racquet wielding.

The five-time Caribbean champion added her sixth title to the trophy cabinet on the wave of support from her fans at the Georgetown Club.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Chris Binnie surged to his record-breaking ninth men’s singles title.

In the final, Binnie squared off against his long-time regional rival, Cameron Stafford of the Cayman Islands, who was looking for revenge having lost in the final to the Jamaican on several previous occasions.

However, Stafford fell to the Jamaican once again 11-8, 11-2, 11-5.

Earlier, Fernandes, the tournament favourite, did not disappoint as she opened strong, showing that her absence

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from the sport at the highest level had not taken a toll on her game.

Her crosscourt play made Best visibly uncomfortable, moving the ball to all corners of the court and eventually winning the first set 11-2.

In the second set, the experience of the 36-year-old Guyanese helped her to quickly adapt after Best obtained two quick points; Fernandes used the drop ball aspect of her game a lot in this round, scurrying back to the top of the court.

That set ended like the first, 11-2.

Best, however, looked to save her best game for last when she came out swinging in the third and what would be the final set, but Fernandes was ready.

She absorbed the early pressure from the Bajan and responded flawlessly - something only a multiple-time Caribbean champion could do - and when the dust settled, Fernandes won 11-5.

Fernandes contended that training for the tournament had been tough but at the end, seeing her hockey team, parents and supporters, pushed her over the line.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

BCB launches 2nd annual Cricket Balls project … seeks assistance from Friends of Berbice cricket GUYANA’S most vibrant and progressive cricket board, Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last week launched its second annual Cricket Balls project.

Last year, BCB, with the support of some former executives raised over $800 000, which was used to purchase cricket balls for clubs across Berbice and cricket gear for some of the county’s most promising youth players.

BCB president Hilbert Foster, who over the last eighteen months has spearheaded a major restoration of Berbice cricket, stated that unlike most cricket boards in the West Indies, the BCB is fully committed to assisting all clubs that fall under its management to fulfil their mandates to develop cricketing talents.

Last year, the Balls Project and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, (RHTY&SC) together assisted over 80 clubs with over $1.1M worth of cricket balls. This year, the objective is to assist close to 90 clubs with over 1.3M worth of cricket balls.

RHTY&SC has started the process by donating over $600 000 worth of

balls to 46 clubs across Berbice, with some clubs benefitting more than once if they have a youth development programme.

Foster, who has worked tirelessly to transform Berbice cricket from the low level he inherited in February 2018, stated that the funds raised would ensure that the remaining clubs receive balls while some more promising cricketers at the Under-15 level will receive cricket gear.

BCB president Hilbert Foster

Additionally, BCB would also be seeking to purchase its own pitch covers which would be stored at the historic Albion Community Centre cricket ground. The covers would be used at all BCB major matches in an effort to cut the loss of time from rain.

The management of BCB

in 2019 would be assisting clubs with close to $5M worth of balls, raincoats, scorebooks, bicycles, water pitchers, school bags, Youth Information Booklets, educational materials, stumps, trophies, medals and special prizes for events.

The present BCB executives inherited $42 935 in February, 2018 and has since raised close to $18M in cash and kind for Berbice cricket.

BCB is urging all Berbicians and even non-Berbicians to contribute to the Fund. A special appeal is also being made to ex-Berbice and Guyana players currently residing overseas, along with former executives of the BCB. Persons interested in assisting the Board can contact the BCB Office on 333 2375 or email foster_hilbert@yahoo.com.

A former president and long-time treasurer of BCB has also been authorised to raise funds for the project via his vast array of friends and contacts.

The management of the BCB wishes to reassure all potential donors that all funds would be used for the intended purpose and would be accounted for.

Twitter to meet Man United over Pogba racist abuse (REUTERS) - Twitter representatives will meet Manchester United and British anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out after the club’s midfielder Paul Pogba became the latest player to be subjected to online racist abuse, the social media company said yesterday.

France international Pogba was a target of online abuse after he missed a penalty in Monday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard last week urged social media companies to take action after 21-year-old striker Tammy Abraham was targeted after the team’s UEFA Super Cup loss to Liverpool.

“We have always maintained an open and healthy dialogue with our partners in this space, but we know we need to do more to protect our users,” Twitter said in a statement.

“Racist behaviour has no place on our platform and we strongly condemn it.

“Over the next few weeks,

Twitter representatives will meet with Manchester United, Kick It Out and any other civil society stakeholders interested in hearing about the proac-

user accounts to prevent anonymous abuse of players.

England women’s coach Phil Neville, a former United player, urged the soccer

France and Man United international Paul Pogba

tive work Twitter is doing to address online racist abuse towards certain footballers in the UK.” The abuse suffered by Pogba was condemned by his teammates including Harry Maguire who urged social media companies to verify

community to boycott social media for six months to send a message.

A study released by Kick It Out said it received 159 reports of discrimination via social media in the English professional game last season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Holding: Archer’s workload at his pace is ‘unsustainable’, tantamount to ‘abuse’

By Charles Richardson

FORMER West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding believes England’s overuse of Jofra Archer is tantamount to “abuse”.

Holding claimed England’s regular deployment of Archer, who bowled 22 of the 75 overs on the penultimate day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, was “unsustainable”.

“Archer bowled a third of all the overs bowled. That’s a spinner’s quota,” he told The Independent. “If you keep bowling him like this you will lose the 96 mph delivery. He’ll still bowl fast, 90mph, but do you want to lose the express pace? It is not just about this match or the next, but next year and the one after that.”

Holding compared Archer to South Africa’s leading quick, Kagiso Rabada who is the same age as Archer (24), has bowled more than 7 000 overs in Test cricket - more than any other fast bowler his age - and has a history of back trouble, which has caused him to

soften the speed of his deliveries.

“It’s abuse,” Holding said.

“When I was bowling, we had three other quicks just as fast.

We could share the burden.”

England’s Jofra Archer

While Archer’s spell was ruthlessly impressive - it ultimately forced Australia’s batting talisman Steve Smith from the field with injury - Holding believes that England’s firecracker needs to be monitored closely in the future.

“England need to be very careful with Archer. He is obviously very fit, as you could see with his recovery from the side strain. Like me, he is tall, not big and muscular.

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada

He relies on rhythm and looks very relaxed running in. All that is in his favour but it is not sustainable for England to use him like this in every match.

Holding’s warning was echoed by Jim Pate, senior physiologist at the centre for health and human perfor-

mance, who spoke exclusively to Telegraph Sport.

“Even for a bowler with such a fluent action as Jofra Archer’s, there are inherent risks in one bowler being asked to take on such a big workload in one match,” he said.

“Fast bowling places a big strain on different areas of the body: there is a huge amount of stress running through the knee and ankle in the landing leg (although Archer’s smaller jump into the crease mitigates against this a little); there is pressure on the shoulder, which generates so much of the pace in the delivery; and there is tension running through the bowler’s side.

“The nature of high-performance athletes is that they will push themselves to the limits of what their bodies can endure - and often beyond. It is the job of the coaches to ensure the athletes are protected from themselves and not allowed to go too far into the danger zone which can lead to injury.” (Yahoo Sport)

Djokovic, Osaka top seeds for U.S. Open (REUTERS) - World number ones and title holders Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka have been named the top seeds for the U.S. Open which starts on Monday in New York.

Three-time U.S. Open champion Djokovic, who comes into the tournament having won his fifth Wimbledon title, is followed in the seedings by 2017 winner Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer will begin his quest for a 21st Grand Slam crown as the third seed.

He is followed by Austrian Dominic Thiem, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

Former champions in the list

Novak Djokovic

Naomi Osaka

of 32 men’s seeds also include Marin Cilic (2014) of Croatia who is 22nd and Stan Wawrinka (2016) of Switzerland who is 23rd.

French Open winner Ash Barty is seeded second behind Japan’s Osaka, followed by Czech Karolina Pliskova and Wimbledon champion Simona Halep.

American Serena Williams, last year’s finalist who is seeking a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, is seeded eighth while another former winner, Sloane Stephens, is 11th.

Angelique Kerber, the 2016 champion, is seeded 14th.

England to play Windies, Pakistan as part of Test Championship next year (REUTERS) - England will host West Indies and Pakistan in a total of six Test matches June-August 2020 as part of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday.

The competition involves the nine top-ranked Test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April 2021, with the top two sides progressing to the final which will be held in England in June 2021.

“The ICC World Test Championship will add significance and context to the Test series against West Indies and Pakistan,” ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said in a statement.

“Where every Test matters, there will be lots of points to play for as England continue their efforts to reach the World Test Championship final.”

England begin their 2020 programme with three Tests against the West Indies, with the first match starting at The Oval on June 4, followed by matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

They then face Australia in three Twenty20 internationals starting July 3, with both teams looking ahead to the T20 World Cup Down Under.

The 50-overs world champions then play Australia in three One-Day internationals.

A three-Test series with Pakistan starting July 30 at Lord’s will be followed by three T20s against the same

opponents and three ODIs against Ireland.

ENGLAND schedule 2020: WEST INDIES: First Test: June 4-8, The Oval Second Test: June 12-16, Edgbaston Third Test: June 25-29, Lord’s AUSTRALIA: First T20: July 3, Chesterle-Street Second T20: July 5, Old Trafford Third T20: July 7, Headingley.

First ODI: July 11, Lord’s Second ODI: July 14, Rose Bowl Third ODI: July 16, Bristol

PAKISTAN: First Test: July 30-August 3, Lord’s Second Test: August 7-11, Old Trafford Third Test: August 20-24, Trent Bridge First T20: August 29, Headingley Second T20: August 31, Sophia Gardens Third T20: September 2, Rose Bowl IRELAND: First ODI: September 10, Trent Bridge Second ODI: September 12, Edgbaston Third ODI: September 15, The Oval.

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England must ‘try to capitalise’ on Smith’s absence - Root

(REUTERS) - England are relieved that Australia batsman Steve Smith is not seriously injured after being struck by a bouncer but will aim to exploit his absence in the third Ashes Test, skipper Joe Root said yesterday.

A concussed Smith was ruled out of the third Test, starting at Headingley today, after being struck on the neck by a vicious bouncer from England paceman Jofra Archer.

England captain Joe Root

Root said the loss of Smith, who has scored 144, 142 and 92 in three innings so far, was similar to England missing paceman James Anderson who is unavailable after suffering a calf injury in the first Test.

“We had the challenge of Jimmy going down four

overs into a Test and had to manage without a replacement, so you get these swings within a big series ... when you get your opportunity you’ve got to jump on it,” Root told reporters.

“When you play against someone of Smith’s quality, you’re trying to find a number of different ways to get him out. The way that Jofra bowled in that spell ... we felt like we were creating chances all the time.

“But you never want to see someone go off injured.

There was a lot of concern in our dressing room for his health and it’s great to see that he’s up and about.”

England added Ollie Pope to their squad as a standby after fellow batsman Jason Roy was struck on the neck during training on Tuesday.

“Jason has been monitored quite closely, as you’d expect.

He’s undergone a couple of concussion tests so far and scored really well, so as it stands I fully expect him to be fit and ready to play …,” Root said.

Australia lead the fivematch series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 251 runs. The second Test was drawn.

Paine wants senior batsmen

to step up, fill void

(REUTERS) - Australia will need a collective effort by their batsmen to fill the void left by the inform Steve Smith who will miss the third Ashes Test against England, skipper Tim Paine said yesterday.

Concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne filled in for Steve Smith with a gritty 59 at Lord’s.

Smith was ruled out of the encounter at Headingley, starting today, due to the effects of a concussion after being hit on the head by a bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the first innings of the drawn second Test at Lord’s.

The former skipper, who smashed 92 at Lord’s, has been in superb form making 144 and 142 in the opening Test at Edgbaston to help Australia seal a 251-run victory for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Asked how Australia

planned to replace Smith in the third Test, Paine told reporters: “We do it as a team.”

Concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne filled in for Smith in the second innings and made a gritty 59 but Paine said it was up to all senior batsmen to ensure the pressure is not entirely on the 25-year-old. “ T h e re a re n ’ t t o o many guys ... that have averaged higher than Steve in Test cricket. Clearly they are huge shoes to fill and we don’t put all that pressure on Marnus,” Paine said.

“Marnus comes in to play a role in our team and it’s up to everyone else, particularly our senior players, to make sure we give that little bit more output and cover Steve.”

Paine said Australia expected more of the same fiery bowling from Barbados-born fast bowler Archer in the third Test.

“We copped some short pitch bowling. The guys have got plans and we’ve prepared really well for it. It’s now about going out and executing,” Paine added. “ W h e n s o m e o n e ’s bowling fast and the crowd’s up and about it’s exciting. It’s great for Test cricket; the interest it’s sparked in the last ... 10 days is great. We’re looking forward to the challenge again this week.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

Countdown intensifies for staging of Toronto Cup 3

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - As the countdown intensifies for the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Toronto Cup 3, to be staged during the Labour Day weekend of August 3031/September 1 here, the organisers are confident that the tournament, which was first staged in 2015, will once again be a tremendous success.

Somewhat disappointed with the number of entries in the Open category to date, OMSCC president Azeem Khan pointed out that he was expecting larger participation but so far there’s the distinct possibility that only four teams will compete in that category.

What is heartening, however, Khan disclosed that some seven teams have been scheduled to compete in the Over-40 category while the Over-50, which was first ini-

tiated on a trial basis, firstly by the OMSCC in 2017, has gained in popularity with nine teams taking entry to date.

The tournament will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the third edition of the Prime

Minister’s Cup, to be staged in Georgetown, Guyana during the first weekend of November An exuberant Khan, who served as vice-president and tournament director when the tournament was first held in September 2015, is

promising a holiday weekend treat during the three days of action which will commence next Friday and climax on Sunday with the final set for the University of Toronto soccer ground, Scarborough.

According to Khan, he’s

FLASHBACK: Ramesh Sunich (second from right) poses with others at the 2015 final with his trophies which were up for grabs on display

expecting a bumper crowd on Sunday when the day’s activities are expected to include additional side attractions and live on-the-spot commentary.

The welcoming ceremony will be held at the Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge, Morningside Avenue, (at Sheppard), Scarborough, starting at 1830hrs next Thursday, setting the stage for the commencement of the tournament the following morning.

Khan further disclosed that he’s looking forward to welcome teams from both North and South America “to our great province to take part in friendly international competition. Best of luck to all”!

Khan pointed out that a copy of the playing rules will be sent to the participating teams shortly. He’s also requesting teams to send in their list of 15 players before next Friday in order for the

OMSCC president Azeem Khan

OMSCC to start populating the Toronto Cup 3 database.

Final changes will however be permitted next Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall Guyana and Markam, Ontario, has been one of the staunchest supporters of previous Toronto Cup and is expected to follow suit this year.

Blairmont CCCC, Young Warriors CC Rawlins thrilled with match-winning performance BCB president …visits makes donations to both clubs

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – All-rounder Delray Rawlins was delighted with his match-winning performance on a rare visit home that helped Bermuda upset the more fancied United States by six runs in the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier at White Hill Field.

in to face the hat-trick ball after two wickets fell in the second over, but went to on make 63 from 53 balls that included three sixes and six fours to underpin Bermuda’s 141 for seven.

Rawlins lifted the crowd with some exquisite stroke play but rode his luck at times with one or two mis-

Bermudan left-hander Delray Rawlins

“It’s always nice to play for your country,” said the 21-year-old left-hander.

Rawlins, who has taken a week off from his full-time job of being a professional cricketer with English Division Two County side Sussex, came

timed shots. He was finally out when he was caught at short third man while attempting a reverse sweep.

“I haven’t played at home for a long time, so I just wanted to have a look and see how things were going,” Rawlins, who also

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, August 22, 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) (1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets Dimuth Karunaratne (SL)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What was the result of the second Test of the current AUST/ENG Ashes series?

Who won the Man of the Match award?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

took a wicket and held two catches, said after Sunday’s victory.

“Once I felt like I was moving nicely I could pick my balls to hit and luckily it came off in the end. I knew my areas that I really wanted to hit the ball and I just stuck to that.”

Bermuda captain Terryn Fray sang Rawlins’ praises.

“We did a good job … and it started with Delray.

He played some amazing shots and got us off to the start we needed for the first half.”

Rawlins fell for six against Canada at the National Sports Centre’s North Field on Monday when rain denied the tournament favourites victory.

Each team took a point from the no-result, leaving the two sides tied at the top on three points, one ahead of the U.S. Bermuda next faced Cayman Islands, who have lost both opening games, yesterday after Tuesday’s rest day. Each team will play the other twice.

The top two teams will qualify for the final qualifier later in the year in the United Arab Emirates.

Rawlins is convinced Bermuda can book their ticket to that tournament, which will decide the lineup for next year’s 16-team T20 World Cup in Australia, where West Indies will be defending champions.

“I believe we have all the tools to qualify and do big things in the coming months,” said Rawlins, who made his maiden first-class century for Sussex against runaway leaders Lancashire last month, ahead of this week’s tournament here.

BCB president Hilbert Foster poses with executives of Blairmont Community Centre

“ON every one of my visits to the seven clubs and one sub-association, I have met, held discussions with the dedicated bunch of administrators and a passionate group of members, who are committed to the overall development of cricket in their clubs.

“From what we took over in February, 2018, I can safely say that there have been a 360 percentage of change in Berbice and we are now on the right track to a height never achieved before.”

Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president after completing visits to the Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCCC) and the Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) as part of his countywide visits to clubs and sub-associations who are members of the BCB. Foster last Thursday visited the BCCCC and firstly spoke to the 40 members of the Club’s annual cricket academy. He advised the youths to take advantage of the Club’s investment into their careers, to develop a culture of discipline, hard work and dedication.

Foster committed the BCB to assisting the Club in every way possible and to provide coaches on a monthly basis as part of an aggressive coaching drive across Berbice.

Meeting with the newly elect-

ed executives, led by president Hussain, Foster urged them to uphold the high standard of the Club which in the past had produced players like Roy Fredericks and Brandon Bess for the West Indies.

Other players included Adrian and Leslie Amsterdam, Naresh Roopnarine, Khaldeen Bux, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat and Javed Karim.

Foster announced that his administration has been able to raise sponsorship for a Two-Day First Division Tournament which would start shortly. He also handed over a large donation to the Club including two water pitchers, a scorebook, cricket balls, school bags, educational materials, youth information booklets, educational posters and trophies.

Foster, who was accompanied by BCB treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry, answered every question posed to him by the Blairmont executives, including youth selection policy, umpiring, youth coaching and assistance to clubs.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the hardworking president visited YWCC at the Cumberland ground, after visiting the No.63 Beach for the Graduation Ceremony of BCB Cricket Academy. The president was informed that the Club had held its election and popular banking executive Imran Sacoor was elected president.

Foster urged the new executives to put the Club’s business in order as quickly as possible as the rest of 2019 would have a very packed schedule.

He advised the Club to invest heavily in a junior section as this would ensure their future. Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, who accompanied the president, handed over a five-gallon water pitcher and a scorebook to the Club.

In addition, through a press release, BCB wants to make it quite clear that its president has never sought to force any Club to hold elections as was falsely stated by the Government Sports Officer in Region 6.

The decisions of the Whim National CC and YWCC to hold their Annual Elections were made by their membership and BCB would like to condemn in the strongest possible way the attitude and behaviour of the Sports Officer. The BCB would like to urge the Region 6 official to fulfil his official duties to develop sports and not to use his position to settle personal battles.

The Board would like also to urge the Director of Sport and the Minister of Sport to look into the attitude of this official, who should be working along with all organisations to develop sports in Berbice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 22, 2019

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Trophy Stall supports IKD Caribbean Cup THE Trophy Stall, which has already distinguished itself as one of the most consistent supporters of sports in Guyana, has committed to supporting the Guyana Karate Federation’s IKD Caribbean Cup competition, which will be held over the coming weekend.

This event involves karatekas competing for championship honours in both junior and senior categories of this sport.

Speaking at the Trophy Stall’s South Road, Georgetown location on Tuesday, proprietor Ramesh Sunich highlighted that the company is always elated to be an ally of sport.

“Once against, Trophy Stall is pleased to be on board with yet another tournament; this time it’s karate. It’s not our first time being in the karate world, but I assumed that this is the biggest tournament we would have had in Guyana in recent times, and I’m pleased with Mr Woon-A-Tai, who chose to come to Trophy Stall to select his trophies,” Sunich explained.

As Chief Instructor and Chairman of the Guyana Karate College, Frank Woon-

Ramesh Sunich and Frank Woon-A-Tai display the championship trophies

Pierre Singh aiming for more Drag racing glory EAST Coast-based Pierre Singh is aiming for glory at this weekend’s 1320 Heat Drag-racing event.

Singh, whose Toyota Alteeza is sponsored by Miracle Optical, believes that this time, he will be carrying home a trophy

“We’ve done some work on it after we found the issues and I don’t know where we will end up but when we test today or tomorrow, we will be better able to fine-tune the car.”

While Sunday’s event is an international event,

Pierre Singh and his Toyota Alteeza

“The last time out, we ran in the 14-second class because the car had some issues. After that meet, we went back home and redid the car and I think we can go faster,” Singh said.

Singh is looking to tussle with the local boys.

“Like I said, we aren’t sure where the car will run but after fine-tuning, we will know which bracket we are running in and then we will

be better able to fight with those cars.”

“We have an idea of where we want to be and how fast we want to go but again we want to have all the data and then make a decision if we want to go faster or stay where we are.”

Sunday’s event is billed to commence at 09:00hrs with practice runs, with qualification set for 10:00hrs and Elimination starting at 12:00hrs.

So far, four cars from Trinidad cars are expected in port Georgetown later this evening and will be cleared on Friday ahead of the event.

One railcar, one Nissan Skyline and two drag motorcycles are expected.

While there was interest from Suriname, the non-functioning ferry service has prevented their participation.

Event sponsors include ISG, DEL CO ICE, R. Kissoon Contracting, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat, Prem Electrical, E-Networks, Trans-Pacific Auto Sales, Cyril’s Taxi, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Tropical Shipping and Hand-in-Hand.

Admission for kids is $1 000 s and adults $2 000.

A-Tai expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sunich and his company for the kind gesture.

“We’d like to express gratitude to Ramesh Sunich for donating these trophies to the 2019 IKD Caribbean Cup,” he said.

The IKD Caribbean Cup is expected to commence on Friday, August 23 (tomorrow) with training sessions and seminars. The competition days are Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. Woon-A-Tai anticipates that this tournament will not only be large, but will contribute to Guyana’s Sport Tourism sector.

“It’s going to be one of the largest karate tournaments in Guyana, because we’re expecting almost 200 overseas guests to come in, which will boost sport tourism in Guyana,” Woon-A-Tai said.

With students coming from Transport Karate Club and YMCA, Guyana’s contingent is expected to be in excess of 100 students. WoonA-Tai believes that Guyana has the capacity to do well in this tournament, especially since the event is being hosted on home turf.

Other countries participating in this tournament are: Trinidad and Tobago, 79 students; Barbados 74, St Vincent and the Grenadines 25 and other smaller islands would also be

in attendance.

The IKD Caribbean Cup will be hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.

BCCI grows richer with new Paytm deal MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India’s cricket board (BCCI) said yesterday it will earn 58% more per match for the next four years as Paytm retained the title sponsorship rights for international and domestic matches, underlining the game’s undiminished popularity in the country.

Cricketers are the highest profile athletes and enjoy rock-star status in the world’s second most populous country. Paytm’s bid showed the semi-final defeat to New Zealand in the recent 50-over World Cup has not dented the sport’s popularity.

Digital payments company Paytm, owned by One 97 Communications, will pay 3.27 billion rupees ($45.78M) for the 2019-23 period to the BCCI, which is the richest national cricket board in the world.

The winning bid was 38 million rupees (about $532,000) for every match compared to 24 million rupees that Paytm paid in 2015 to win the rights then.

“We are excited to continue our long-term association with BCCI and the Indian Cricket Team,” Paytm chief executive Vijay Shekhar Sharma said in a statement.

“Our commitment to Indian Cricket gets stronger with every season. India loves cricket and we at Paytm are the biggest fans of it.”

Fernandes outshines Best to take women’s senior CASA title

…C

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Chris Binne

… Jamaica’s Binnie surged to a record ninth singles title

Nicolette Fernandes in action against Barbadian Meagan Best on Tuesday night (Adrian Narine photo)

Windies look to end 17-year winless streak against India

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies will attempt to break a 17-year winless streak against India in the longest format and also stave off another series clean sweep, when they clash with the tourists in the opening Test here today.

Their last success in a Test came when Carl Hooper’s side posted a 10-wicket victory at Georgetown on India’s tour of the Caribbean in 2002. Coincidentally, that five-match rubber was the last time the Windies beat India in a series.

Since then, West Indies have endured a wretched run against the Asian powerhouse, losing 12 of their last 21 Tests home and away. Last year on the subcontinent, neither Test lasted three days.

Despite the miserable record, captain Jason Holder said yesterday his side were upbeat ahead of the two-Test series, especially following on from their success against England earlier this year in the Caribbean.

“I think the mindset of the team is a positive one. The guys are upbeat for the challenge,” Holder told reporters here ahead of the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

“We’ve been playing some pretty good Test cricket over the last couple years and we’ve been able to put together some series wins which will prove pivotal for our confidence and our de-

velopment.

“The start of the Test championship brings something special, the guys really know what’s at stake. It’s just a matter for us to continue doing the small things we’ve been doing and keep building a unit.”

Kensington Oval first Test, setting in train a stunning 2-1 series result that saw them reclaim the Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.

Holder said if they were to be successful against the Indians, the Windies batsmen needed to follow the example

Popular off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall goes through his paces in the final training session ahead of the first Test. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) West Indies’ success of the bowling group in terms against England came almost of their discipline. out of nowhere. They had “The beauty about our suffered chastening defeats to success is that it’s comIndia and Bangladesh in their ing from being patient and previous four Tests late last building pressure,” explained year, and had been given little Holder. hope against world number “As a bowling unit we’ve one England. been very, very disciplined However, they crushed and it gave us a lot of posiEngland by 381 runs in the tive results. In terms of our

batting, we’ve got a number of individual star performers (but) I still don’t think collectively we’ve done well enough as a batting unit.

“The onus is on the batters now to just continue to improve. We have seen a lot of improvement but we just want to get a little more consistency in that department.”

West Indies have retained the core of the group who were successful against England but selectors have brought in off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall as the spin option.

The 26-year-old has been rewarded for his consistency in the first class championship and for West Indies A, and Holder said he was expecting him to excel once selected.

“Rahkeem has done well for a number of years in regional cricket so I think he is deserving of this selection,” said Holder.

“Hopefully if he gets the opportunity he can come in and continue the good work he’s shown in A-team cricket and regional cricket. I think a guy like Rahkeem has definitely shown his cricketing ability, both with bat and ball and also in the field – I think he’s got a big safe pair of hands.

“If it does boil down that he gets this opportunity I think he’ll grab it with both hands and be just as successful as he was in regional cricket.”

Newly-elected GCF president pledges focus on

development, transparency Page

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GCF president Linden Dowridge

GCF Racing secretary Malcolm Sonoram

Trophy Stall supports IKD Caribbean Cup

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2019