Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_29_2019

THURSDAY 29th AUGUST, 2019

No.105744

GECOM extends hours for H2H

-- as commission ramps up work to meet August 31 03 deadline PAGE

Time to get to the root of the problem

-- First Lady Sandra Granger says as she addresses the issue of domestic violence

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08

Wanted bulletin

issued for wife killer

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17

Johnny Braff passes away PAGE

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‘Do not panic’

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02

–– House-to-House still ongoing, was not scrapped, says PM Residents of La Parfaite Harmonie turn out in large numbers at the government outreach held at the community primary school on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

‘Do not panic’ 2

community that they still have four more days to register on the House-to-House basis. Persons will either have the opportunity to register once enumerators visit their homes or they can visit a registration centre closest to them.

The prime minister believes that this is a time for all “serious Guyanese” to come forward and say that they want to get their names registered.

Up to this point, 300,000 persons, age 14 years and older have registered, something which Prime Minister Nagamootoo said is fantastic.

“It shows that people did not listen to the call for a boycott, though some were persuaded not to register,” he said, adding that the information gathered from the national registration exercise will not be wasted.

GECOM has decided to merge the over 300,000 fresh

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

-- House-to-House still ongoing, was not scrapped, says PM registrants with the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR) database.

After merging the data with the NRR, Nagamootoo said GECOM will start a process of extracting, from the register, all persons 18 years old and up.

“Now you would have a new preliminary voters’ list and they said there will be an extended period for citizens to make claims and objections.

GET REGISTERED “If your name is not on the register, you have time to get registered… if it is still not on the register, there are registration centres and if your name is not on the preliminary voters’ list, you will make a claim,” said the prime minister.

Similarly, persons will be able to make objections once they see someone whose Turn to page 03 ►

Prime Minister Nagamootoo speaking to residents of La Parfaite Harmonie

By Navendra Seoraj PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has urged persons not to panic and be confused by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s decision to shorten the time for the ongoing House-to-House registration exercise, as the commission is doing its work to produce a clean voters’ list.

“Do not panic, do not be confused, the commission is doing its work to produce a clean voters’ list… people who are peddling to you that

the registration is scrapped, it is a lie… House-to-House has not come to an end,” said Nagamootoo, speaking to residents of La Parfaite Harmonie at a Government Outreach, on Wednesday.

At its statutory meeting on Tuesday, the Elections Commission took a decision to shorten the period initially designated for the conduct of house-to-house registration.

As such, the exercise, which commenced on July 20, 2019, will come to a close on August 31 instead of October 20, 2019.

He told residents of the

Residents gathered to listen to officials of the Government during the outreach on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

GECOM extends hours for H2H

3

-- as commission ramps up work to meet August 31 deadline

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has taken a decision to extend the hours for the conduct of House-to-House Registration as the exercise wraps up this weekend.

The decision to extend the hours comes one day after it decided to conclude the House-to-House Registration exercise on August 31, 2019. “… Please be advised the field staff (AROs, clerks, enumerators) will be working from 10:00hrs - 19:00hrs daily for the remaining days,” the Elections Commission said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh took a unilateral decision to short-

the exercise.

On Wednesday when Guyana Chronicle visited North Georgetown, enumerators were seen registering first-time registrants while collecting critical information. Once the exercise has concluded, GECOM will move to merge the data garnered from that registration exercise with the existing National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB).

A registrant, who asked to remain anonymous, told Guyana Chronicle that she is in full support of the merger.

“When I understand what this merger is about, it is not a bad thing but if you want to disenfranchise the young people that would be wrong,” the Campbellville, Georgetown businesswoman told

Though she had registered in the past, the businesswoman said she capitalised on the opportunity to register.

“Registering is a very

These two remunerators, while in Campbellville, Georgetown, were doing a check of the number of households in the area that had unregistered persons (Samuel Maughn photo)

good thing, it is benefiting everybody, and they are entitled to get registered. This is not a party thing, it is about what is right for the people of the country,” she told

GET REGISTERED Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has also urged unregistered Guyanese, 14 years and older, to get registered within the remaining days.

“It is clear to me that the registration process has not come to a stop, it has not been halted, there are still four days remaining and I would urge everyone 14 years and above to step forward in this window of opportunity to register,” the Prime Minister told Guyana Chronicle.

Though the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition had preferred the generation of a new National Register of Registrants through the process of House-to-House Registration, from which the Official

List of Electors would have been extracted, the prime minister acknowledged that the national registration exercise is not the only means of arriving at a credible Official List of Electors.

“House-to-House Registration was a method but it was not the only method by which you could have an authentic, credible list. It was not the only method,” the prime minister told this newspaper, noting that based on GECOM’s decision, an extensive Claims and Objection exercise would be carried out in its quest to generate a credible list.

With more than 300,000 Guyanese already registered in this ongoing cycle of registration, Prime Minister Nagamootoo believes that the inclusion of that data into the National Register of Registrants Database would aid in the compilation of a credible Official List of Electors.

“Now that you have over 300,000 fresh registrants on the register, it means that you have over 300,000 authentic

names, you don’t have to worry that you have 300,000 phantoms, you have credible names of people who are alive, and who are resident in Guyana and that makes the process credible,” PM Nagamootoo said.

He added: “This registration, House-to-House method has added credibility to the process of national registration because you couldn’t invent names and you can’t bring people out of the graveyard or those who have migrated permanently and place them on a list and feel that you are safe, that, that is an authentic list.”

Meanwhile, GECOM said it will continue to further deliberate on other matters of importance for the holding of General and Regional Elections within the shortest possible time, adding that the Secretariat will continue to implement a number of operations activities, in particular, training of polling day staff and procurement of non-sensitive materials.

residency, in the case of Guyanese, was not a requirement under the laws.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, however, argued that the acting chief justice erred when she ruled that it would be unconstitutional to remove persons from the National Register of Registrants if they fail to register during this cycle of house-to-house registration.

He laid out 16 grounds as he appealed, in part, the judgement on house-to-house registration. A date for that case has not been set.

“We are not dealing with phantom names... you’re

dealing with real people… we want elections soon and early but it must be clean and fair with a clean voters’ list… we cannot go into elections with a list of people who have died, have fake names or fake ID cards,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

According to GECOM, it will then move to ensure that all arrangements for the publication of a credible Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) are in place before the commencement of an extensive Claims and Objections (C&O) exercise.

After completing the necessary process, GECOM

will inform President David Granger that they are ready and prepared for elections, then the President will announce a date for elections and dissolve Parliament.

In the August 14 High Court judgement, the acting chief justice ruled that the ongoing House-to-House registration being undertaken by GECOM is within the confines of the Constitution, and is therefore legal.

Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the Constitution and the Laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of House-to-House registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by

both the government and GECOM. The countrywide House-to-House exercise was conducted 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. The exercise was scheduled to end on October 20, but, according to GECOM, Order 25 of 2019 published in the Official Gazette should be amended for the exercise to conclude on August 31, 2019.

Map in hand, this enumerator was among a group of GECOM staff that combed Cummings Lodge Central on Wednesday in search of unregistered Guyanese who have reached the eligibility requirements (Samuel Maughn photo)

In this photo, the enumerators were visiting a house in Cummings Lodge Central where several persons had not been registered during this cycle of registration (Samuel Maughn photo)

en the period for the national registration exercise with effect from Saturday. The decision was taken at a point when over 300, 000 persons have been registered during

this newspaper.

The middle-aged woman said she is pleased that unregistered persons were given an opportunity, though shortened, to get registered.

From page 02 ►

‘Do not ... name is not supposed to be there, on the list.

According to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, once someone has died, their name has to be removed from the list and if someone migrated several years ago, they are not supposed to be on the list.

Although the house-tohouse process was validated by the acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, she had ruled that it would be unlawful or unconstitu-

tional to remove the names of persons who are already on the List of Registrants and who were not, or have not been, or are not registered in the current exercise with a consequence of non-inclusion on the list of electors.

Justice George-Wiltshire had explained that persons could only be removed from the list if they are deceased or disqualified pursuant to Article 159. In that judgement, she also ruled that

this newspaper. The Campbellville resident is urging unregistered Guyanese to utilise this window period to get registered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

Brazil announces South American meeting on Amazon, takes Chile's help BRASILIA (Reuters) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednes-

day that South American countries would meet to determine a common policy

in defense of the Amazon rainforest, and took another swipe at France for an offer of $20 million in aid.

In an indication that Bolsonaro, a far-right conservative, is forging closer ties with neighboring

countries than European nations, he also accepted Chile’s offer of four aircraft to help fight the fires sweeping through the world’s largest rainforest.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Chil-

29 August, 2019 - 03:30hrs ~ 05:00hrs 14:30hrs ~ 16:00hrs

ean President Sebastian Pinera in Brasilia, Bolsonaro said a meeting with regional neighbors except Venezuela to discuss a common policy in defense of the Amazon will be held on Sept. 6 in the Colombian city of Leticia.

In a statement, the two leaders said environmental challenges must be met while respecting “national sovereignty,” and that each country should have control over the “rational and sustainable use of their natural resources, in line with their environmental obligations and needs of their citizens, including indigenous peoples.”

It also highlighted as “valuable and important” the use of bilateral cooperation and international financial support to deal with the crisis. Pinera, who has a close relationship with Bolsonaro, is an increasingly important figure in the environmental crisis triggered by the Amazon fires, and visited Brasilia on his return from a G7 summit in France where he attended as the rotating representative for Latin America. Chile will also hold the COP25 climate summit in December, having taken it over from the original host, Brazil, after Bolsonaro was elected.

Bolsonaro waded back into a spat with France, saying Brazil’s sovereignty had “no price, not even $20 trillion,” a reference to an offer of $20 million aid announced by French President Emmanuel Ma-

cron at the Group of Seven wealthy nations summit over the weekend. Bolsonaro dismissed the offer as an insulting attempt to “buy” Brazil’s sovereignty.

Macron has accused Bolsonaro, a longtime skeptic of environmental concerns, of lying about climate change. “Only after it (the French government) has recanted what it said about my person, which represents Brazil, ... can we talk again,” Bolsonaro said.

Following a meeting with Paraguayan president Mario Abdo later on Wednesday, Chile’s Pinera spoke of the need to build out region-wide infrastructure to fight increasingly prevalent forest-fires in South America.

Pinera said new regional bloc Prosur could contribute to the effort. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, who shares Bolsonaro’s skepticism of environmental concerns and has been at the forefront of the government’s response to the Amazon crisis, remained in the Armed Forces Hospital in Brasilia on Wednesday.

Salles, 44, was admitted to the hospital’s emergency unit on Tuesday after complaining of not feeling well, the hospital said in a statement. Hospital staff opted to carry out “routine examinations,” and he is in stable condition, it said.

Wednesday August 28, 2019

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August 24, 2019

05, 15, 17, 20, 22

1, 0, 8

6, 5, 5

02, 04, 06, 10, 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

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BVI Governor declares curfew as Dorian heads towards BVI ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug 28, CMC – Governor Augustus Jaspert has announced a 16 hour curfew as the British Overseas Territory awaits the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian later on Thursday.

Jaspert said that the curfew would begin at 2.00 pm (local time) Wednesday and

end at 6.00 am on Thursday “or until an all-clear is issued, as part of preparations for the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian” The Miami-based National Hurricane centre (NHC) said that Dorian was forecast to become a hurricane and was located about 25 miles south east of St. Croix. It has

maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour (mph).

A hurricane warning has been issued for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) , Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.while a hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico. The NHC said that a tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Do-

minican Republic from Isla Saona to Samana.

Dorian, which passed through most of the Lesser Antilles on Tuesday with minimum damage, is moving towards the northwest near 13 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or two. “On this track, Dorian

should move near the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and then continue over the open Atlantic well east of the southeastern Bahamas,” the NHC said, adding that Dorian is forecast to become a hurricane later today and continue strengthening during the next few days over the At-

lantic waters. “Swells are expected to increase later today across the U.S.and British Virgin Islands and along the southern coasts of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, and they could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the NHC added.

ACP SG urges Caribbean to quickly negotiate new agreement with Britain post Brexit

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 27, CMC – The Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group, Dr. Patrick I Gomes, says it will be in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries favour to quickly negotiate new trade agreements with the United Kingdom as it moves to leave the European Union.

The UK is due to leave the European Union on 31 October this year with or without any Brexit deal and Gomes told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he believes the Caribbean would need to have relations with both UK and the wider Europe in the post Brexit era, adding that the relationship with Europe, whether it is one without the UK will still be very important in terms of “our political ties and also our combination of resources in the international arena like in climate change overall. “But also in terms of investment and access to technology. But also there will be a substantial amount of development finance to continue under new terms of course and we know these terms will be important.

“But along with the UK

there will be of course a link of the Caribbean and UK post Brexit and we are putting on the table there should be no less than the duty free quota free provided now by our access to the European Union as a whole”. He said the work is being prepared and that “the benefit of that work is also seeing how we prepare the Caribbean pillar, which in the post Cotonou Agreement with Europe would see certain areas that we would also want to address in dealing with the Caribbean-UK alone.

“So rather than the EU-Caribbean as a pillar, you will have the Caribbean-UK”. He said with Brexit and the termination of the contribution of development finance from the UK to the European pool as a whole, “we will have to negotiate as part of a relationship between the CARICOM and the UK post Brexit, how we will have trade, how we will link with development finance and what will be the other conditions. “So it will be a subject for negotiations in certain areas. They may not be areas such as sugar, but there may be areas related to small and medium enterprises, there are areas that we will have to specify and

put on the table. “Therefore the discussions on that have already begun by looking at the areas in which UK’s development finance that goes into the EDF (European Development Fund) have been covering, one of which has been to do with governance.”

“They want to look at human rights, capacity building, public-private sector reform. They have a lot of social security issues…so we will have to negotiate on the basis of proposals we want to put forward with a fixed amount”. Gomes said that the roll-over of the trade agreement is already being considered through CARICOM “so that duty free, quota free and all the phytosanitary regulations that are applicable in Europe will not be punitive on the Caribbean, but will be along the same lines”.

The Guyanese-born diplomat said trade relations post Brexit and the development finance post Brexit will have to be negotiated. “We don’t know what amount will go to

the Caribbean because their (UK) allocation will be going to other developing countries.

They will be dealing with Sri Lanka, they will be looking for their own arrangements with India etc, so it will be a negotiated issue,” he said, reiterating it would be in the Caribbean’s favour to negotiate as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Gomes told CMC that the negotiations with Europe on a new accord to replace the Cotonou Agreement linking the ACP and the EU that was signed in June 2000 in Benin’s largest city. It entered into force in 2003 and was subsequently revised in 2005 and 2010.

It is regarded as the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU and in 2010, ACP-EU cooperation has been adapted to new challenges such as climate change, food security, regional integration, state fragility and aid effectiveness.

The fundamental principles of the Cotonou Agree-

ment include equality of partners, global participation, dialogue and regionalisation.

He described the new proposed agreement as “a departure from previous agreements” noting that this new agreement “has a foundation which has the common provision, but also some cross cutting themes where we emphasis questions of gender, capacity building, where we emphasis youth and also looking at entrepreneurial skills that will link into small medium enterprises”.

Gomes said along with the foundation and the general principles dealing with human rights, rule of law, more specific areas in terms of industrialisation are also on the table. “We are putting a great emphasis now on our value chain and how you see at each stage in the value chain applications of research and innovation to either enhance or improve our production process, but also linking to our marketing and the type of products that the market is

demand of. “The other aspect of this new agreement post Cotonou …a 20 year agreement, will be the fact that you will have three regional pillars. So there will be great attention to the specificities of Africa, taking into account of Continental Africa and their interest of a Continental Africa free trade area.

“Similarly for us (Caribbean) there will be another pillar for the Caribbean-EU looking at our specificities, addressing questions of women, gender (which() are very different from Africa. “Thirdly will be the specificities for a Pacific-EU pillar and that’s where we emphasising a lot on oceans, fishing, marine resources and that will also bring the Caribbean and the Pacific into a closer relationship in terms of working how those two pillars complement each other on areas such as ocean governance, trade, protection of illegal unregulated and unidentified fishing.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

THE DIASPORA S

INCE Guyana became an independent nation, elected leaders have always invited Guyanese resident abroad to return home and invest.

Some have answered the call by physical remigration. Others have opted for dual residency, maintaining homes in Guyana and their adopted country. Yet others have found other ways to ‘re-migrate’ without being physically here.

Those who cannot or chose not to return, have made known various reasons for same. Some of these are jobs, financial obligations, family commitments in the adopted country, and situations such as crime, standard of living, health care, and education, which they see as comparatively worse in Guyana. There is no intent to debate or debunk the merit or demerit of any claim, but merely to acknowledge some of the pushand-pull factors for migration and emigration through the lens of

Guyanese resident abroad.

That having been said, none would deny love for country and those living at home, even though in moments of crisis or concerns about the management of the country, or who has responsibility to manage it at any given time, the inclination may be to ‘done with Guyana.’ This is understood because, as a people, we expect and want better for our country.

Continued efforts by Guyanese in the diaspora to invest in Guyana confirm this view and it is to this view that attention is paid.

Personal remittances (PR) continue to play a major role in Guyana’s economy, with figures recording in the tens of billions of guyana dollars annually. According to World Bank data for the period 2011-2015, PR contributed 10.6 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The sending of barrels, establishment of overseas-based chapters/ organisations, and various ways

of collaborating with Guyanese at home are acts of investing.

The symbiotic relationship brings with it benefits such as cross-fertilisation of cultures and skills transfer, which bode well in a diverse and competitive world economy, and the strengthening of connections between groups.

This relationship is putting new meaning to the cliché-- wanting the best of both worlds—because, in today’s globalised environment, it can actually happen.

Being physically away from Guyana or choosing not to return (at least for the time) presents no hindrance to investing in Guyana.

Consequently, it is encouraging to see the diaspora taking on new and additional features such as paying close attention and getting involved in the affairs of the state.

What this is communicating to Guyanese at home is a pro-active nature to do something for country and self, where, evidently, the heart remains, and this is

good. The pro-active pursuit will increase awareness and possibilities of what can be achieved when the mind conceives and acts. Where there may be questions and uncertainty as to how to proceed, the sharing of best practices and attitudes/application in dealing with issues could provide needed assurance and guidance.

Additionally, with technical help and support, issues such as time management, setting and meeting goals, customer service, civility, and the value of accountability, are practices that can be cultivated and improved at home.

Conversely, the somewhat relaxed pace of doing things in Guyana and neighbourliness lend for de-stressing and meaningful interaction. While the former can at times be off-putting on matters of work, when one wants to unwind, slow down and enjoy the breeze of nature, this can be welcoming, coupled with friendliness with neighbours and on

the streets, which are rarities in metropolitan societies.

Not forgetting the sea/ocean and land breeze, fresh fruits, vegetables and wild-caught seafood to name some, though rear and pricey abroad, are relatively accessible and reasonably priced at home. The taste of a ripe Buxton or spice mango devoid of chemical sprayed to preserve it, and haggling with the market vendor to reduce the price or add a special cut of meat, are things that uniquely identify Guyana. Yes, investing in Guyana allows Guyanese abroad to have the best of both worlds. And while it is understood some may not physically want to, or cannot re-migrate, every legitimate effort made, in whatever form, helps to improve the quality of life for Guyanese, reinforces the pride of building Guyana, and makes Guyana a better place.

Justice Singh has set a tone and standard worthy of emulation

Dear Editor:

A

T its statutory meeting of 27th August, after listening to deliberations on both sides, decisions were taken on how the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will proceed in fulfilling its mandate to hold General and Regional Elections. In the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh's deliberations [on] two critical elements were outlined, “credible elections” and that said elections must be held in the “shortest possible time.”

These statements are consistent with the 12th of July Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and 14th August acting Chief Justice’s rulings. Justice Singh SC further stated the measures taken to achieve

both "credible" and "early elections" are: 1) reduction of time originally allotted for National Registration; 2) there will being a “merging” of the “data garnered from [the present] registration exercise…with the existing National Register of Registrants Database;” 3) “all arrangements for publication of a credible Preliminary List of Electors…” will be put in place; and 4) an “extensive Claim and Objections exercise” which will follow the above.

Since Justice Singh was appointed [on the] 29th July, this is her first detailed directive on how GECOM will proceed. We can be assured this followed an in-depth assessment of the body's role and responsibility to navigate this period of electoral

demand and need. The Chair has not failed Guyana with her shrewd judgement and it is evident at the statutory meeting the opportunities were given for all sides to be heard and a consensus followed.

Notwithstanding this, once again, despite the credibility and professionalism that Justice Singh brings to GECOM and the transparency of the process, the nation is faced with and about to be bombarded with a plethora of misinformation as to her ruling and its implications for the Guyanese electorate. This is being done at the behest of some politicians and their surrogates. It is unacceptable and must be stopped.

We are already beginning to see a repeat of the malicious distortion of the

CCJ and other rulings that has thrown this society in confusion. Instead of seeking primary sourced information, many acquire their knowledge and understanding of what is happening from opinion leaders of their preference. Many of these are driven by agendas to serve one or the other political master and not the common good.

Justice Singh has set a tone and standard worthy of emulation by the interim Government and the interim Opposition. She has done what this nation has not seen in recent times, outside of the court of law, which is arrived at a conclusion/decision that demonstrates that in a situation of different perspectives there can be consensus, with both parties receiving some degree [of] satisfaction.

This nation is reminded and called to take note that whereas the interim Opposition, led by Mr. Jagdeo and aided by surrogates, who take every opportunity to attack and throw aspersions and besmirch the character of the Chair of GECOM and other government institutions which are legally engaged in conducting their duties, its Members are failing to fulfil their constitutional role in the National Assembly, for which they are still receiving a monthly salary. This is almost the equivalency of workers being on strike but receiving full pay, a situation no other worker in Guyana can enjoy for such length of period without being fired.

GECOM has brought to our awareness and consciousness that compromise is not

a bad word. It is a significant aspect of decision-making and conflict resolution. Having achieved that at this level, what is necessary now is for the parties and their agents to act in good faith and respect each other’s rights and gains coming out of this process.

This is necessary for this country of ours to move forward as a unitary force.

It is time for Mr. Jagdeo to stop fueling the media drama and antics and return to work and recognise that this nation’s differences can be settled in the National Assembly, including the management of our natural resources, and not in constant brawl and display of the vernacular.

Regards Lincoln Lewis.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

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GTT awards bursaries to 11 NGSA students THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has awarded 11 bursaries to children of its employees who performed exceptionally well at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

“It is a great honour to give back to our employees and their children. I encourage you all to continue doing your best to maintain good grades,” said GTT’s Director of Employer Experience, Damsel Thompson-Brown at the handing-over ceremony last week, the company said in a release.

Brown, who congratulated the students on their success, also noted the importance of learning a skill or trade during

their time at high school. “Formal education is important; however, an individual with a skill or a trade has options and becomes even more marketable,” Thompson-Brown said.

The students all received a cheque from the company, with the top two performers being each awarded with a HD Fire 10 kindle. The Awardees include Javon Azore, Walton Alleyne, Shaneah Seabra, Jashaun Garrett, Christian Greaves, Tayla Hartley, Jaeden Douglas, Akeelah Davidson, Nolan Farley, Cayla Richards, and Tashaunsia Alder.

According to Thompson-Brown, once the students upkeep a pass rate of 65 per

cent at the end of the school term, they will continue to benefit from the company’s bursary award programme.

As GTT establishes itself as an employer of choice, Damsel explained that the programme is set up to assist staff in providing the opportunities for a sound education for their children. The students and parents all received the awards in good spirit and commended the company for this initiative.

Proud GTT employees with the bursary awardees

IGNORING THE ILLEGITIMACY OF THE NCM POSES A RISK TO OUR DEMOCRACY Dear Editor

I

WISH to respond to Christopher Ram in his letter in SN of 28th August, where he calls on "the citizens of Guyana to ensure that Guyana’s democracy does not slip by a single day longer", moreover "even if it means having to pay costs for our efforts to protect not only the Constitution but democracy."

Here is what Ram is (deliberately?) missing.

In the minds of many Guyanese, their democratic right was wantonly violated by the treachery of

one man, Charrandass Persaud. The results of the 2015 election, with the defeat of the PPP after 23 years, clearly demonstrated where the desire and will of the majority of the people resided. So, for many Guyanese, the NCM is not a matter of legalities only. It is a matter of democratic acceptability and legitimacy. And the 2018 NCM lacks those qualities outright.

In protecting our democracy, the legitimacy (acceptance by the people) of our constitution and the structures, processes, and institutions it establishes is critical. Without this social contract,

Ugly and unnecessary Dear Editor,

T

he article titled ‘Barricades around the City Jail: what message is being sent?’

Kaieteur News, Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

IT is unnecessary to attempt to add to the contents of this timely article, save to say that I would have headlined it with these words: ‘Ugly and Unnecessary.’

Something must be wrong that this state of affairs continues. The abomination started during the previous administration in 2002, after the infamous jail break. Efforts were made to attenuate this ugliness; however, after the 2016 fire, I am aware that Prison authorities received threats to

create more mayhem.

One can have some degree of empathy for the Prison administration; however, it is about time that corrective action be taken.

In those circumstances, the Kaieteur News Editorial is timely. I have, from time to time, inveighed against those who criticize for sheer ‘cussedness’ of knowing what is wrong.

This has been the forte of idiots and soothsayers; however, the article has made proposals which I believe are worthy of consideration and capable of implementation.

Regards Hamilton Green

GECOM must continue to act decisively Dear Editor

I

T is good to see GECOM starting to make decisive moves to quicken the path to our country’s next major elections. Per the instructions of GECOM chairwoman Justice Singh, House-to-House (H2H) registration will now end on August 31st, and there will be an extended Claims and Objections period before producing a preliminary list of voters.

As GECOM’s work picks up momentum, I would like to see the political parties contesting the elections use the opportunity to educate their supporters on how to check the list to confirm

they are registered to vote. It will be beneficial because 1. The voters will trust the guidance given by their respective party of choice and 2. GECOM will be able to handle claims and objections more efficiently if the voters know the process.

I hope our next government allocates significant funding to digitize the registration process and allow for faster access and sorting of voter data in the future. With the proper cyber-security framework in place, this will eliminate a lot of hassle and will allow voters to be able to self-register by creating a profile for themselves and uploading the relevant photographs, copies

proper interpretations of the constitution mean little. So, for Ram and others to call on us to protect our democracy and constitution (given how the NCM was passed) is simplistic, dangerous and, probably, deceitful. Too many view the NCM as illegitimate (the act of one man, acting secretly and deviously). For them, the coalition government was democratically elected and, therefore, properly in place.

Ignoring the illegitimacy of the NCM (and how it has violently nullified the collective will of the people) poses a great risk to our

democracy. Those who, therefore, narrowly focus on the legalities of Article 106 and the rulings of the courts, are burying their heads in the sand and are doing a disservice to our young democracy. The discussion needs to return to what Charrandass has done to our democratic soul.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe

Ogunseye takes issue with Bisram on the WPA Dear Editor,

S

ince Dr. Vishnu Bisram emerged as a pollster and social and political analyst giving commentary on the country’s politics, I have over time come to respect him as a professional researcher in pursuit of facts to inform public discourse.

His recent letter published in Kaieteur News on 24 August 2019, “AFC has political value”, has caused me to question his professionalism, not because he contends that the AFC has political value since on this point I concur with his view, but not his arguments justifying his position.

My reason for responding to Bisram is to challenge his declaration that WPA has no support. He wrote, “One can literally count the support of the WPA and NDA and the minor parties on two hands”. If Dr. Bisram was not in the business of conducting polls and has a reputation to defend, I would have ignored what he wrote, and treat his remark as politicking - and let it pass. I am taken aback by the disrespect he

of their documents etc. Let’s see which of our political hopefuls are paying attention and are ready to capitalize on the opportunity to properly set us on the road to modern governance.

Let us look forward to a transparent, credible process to elect our next leaders, and let each of us do our small part to spread knowledge about GECOM’s procedures and

has shown on this occasion for Guyanese political intelligence by suggesting that all the small parties’ collective support, with the exception of the Justice For All Party (JFP), can be [counted] on two hands. If this is a professional opinion based on Bisram’s “scientific pools” - it speaks volumes.

Even if he had claimed that the membership of these parties could be counted on two hands, that statement would have been ridiculous.

One is forced to ponder, why he did not hide his prejudice by saying that, collectively, the WPA and the other smaller parties have no significant support? This view, while inaccurate, and far from the reality, would have covered somewhat his obvious lack of professionalism?

I doubt that this gentleman is capable of any self-criticism.

Hence he will have great difficulty to reclaim his creditably.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

help our countrymen and women prepare adequately, so no one is unjustly disenfranchised.

Sincerely, Shazaam Ally The Citizenship Initiative

8

President saddened

at passing of Johnny Braff

His Excellency David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has extended condolences to the relatives of Mr. Johnny Critchlow Braithwaite, M.S., also known as ‘Johnny Braff.

In a statement the President said Mr. Braithwaite died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cor-

poration Wednesday morning after a brief period of illness. He was 82 years old. Mr. Braithwaite was a Guyanese musician who rose to fame in the late 1970s with the hit song “It Burns Inside”. President Granger bestowed the national award, the Medal of Service Award on Mr. Braithwaite in May this year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

Nandlall again seeking order from High Court that CCJ refused to issue FORMER Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has approached the High Court to issue an order compelling Cabinet, including the President to resign, although the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has already ruled on the matter.

In a Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed on Monday, Nandlall, in seeking the order compelling the Cabinet to resign, said such ought to be the consequence of the No-Confidence Motion passed against the Government last December in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution.

He is also seeking a Conservatory Order restraining the Cabinet, inclusive of the President, from meeting, making decisions as, or performing the functions of Cabinet.

This application, however, comes close to two months after the CCJ addressed the functionality of Government and it’s Cabinet in light of the successful No-Confidence Motion, and pursuant to the Constitution.

According to Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution, the

Time to get to the root of the problem -- First Lady Sandra Granger says as she addresses the issue of domestic violence

By Svetlana Marshall FIRST Lady Sandra Granger said it is time to get to the root causes of domestic violence in Guyana, stating that too many women are being killed by those who vowed to love and respect them.

The First Lady sat down for an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday, days after two East Coast Demerara (ECD) women – Vinnette Headley-James and Shemain Frank – were attacked and killed by their loved ones.

Domestic Violence, which encompasses verbal and psychological abuse among others, remains a major problem for Guyana, and it is the belief of the First Lady that there should be programmes or systems in place that address the root causes of domestic violence.

While acknowledging that women can be perpetrators of domestic or interpersonal violence, Mrs. Granger said the numbers show that to a larger extent, women are often the victims.

“Are the egos of our males so stunted, they cannot accept that a woman decides. I don’t think I want to go with you anymore or if she answers him back, he can decide that this is not, quote “respectful to him,” the First Lady opined.

Mrs. Granger, in analysing the issue, said the manner in which children are socialised is a contributing factor, explaining that as they grow, they replicate what they see.

She proposed that Human and Family Life Education start from nursery school.

“If we start with age-appropriate language at the nursery level, explaining these are boys, these are girls, this is how boys respond to threats, this is how girls respond to threats, so you don’t have this image which is also perpetrated in our advertising and some of [our] shows of this muscle macho man, proving his strength and his power wherever he goes, that we can have an equally power male who doesn’t have to lift a finger and who doesn’t have to shout and be abusive to prove he is a man,” the First Lady explained.

Mrs. Granger also underscored the importance of teaching women and girls the importance of appreciating and valuing themselves.

“We also have to train our girls and our women that they are not there to be the pounding boards of whomever they are going with at the time, they don’t have to accept the abuse, it is not their role in life to be beaten or disrespected in any way,” she said.

Addressing the financial challenges facing women is of significant importance, the First Lady observed that many women remain in abusive relationships because their male partners are the source of their finance.

Noting that perpetrators of domestic violence are often controlling, Mrs Granger made it clear that that is not love but rather thirst

First Lady Sandra Granger

after power and dominance. She also wants the laws to be strengthened to ensure that every case of domestic violence is fully investigated and placed before the courts.

“If a case is reported, regardless of what comes after, regardless of whatever compensation the perpetrator or his family might pay to the victim and her family, the case must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mrs. Granger posited.

That aside, the First Lady called on Guyanese to be more responsible and caring in their actions, noting that help should be sought once domestic violence is detected.

“What also is causing all of the neighbours to sit around or stand around and either be entertained by the woman being beaten or abused or just keep quiet because it is not their business?” Mrs. Granger asked.

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

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

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

Upon the passage of a vote of no-confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding such resignation, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held ‘within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-

thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine…,’” Justice Saunders reasoned on as he delivered the consequential orders in Trinidad-based CCJ last July.

He made it clear, however, that until elections are held, the President remains the President and the Government must operate as an “interim government.”

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

He posited that the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in citing Hogg – the Canadian Constitutional expert, was right to note that the government continues in office as an interim government.

Since the delivery of the consequential orders, President David Granger and his Government have adopted an interim mode.

Minister of State delivers materials to storm-affected Region 10 residents MINISTER of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, on Tuesday, handed over building and cleaning supplies to residents of Region 10 who were severely affected by a freak storm last week.

The communities that were mostly affected were West Watooka, Central Mackenzie, Blue Berry Hill Squatting Area, Silver City, Silver Town, One Mile and Victory Valley.

The freak storm caused residents of these communities to lose sections of their roofs, fences and walls, while others were affected by flooding caused by the storm.

Approximately 25 families were affected by the storm while damage was also evident at the Silver Town Community Centre, the Mackenzie High School LICHAS building and the E-Governance Tower.

According to a needs assessment conducted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in conjunction with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on August 24, 2019, items such as zinc sheets with screws and cleaning agents were requested to start repairs on the damaged buildings.

The Minister of State said, “as a caring government, we have responded and so we are here to deliver to the people because we believe that this will bring [relief] in some way to them. As a caring government, we will always respond to the calls that we receive from our citizens irrespective of where they live.”

Chairman of the RDC, Rennis Morian, said that while he is happy that the government has responded, he is even more pleased that it has provided the items that the residents of Region 10 requested.

In addition, he noted that most

of the zinc sheets which were blown off were held together by nails for decades. However, the CDC was requested to provide zinc sheets with screws to prevent a reoccurrence and this was done.

“I have to thank the government and the CDC and also the residents for cooperating and helping each other. This is a powerful expression of the confidence the people have in the government to come to their rescue when things go wrong,” he said.

Compton Fraser, a resident of Silver Town, said he is happy to receive the assistance from the government through the CDC since he lost his entire roof during the storm.

“I feel happy that they have responded promptly and this shows some good signs that we are in a cooperative mode,” he said.

Ingrid Thomas, a resident of Blue Berry Squatting Area, echoed these sentiments, saying, “I feel good because I have gotten some relief.

My roof area from the kitchen to the bedroom was blown off, so this is good,” she said.

In addition to the cleaning and building materials, the National Frequency Management Unit of the Ministry of Public Telecommunication is working to ensure that the damaged tower is fully operational in the shortest possible time, since it provides internet access to the communities.

Supplies were also handed over to the region to facilitate repairs to the Silver Town Community Centre.

The Minister of State was accompanied by Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig and Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

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Citizens to be tasked with monitoring TV, radio content -as GNBA continues effort to enforce broadcasting policies

MEDIA monitors will be drawn from different age groups, communities and organisations from across the country to aid the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) in its efforts to ensure that broadcasters comply with regulations.

This will be done as part of the GNBA’s Citizens Monitoring Programme which will be rolled out in September. The programme will give Guyanese the opportunity to report their concerns, about television or radio programmes, to the GNBA. “The media monitors will work under the tutelage and guidance of the GNBA,” said GNBA Board Member, Dr.

Rovin Deodat, in his presentation during GNBA’s fourth stakeholder engagement, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Deodat, the authority often receives complaints about certain programmes from viewers. In that regard, he said viewers should be able to have a better role to play in ensuring that broadcasters stay in line.

As such, the focus of the new programme will be to ensure that any broadcast of obscene, lewd and distasteful language is reported.

The programme is expected to improve the GNBA’s monitoring capacity since the authority has a small core of monitors.

“We will be establishing

Chairman of GNBA, Leslie Sobers

citizen monitors who will have set parameters, so all over Guyana the ordinary public will be listening and once a complaint comes in we will be taking action,” said Chairman of the GNBA, Leslie Sobers.

With Guyana heading closer to an elections season, the GNBA will be looking to increase its capacity by combining monitoring efforts with not only the public, but also with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s media monitoring unit when it is established and a Caribbean entity that has the capacity to monitor all broadcasters in Guyana.

“Our country will be moving into a period that has its own excitement and during this time we intend that there should be no misuse of the airways…be assured that defiance and violations will be treated appropriately,” Sobers asserted.

He said the role of the GNBA is not to make life difficult for broadcasters, but to help them achieve a standard that is comparable with or even exceeds international broadcasting standards.

“We do not monitor to make life difficult, we do so to prevent harm, we call in our broadcasters to admonish and encourage compliance with the broadcast policy,” said the GNBA chairman.

The broadcasting authority has even gone to the extent of colour coding infractions, with red being a serious infraction, orange being less serious and yellow being a minor infraction.

GNBA has even worked out a system to fine broadcasters according to the co-

lour code. Broadcasters who have red infractions will have to pay a fine of $50,000$100,000 while those with orange infractions have to pay a fine of $25,000$50,000 and those with yellow will be fined between $10,000-$25,000.

Broadcasters can also be fined $50,000 for failure to provide a recording when ordered to do so. In addition, if a broadcaster fails to pay a fine on the due date, the authority will add $1000 for every $1,000 not paid. Repeat offenders will, however, be liable for suspension or revocation of licences.

GTM records $324M after-tax profit - Digicel CEO appointed to Board of Directors

THE Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life Insurance Company (GTM) after-tax profit is $324.8M for 2018 as compared to $250.9M for 2017 which represents an increase of $73.8M or 29.45 per cent.

This was disclosed by Chairman of the Board of Directors, R. L. Singh, during the company’s presentation of the 139 Annual Report at its Annual General Meeting which was held Wednesday evening at the Georgetown Club.

The chairman also announced the appointment of certified accountant and CEO of Digicel, Gregory Dean, to the Board of Directors with effect from December, 1st, 2018.

In giving a review of the annual report, the Chairman said the total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax, increased from $976.8M to $2.236 billion as of December, 31, 2018. This, Singh said, is a direct result of the increase share prices of the company in which investments were made in Banks DIH limited and Republic Bank Guyana Limited.

He said the performance overview notwithstanding ongoing challenges, strong competition, rate selling, and sluggish economic conditions in the eastern Caribbean, GTM has recorded a growth in insurance premiums of $63.5M and $75.8M net of reinsurance premiums.

Certified accountant and CEO of Digicel, Gregory Dean, is now a member of the GTM Board of Directors

Further, of the $2.57 billion of gross insurance premiums, the Guyana operations contributed $1.6 billion or 64.5 per cent followed by Grenada with $456M or 17.6 per cent; St Lucia with $371M or 14.5 per cent and St Vincent and the Grenadines with $86M or 3.4 per cent. “The reinsurance market remained soft, that is, there is excess capacity available when compared to demand, as a result, your company has been able to secure lower reinsurance premiums rate as is reflected in the lower reinsurance premiums paid in 2018 when compared to 2017,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said availability to viable medium and long-term investments remains elusive in Guyana and owes subscriptions to bonds and treasure-bills in the eastern Caribbean.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of GTM (Guyana), R. L. Singh, speaking on the company’s performance for the fiscal year 2018

He explained that excess liquidity in the financial systems have driven down returns for these types of investments which limits the company’s ability to increase its investment portfolio.

The Chairperson said that there are other investment options; however, prudence dictates that these should be avoided and GTM is cognizant of the need to seek out lucrative investments and will do so once reassured that such is in the best interest of the company.

Beneficiaries of bursaries with their parents at the AGM

He said GTM owns millions of shares in a number of blue-chip companies in Guyana and has benefitted substantially from recent increases in share values.

“The company has every intention of holding these shares into the foreseeable future and will seek to acquire more when they become available,” the Chairman said.

During the year 2018, he said GTM wrote new business amounting to $46 billion with an annualized premium of $175M, representing an increase of 39 per cent and 13 per cent respectively when compared to 2017.

At the end of the year, he said the total business amount-

ed to $397 billion with sums insured and an annualize premium of $1.8 billion. Gross revenue on Motor Insurance, he said, totalled $1.426 billion at the end of 2018 when compared with $1.104 billion for 2017, in such a competitive market a marginal increase is noteworthy.

At the end of the financial year, he said claims amounted to $637M when compared to $666M in 2017, a reduction of four per cent.

“Your company continues to engage in prudent underwriting and claims management to ensure, attract and retain business,” he said.

When looking at the cash and profit, he announced the

company will be making a declaration of cash-profit return of 50 per cent of premium on profit policies.

As of December 31, 2018, he said GTM asset base grew by $2.17 billion to $9.96 billion, representing a growth of 28 per cent over the previous financial year which was as a result of increases in share prices of local companies in which GTM invested.

Additionally, 13 children of GTM staff benefitted from bursaries while several staff members were awarded for their contributions.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

Every Guyanese will get a chance to register – Harmon DIRECTOR of State, Joseph Harmon cautioned Guyanese not to fear the early end of house-to-house registration as “every Guyanese will get a chance to register”, as he spoke to concerned residents at a government outreach at the La Retraite Primary School on the West Bank of Demerara on Wednesday.

“Every Guyanese person will have an opportunity to get their names on the list,” Harmon declared, “By the 31 August this phase of registration process will be brought to an end, so yes we have between now and 31 August to ensure persons get registered. Some persons have problems with source documents, so we will have to expedite those documents so persons can be registered.”

Harmon called on busi-

nesses to be considerate of the situation and allow employees time to ensure they are registered.

At its statutory meeting last Tuesday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) took a decision to shorten the period initially designated for the conducting of house-to-house registration.

The exercise, which commenced on July, 20, 2019, was slated to be officially completed on October 20, 2019. However, in a statement on Tuesday, GECOM said the exercise will come to a close on August 31.

Approximately 300,000 persons have been registered to date in the house-to-house registration exercise.

GECOM said information from the house-to-house registration will be merged with

the old National Register of Registrants (NRR) database, and an extensive Claims and Objections (C&O) period will be held in order to generate a credible Official List of Electors (OLE).

“In our view it is one of the safest ways of ensuring you have a list of electors reflective of the population of Guyana,” Harmon explained.

The APNU/AFC government has noted its position that house-to-house registration was necessary for the creation of a credible OLE. However, the opposition, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has continuously called for the immediate cancellation of house-to-house registration and for the old list to be used, even though the list expired in April, 2019. ” I believe what the Com-

mission is now trying to do is find common ground between the two positions so we can have an OLE that is credible.

The APNU/AFC, and by their own admission now the PPP, know that list is flawed and needs to be corrected,” Harmon pointed out.

“The NRR [National Register of Registrants] is a list which comprises everyone who is 14 years and above. What this order from GECOM has done, it has said we are going to look at the records that have been collected and then allow an extended period of claims and objections. So those who have not registered will have a second opportunity to get registered.”

Despite the early close of the house-to-house registration, PPP/C was still not pleased. The PPP issued

a statement conceding that the existing voters list was contaminated, stating that merging it with the house to house data would “further contaminate it”.

GECOM decided to use the data from house-to-house following a ruling by the Chief Justice(ag.) Roxane George that the exercise was completely legal.

“In so far as the house-tohouse is concerned, the statement said house-to-house is legal. Many of us picketed for house-to-house registration because we were convinced, that that OLE was not clean,” Harmon said.

In the August 14 High Court judgement, the acting Chief Justice ruled that the on-going house-to-house registration, being undertaken by GECOM, was within the confines of the Constitution and

Director of State, Joseph Harmon

was therefore legal. Justice George ruled that the constitution and the laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of house-to-house registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by both the government and GECOM. The countrywide houseto-house registration exercise was conducted in keeping with a decision of GECOM on February 19, 2019, and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated June 11, 2019.

GECOM said it has an obligation to produce a credible OLE in the first instance, and ultimately credible elections within the shortest possible time.

Linden Youth Leaders meet minister on ‘development of youth’ T H E L i n d e n Yo u t h Leaders on August 27, 2019 paid a visit to Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, to engage him in discussions on the development of youth.

Founder as well as representative of the group,

former Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland, spoke to Minister Norton on social issues that affect youth and had discussions on how those issues can not only be addressed, but also remedied.

The minister pointed out that there are many op-

portunities available to the adolescent population and that young people must be made aware of the channels they can use to access these opportunities so that they are able to benefit from them.

He further reminded them of the many oppor-

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, along with members of The Linden Youth Leaders

tunities available via the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

“Often times, we just need to get our youths motivated to take advantage of all that we have to offer. The programmes are

there,” Minister Norton pointed out.

Some of the matters discussed were cybercrimes, gender equality, sports, bridging the generation gap, and varying other social issues that affect the adolescent population.

Permanent Secretary,

Melissa Tucker, during the meeting, applauded the youths for the developmental initiative the group has embarked on and encouraged them to continue on the path, to ensure every youth is developed to reach his or her full potential.

Members of The Linden Youth Leaders engaging Minister Norton in discussions

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Guyana Goldfields Inc. still to recognise NMWUG as workers’ union One week after the Department of Labour (DoL) confirmed that the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (MNWUG) was deemed the recognised union for the rank and file workers of the Aurora Gold Mine (AGM), the company maintains that it does not know that the union recognition process has been completed.

In an email on Wednesday, Guyana Goldfields Incorporated, which owns AGM, informed that its po-

email, said the company was not told about the recognition being made official.

“To the best of our knowledge, the process to determine if there will be a union representing workers at AGM has not been completed by the Government of Guyana. The Government of Guyana has not communicated such a decision to us and our understanding is that the process is still ongoing and will take some time to complete. AGM abides by all labor laws and regulations in

clared the recognised union given that a union survey showed that the union garnered some 52 per cent of support from the workers.

The TUR&CB requires that a union garner at least 40 per cent of the workers’ votes to be eligible to represent the workers at a particular company or in a particular category. Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle, who is also TUR&CB’s Secretary, last Tuesday, confirmed the union’s win by 52 per cent.

Ogle, however, did not President of NMWUG, Sherwayne Downer

A section of the Aurora Gold Mine in Region 7

sition was unchanged from last Tuesday.

“There are no further updates to report at the current time,” noted Vice-President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Jacqueline Wagenaar.

Last Tuesday, after the ruling that the union was recognised, Wagenaar, via

Guyana and has been actively engaging with workers and the Ministry of Social Protection’s Labor Office and will continue to do the same going forward,” Wagenaar said.

Following a statutory meeting of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TUR&CB), NMWUG was officially de-

Man accused of using threatening language, behaviour fined, ordered to do community service ON Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, a 24-year-old man was fined $20,000 and ordered to complete two months of community service, for threatening behaviour and threatening language.

Gregory Brown made his appearance before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly, and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on August 26, 2019, at Albouystown, he used threatening language

towards Neasa Smith.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and at the same location, he used threatening behaviour towards Neasa Smith.

“I didn’t mean to do that, I was upset, I already tell she sorry,” Brown said.

Magistrate Daly fined Brown $10,000 for each charge, ordered him to complete two months of community service, and told him that, if he failed to comply with the order, he would be sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment.

confirm if the company had been officially informed of the development. Calls made on Wednesday, to Ogle, went unanswered.

President of NMWUG, Sherwayne Downer, says legally NMWUG is the union of the employees and all that remains is the issuing of the certification, which is expect-

Man accused of causing bodily harm granted bail

ON Wednesday, August 28, 2019, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly granted $40,000 bail to a man who was accused of inflicting bodily harm.

Colwin Major appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on May 4, 2019, at Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm on Warren Duke.

Police prosecutor did not object to bail being granted to Major.

Magistrate Daly ordered that Major stay away from Duke and released Major on $40,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned to September 26.

ed to be supplied by Friday.

“CLO informed us that NMWUG would’ve won 52 per cent in the survey conducted, and that the board made a pronouncement on August 20. The process has been completed. We are the legally recognised and binding bargaining agent for AGM employees. We are awaiting the certificate of recognition, but by rights we are the bargaining agent for the workers,” Downer emphasised.

“I don’t buy that the company was not informed, I think they were informed but they want to wait until they

have been issued a copy of the certificate of recognition, well it was promised to be given to us by Friday. It was long preempted that we won because there was no other union contesting, and with a survey being conducted for one union they knew that we would’ve won.”

Downer pointed out that given the battle he has had with the company, over the past three years to gain recognition, he is not surprised by the company’s position.

He is not worried and is moving ahead with putting measures in place to represent the workers.

11

“In the meantime the union has been doing its ground work. We are organising and mobilising our members on the ground, identifying branch representatives, and so on. And we are preparing our final list to send to the company so that they can deduct the union dues from the workers’ pay and so on,” Downer said.

Employees expressed their pleasure that the union has finally been recognised and they are eager to see just what this would mean for them.

“That’s wonderful, it’s about time, so we’re expecting a lot of changes, so now we’re going to sit back and watch and see how Mr. Downer is going to fight the battle for us and get things done because we need the changes up here,” an employee said.

It was in July that the call, by employees of the company, for a union poll was heightened after workers downed tools, on July 2, over a dispute on severance pay, which employees said aggravated an already strained situation between the employees and the company.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

GBTI helps to outfit Corentyne students for school OVER one-hundred nursery and primary school learners of the Crabwood and Moleson Creek communities in Berbice, Region Six benefitted from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) annual back-toschool drive.

The drive, which was recently held at the Crabwood Creek Community Centre, saw children benefitting from school uniforms, an assortment of school stationery, backpacks and lunch bags which will aid in the children’s preparation for the new academic year, which starts on September 2, 2019.

This year’s event was a collaboration of GBTI’s Corriverton branch and Family Awareness Consciousness Togetherness (FACT), a community development Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

According to a press release, Manager of the GBTI Corriverton Branch, Andre Yhap, said that the bank

Recipients of the back-to-school drive and representatives of the GBTI Corriverton branch

is happily supporting the “tooling of school children in the communities they serve,” which will increase attendance rates.

He noted that this is a complement of the support given to the bank over the years by the community.

Children attending the

event also got the chance to participate in the Bank's Early Savers Lottery game where 10 lucky winners received a GBTI Early Sav-

ers Gift Voucher valued at $2,000.

The inaugural distribution programme was held last year at the Scotts-

burg Community Centre Ground in Corriverton where the bank provided uniforms and stationery to approximately 76 students.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

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$40M in infrastructural work for La Parfaite Harmonie

By Navendra Seoraj THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has transferred $40 million to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure so that infrastructural work could commence in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

CH&PA had initially planned to contract out the work, but the authority believes that the ministry would be able to accomplish more in the community.

“This will go towards rehabilitating roads and other infrastructure within the community,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Lelon Saul, during his remarks at a government outreach at the La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School, on Wednesday.

Saul said upgrading of the road in the community is scheduled to commence within two to three weeks.

“When we came here the last time we made a commitment to fixing the roads, drains and clearing the bushes,” he said, noting that all of that will be done eventually.

CH&PA and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) had conducted an assessment of the work to be done in the community. As a result of the assessment, the CH&PA identified roads to be fixed.

“This is to show that we have not abandoned you…we will continue to work,” said Saul, adding that La Parfaite Harmonie will also benefit from substantial improvement in 2020.

Major work will be conducted in the area through the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme. Residents of Sophia have benefitted immensely from the programme and Saul said residents of La Parfaite Harmonie can expect the same benefits.

He said roads will be upgraded, recreational facilities will be rehabilitated and drains will be fixed within the shortest possible time.

The programme, which has three components, will start with infrastructure development. This will include the construction of nine kilometres of asphalted road, the building of concrete drains, creating pedestrian pathways and building two recreation facilities.

Another component of the programme will see 75 “deserving families” benefitting from free core homes. In addition, some 300 families will benefit from home improvement subsidies of $500,000.

Prime Minister, Moses

The La Parfaite Harmonie Community Policing Group (CPG) also received a donation of a dozen bicycles from Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

“They can use these bicycles to do their patrols and ensure that criminals are kept under check and away from homes and people,” he said.

CEO of CH&PA, Lelon Saul

Nagamootoo, who was also at the outreach, commended the CH&PA for the work they have been doing to improve the lives of the residents in the community. The prime minister said there is a lot in store for residents of La Parfaite Harmonie.

He said, for instance, the government has been working to ensure that the electricity and water woes in the community are addressed.

For years, residents of La Parfaite Harmonie have complained about the quality of water they receive, but the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) told the prime minister that they have been flushing out the water systems to ensure that sediments are not found in the water.

GWI is also constructing a new well in the community to ensure that water is always available to residents.

“We want to show you that we are not just coming to you with promises… we are coming to you with real solutions to work and partner with you….we will continue to resolve your issues,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

In addition to infrastructural development, government will be looking to empower residents of the community, starting with the youths.

Nagamootoo said government, through the Ministry of Social Cohesion, will be establishing a night school in La Parfaite Harmonie. The school will cater for high school dropouts. He said youths will have an opportunity to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and receive training in various life skills.

As for empowering the younger ones in the community, government distributed school bags to children as a part of an effort to ensure that they are equipped to go back to school next week.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, handing over bicycles to members of the CPG (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Liza Destiny to arrive soon EXXONMOBIL has announced that Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel ‘Liza Destiny’ will arrive here soon.

Once here the preparation for producing, storing and offloading Guyana’s oil will commence. The oil giant made the announcement in an advertisement appearing in Sunday’s newspaper.

According to the advertisement, the ship will sail nearly 11,000 nautical miles to the Stabroek Block where it will be connected to the spread mooring.

The vessel was commissioned in June by First Lady, Sandra Granger in Singapore.

At a ceremony at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, the First Lady in her remarks recognised the importance of this project and industry

to Guyana. “I think it is a fitting name (Liza Destiny) … because we are talking about destiny, we are talking about the long-term and we are talking about vision – not only the production but also the process and what comes behind it. It is my hope that this ship will bring to us the people of Guyana, not only physical prosperity, but greater cohesion, greater development and of course the sustainability of our country, and its people and culture,” the First Lady said.

According to the tradition and naming protocols, the dedication of the vessel is usually performed by a woman who is termed the “godmother of the vessel” to bestow good luck and divine protection over the ship and all who sail aboard.

Also accompanying the First

Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel (Liza Destiny) will arrive here soon

Lady was Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe. The Liza Destiny was expected to arrive in Guyana in September for the start of oil production for the Liza Phase 1 project in the Stabroek Block in early 2020.

The Liza Destiny FPSO was transformed from the oil tanker, “Tina”, a VLCC

(Very Large Crude Carrier) built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. The contract for its conversion was awarded to SBM Offshore in July 2017. The Liza Destiny has a production capacity of up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of 1.6 million barrels. During nor-

India to offer full scholarships to young Guyanese

mal operations, there will be at least 80 persons living and working onboard the vessel.

24 Operations and Maintenance Technicians, who are currently being trained in Canada, will return in 2020 to support work on the Liza Destiny.

The vessel is designed to produce up to 120,000

barrels of oil per day and will have associated gas treatment capacity of approximately 170 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of around 200,000 barrels per day. The converted VLCC FPSO will be moored in water with a depth of 1,525 meters.

FFTP donates 100 beds to Public Health Ministry His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, and India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K.J. Srinivasa exchange a cordial handshake

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa [centre], shares a light moment with His Worship the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, and Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore

THE India High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy call to Georgetown Mayor, His Worship, Ubraj Narine at his office.

During that visit, several

areas of interest were discussed. Among these was the granting of scholarships to Guyanese. In an invited comment, Dr. Srinivasa said the aim is to build the skills of young people in Guyana.

He explained that as part of

the International Cooperation Programme, there is ITEC, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme; through which short course fully-funded scholarships are given to young students and graduates in various fields.

“I was just discussing with the mayor that we are ready to extend that cooperation and we are trying to increase the slots for Guyana,” the India High Commissioner stated.

Scholarships will also be given for cultural aspects where interested persons will go to India to learn about their heritage and culture. Dr. Srinivasa also indicated that the commission will help the

city of Georgetown beautify the area around the Mahatma Gandhi statue since this year will be the 150th year of his birth. Garbage disposal is another area of interest that will see support offered to the city, with plans to adopt a similar system to one of the cities in India.

Additionally, the India High Commissioner said he intends to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Guyana and to work with the CARICOM Secretariat to strengthen the relationship with the Caribbean community and India. Also present was during the courtesy call was Deputy-Mayor Alfred Mentore. (DPI)

The beds that were donated by Food For The Poor Inc

By Leson Jones FOOD for the Poor Guyana (FFTP) donated a container of 100 hospital beds to the Ministry of Public Health (MOH), last Thursday, as part of its continued support for the health sector.

The donation was the third container of medical supplies distributed to the MoH in the past 12 months.

Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr. Ertenesia Hamilton, commended FFTP for the kind gesture.

“With this equipment, we are better able to extend our services throughout the country. This will not only be

going to our coastland facilities, but our hinterland facilities also will receive some of these donations,” he added.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said the beds will be distributed to health facilities in Barima-Waini Region One, Kato in Region Eight and Paramakatoi in the Potaro-Siparuni Region.

According to Lawrence, more health supplies are expected to be shipped to Guyana and these will be allocated to the hinterland regions. This will save patients the trouble of having to travel long distances for health care.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Minister of Natural Resources meets residents at West Demerara Secondary School MINISTER of Natural resources Raphael Trotman, on August 28, 2019, hosted a community outreach at the West Demerara Secondary School. The outreach was hosted in an effort to give residents of the area the chance to speak, face to face, with the minister and bring their issues to be addressed.

Trotman opened the meeting by reminding the residents that, contrary to what they may have been seeing and hearing, the government is serving the country well within its legal parameters.

“At the end of the day the country has a government, and the government has a president, there’s a cabinet, there’s a judiciary, there’s a parliament, all of that is in tack.

The government has been following instructions being given to it by the courts that govern Guyana. It has been adhering to all legal decisions by the court,” said Trotman.

Trotman further went on to say that the government is not afraid of hosting the election as long as it is done in a credible manner.

Resident and Head Teacher of the West Demerara High School, Mr. Harrinarine, asked the minister what the government plans to implement to ensure that the students are given the opportuni-

ty to learn more about the oil and gas sector.

He went on to state that the school is in need of a donation of a pair of steel pans to the West Demerara High School’s Steel Pan Orchestra, which has just recently placed second in the national steel pan competition "panorama".

Trotman made arrangements with the Head Master to get the musical equipment donated to the school.

The minister responded saying that the government of Guyana has received some USD $20 M from the World Bank for the education sector’s preparedness to dealing with oil and gas.

He also expressed his interest in getting Dr. Mark Bynoe of the Department Of Energy to come to the school as a resource person to host talks and educate the children in the oil and gas sector.

He further reminded the audience that the oil and gas sector will open up a number of other sectors, such as hospitality, real estate and infrastructure, that would enable the citizens of Guyana to be able to obtain gainful and fruitful employment. He explained that just recently he saw an estimate that suggested that there was need for the construction of some 3000

homes for persons who will be joining Guyana’s oil and

other sectors. He reminded the members of the audience that they would need to be within the other sectors to ensure that Guyana does not depend solely on the oil and gas sector.

He explained that that was one of the main reasons for neighboring Venezuela being in its currents state. Everyone flooded the oil and gas sector

cuses on the other sectors also.

The minister further related that the government has been in talks for a new design for the Demerara Harbour Bridge. That new design, according to Trotman, will see a tri-lane system so as to cut down on the waiting time on the bridge linking Regions 3 and 4.

Resident Mark Wong at today’s meeting

gas sector and that the need for such will demand labour and thus provide jobs for Guyanese.

Another resident, Mark Wong, asked what the Ministry of Natural Resources along with the government aims to do in an effort to protect the country form the Dutch disease better known as resource curse. The resident also asked the minister to speak on any initiative the government is considering in relation to the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The minister stated that the ministry was setting systems in place to protect against the Dutch Disease. It was ensuring that persons do not completely flood the oil and gas sector and neglect the

Minister of Natural resources Raphael Trotman During today’s walkabout.

and neglected to develop the other sectors.

He further stated that the IMF and World Bank have all put systems in place to ensure that Guyana does not direct all its resources toward the oil and gas sector; and that it fo-

When asked about Guyana’s preparedness for protecting the country, Trotman said that Guyana has positioned itself in such a way that it has garnered the support of powerful allies who have vested interest in protecting

Guyana.

Two of those allies being the United States and London who both have major oil and gas companies which have already invested millions into drilling in Guyana and would stand to lose if Guyana was to lose control of its territory.

Residents also made mention of infrastructural issues, like the state of the roads, broken bridges and drainage issues. Trotman related to the residents that he has noted their concerns and that he will pass the information onto the Minister of Public infrastructure.

Trotman, however, promised the residents to help them with the drainage issue they have been experiencing by mobilizing the residents to band together and organize themselves into a group to remove the plants and other particles from the drains and to create, with approval from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, a way to channel the water out of the stagnant drain.

He further explained that once the community gives him the information on how many persons would be involved in the activity, he would negotiate a small stipend.

Underground exploration at Aurora Gold Mines showing positive signs AFTER securing clearance from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) earlier this year, the Guyana Goldfields Incorporated, owner of Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) has begun what is being described as successful underground explorations at its North-West Mazaruni location.

Following a tour of the mine on August 27, Senior Vice-President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Perry Holloway, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the EPA’s clearance gives the company up to 2,500 metres

of underground exploration, plus test mining for 300,000 tons of ore. “We have started and have gone down a couple of hundred meters; maybe three or four hundred metres right now. Everything so far is going great, the rocks are cool, some people thought it would be hot, there is very little water, some people thought there would be a lot of water as we are very close to the Cuyuni River, none of that is true.”

Holloway said site drilling would begin soon to determine where and how much gold is at the location.

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, during the tour, said he was happy with the current

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, with Senior Vice-President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs of AGM, Perry Holloway [right], and Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Suresh Kalathil [left], and a company engineer during a visit to the underground tunnel where exploration is currently taking place

progress reports from the company. He had previously visited the camp with a South African delegation back in March of this year before exploration began.

“This is historic for Guyana. We have had underground mining in Guyana before, I’m not saying this is the first, but certainly it is the only company doing it right now,” Minister Trotman stated.

Adding that this was a great opportunity for Guyanese to see and understand the functions of an underground mine.

The natural resources minister also stated that he was especially pleased to know that the company got its ex-

ploration clearance from both the GGMC and EPA. “I’m happy to see that issues and some challenges with GGMC and EPA have been resolved and the company has been able to start the exploratory aspect of the digging and hopefully things progress and a full mining permit will be given by both the GGMC and EPA,” he said.

Aurora Gold Mines is one of the largest gold mines in Guyana and the world, with an estimated reserve of 6.54 million ounces of gold.

With respect to the underground mining exploration, $5Billion (US$25M) is expected from the first three years of exploration. (DPI)

Man, woman charged for assault, granted bail

Man charged for threatening language, unlawful wounding

ON Wednesday, August 28, 2019, a 38-year-old woman and 48-yearold man appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, to answer to assault charges.

It is alleged that on, August 12, 2019 at Albouystown Georgetown,

ON Wednesday August 28, 2019, a 23-year-old man was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that on, June 24, 2019, Kevin Dundas unlawfully

Diane Butler and Burchell Leach assaulted each other during a fight.

The two pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

Magistrate Daly released the two on $10,000 bail each, and the matter was adjourned until September 20, 2019.

and maliciously wounded Brandon Greene at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.

It is also alleged that on, August 28, 2019, at the same location, Dundas made use of threatening language towards Greene.

Magistrate Daly released Dundas on $10,000 bail, for the use threatening language and $30,000 for the unlawful wounding charge.

The matter was adjourned until September 18, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Guyana leads region in occupational standards for mines supervision –– Mining Week attendees hear DIRECTOR of the Council of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Floyd Scott, said Guyana has an opportunity to lead the region and set the benchmark in the area of occupational standards for mines supervision.

Addressing the participants of review workshop of the draft occupational standards for mines supervision on Wednesday, Scott noted that there are no regional standards that speak to the sector in terms of code and practice. As such, Guyana is leading the Caribbean region in this regard.

The review of the occupational standards brought the curtain down on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Mining Week activities held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston Georgetown. According to Scott, with the right skills, workers can become actors of the economic transformation rather than victims.

“Hence TVET, as a transformational vehicle for national development and global competitiveness; It ensures development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison

their own needs.”

He said the unit ensures the continual improvement of every sector and driving change to lead the region and even exceed global practices. The focus is on training for employment with an emphasis on maintenance on standards quality in the delivery of occupational safety. Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, said the day’s engagement was another important stepping stone to the outcome of improving standards in the way mining is conducted.

“The necessary steps of stakeholder meetings, sensitisations and knowledge-sharing cannot be overlooked if the desired outcome will be achieved,

TVET Director, Floyd Scott

where the length and breadth of the mining landscapes fully aligned and responsive to the way every practical measure that standards are promoted and employed,” he told the audience.

The concept, Dennison said, is about improvement and benchmarking to what is internationally viable, and sustainably recognised, and where the mining landscape is concerned, especially in the area of health and safety. There should be no stone unturned that [everything] possible be done for those areas in the mining sector. He noted, “We must recognise that for the mining sector, we can only be engaging these operation issues for the greater good.” (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Guyana, Suriname to meet next week to discuss ferry service MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, said officials from Guyana and Suriname are expected to meet next week to hammer out arrangements for the resumption of the Guyana/Suriname ferry service.

It has been more than two months since the MV Canawaima, the ferry vessel that plies from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side to South Drain in Suriname, was pulled from service after experiencing prolonged mechanical difficulties. The

vessel provides a vital service for persons, including tourists, businessmen and women, who ply their trade between the two countries.

During an interview on ‘Insight,’ the Foreign Affairs Minister said the Guyanese Government is cognizant of the challenges facing persons who would usually ply that route, and is making every effort to resolve the issue. She is hopeful that the meeting between the two sides will bear fruit.

Minister Cummings said

the Guyanese Government has informed the Surinamese Government that the Transport and Harbours Department’s (T&HD) M.V Sandaka can be utilised in the interim but they would have to stand the costs, however, Suriname, to date, has not responded.

The ferry service, which is owned and controlled by Guyana and Suriname, was launched on November 6, 1998, based on shared-responsibilities. However, according to the Foreign

Affairs Minister, Suriname has not been holding up its side of the agreement.

Financial and other arrangements for defraying operational expenses are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Suriname on the Formation and Operation of the Joint Ferry Service between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Surname (1998).

According to the agreement, the maintenance of the ferry is to be shared equally.

This has not occurred. In a bid to reduce the hardships to passengers and businesses using the service and in order to give the neighbouring state time to meet its obligations, the Government of Guyana has been funding most, if not all, of the maintenance works on the ferry over the years.

Reports indicate that the management of the M.V. Canawaima contin-

ues to lose much-needed revenue amounting to in excess of $20M monthly, from such a vital service that was provided between the two countries, especially during this ‘peak period.’ Even as the authorities hammer out an arrangement, the non-operation of the Guyana/Suriname ferry service remains an inconvenience to businessmen and women, who are now forced to utilise the ‘backtrack’ service, which is quite unsafe.

Wanted bulletin issued for wife killer POLICE, on Wednesday, issued a wanted bulletin for Clive Frederick Wilson, 37, in connection with the murder of his reputed wife, Shemain Frank, who was killed at her 315 Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home Sunday last.

Frank was stabbed about the body, reportedly in front of her children.

Wilson’s last known address is Lot 37 North Haslington, ECD and ‘B’ Starlite Street, Montrose, ECD.

He allegedly removed a number of louvre panes from a bathroom window, climbed into the home and stabbed Frank while she slept in bed with their three children. He then made good his escape through a back door.

Frank was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The eldest child-- their six-year-old daughter-- has been left traumatised after witnessing the ordeal. The child told relatives that it

Wanted: Clive Frederick Wilson

Dead: Shemain Frank

was her father who did the stabbing.

Frank lived at the home with her children and other siblings. The other two children are five and oneyear-old.

The murder weapon was a knife which the victim slept with.

Prior to Sunday’s stabbing, the suspect had been trying to see Frank for some time but she had continually refused to see him. He tried again last Saturday.

On Sunday morning, a

brother observed the suspect in the yard and requested him to leave.

According to one relative, the duo shared a tumultuous relationship for over 10 years, and at one point, Shemain took out a restraining order against the man.

The couple used to live at Mon Repos at Wilson’s family’s home. However, last year, Frank ended the relationship and moved back to Victoria Village after she found Wilson with another woman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

Medical students arrive in Cuba

EIGHT Guyanese medical students, who have been granted Government of Guyana scholarships, arrived in Havana, Cuba, late Tuesday evening.

Six will pursue studies at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). These are Asaph Mohamed, Kofi Gray, Jennifer Mahabir, Keron

Braithwaite, Kenisa Gopaul, and Denisha Leitch.

Two of the students will undertake post-graduate studies at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. They are Dr. Lhee Rand Castello (General Surgery) and Dr. Clavis Fraser-Tappin (Internal Medicine).

On hand to receive

Students with Dr. Corlette-Sengwe (extreme left) and Ambassador Majeed (second from right)

them at the Jose Marti International Airport were Dr. Melissa Corlette-Sen-

gwe, Student Affairs Attaché at the Guyana Embassy; Guyana’s Am-

bassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, and members of his personal staff.

Johnny Braff passes away

GUYANA musical icon Johnny Braff died on Wednesday after a period of illness while resident at the Palms Geriatric Home, Brickdam Georgetown.

Braff, who was well known for the hit song “It Burns Inside”, was feted by the Ministry of Social Protection back in July when he celebrated his 82nd birthday.

A concert featuring the Yoruba Singers and others was held in his honour. He was also awarded the Medal of Service, by President David Granger. He died around 04:00hrs.

The Guyana-born singer had described himself in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle as The boy of the 70s music scene both here and abroad.” Born in Station Street, Kitty, Braff, who “came up from scratch,” recalled his father always

announcing his arrival as a singer during his childhood.

Later moving with the

Guyanese singer Johnny Braff

Heartbreakers in the mid-60s, which he described as the best singing group in Guyana at the time, Braff had a fortuitous break one night while performing with the group at the ASTOR Cinema. He had composed a couple of songs and wanted to try them out, a

suggestion that caused some anxiety among members of the band who were afraid to move away from their popular numbers. They asked Braff, who was known for singing Ben E. King Songs, “You want to spoil this show or what?”

He, however, went ahead and sang the songs.

One was called ‘It Burns Inside’ and the other ‘A Shower of Tears.’ As fate would have it, Vivian Lee of ACE Records was in the audience that night and sent a message saying he wanted to see Braff after the concert. ‘It Burns Inside’ went on to become a big hit. The singer had claimed that he got the idea for the song while he was having a bath with a bucket of cold water.

Local businesses invited to Indian trade expo

GUYANESE organisations, businesses and companies have been invited to attend the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council of India (TEXPROCIL) with support from the Indian Ministries of Textiles and Commerce.

This is according to President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan.

Dubbed the “Ind-Texpo 2020”, Khan said the second edition of the Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) will be held from March 17-19, 2020 at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Khan said the Ind-Texpo 2020 is an exclusive exhibition of cotton textiles in India.

He explained that businesses will benefit from the

Region Three Chamber of Commerce President, Halim Khan

specialised fair in the Indian cotton textile sector where they will be provided with a unique and effective platform for Indian suppliers to meet foreign buyers and offers a one-stop destination for worldwide importers to source Indian textiles in all its splendour from fibres to home textiles and fashion.

Khan said the exhibition

will have on display textiles like home textiles, fabrics and yarns as well as cotton-rich blended textiles.

“With the ability to produce flexible volumes, ease of communication, India provides several unique advantages that make it a preferred sourcing destination for cotton textile products across all categories of buyers,” Khan noted.

He said the event is the hub for textile business where the global map provides enormous opportunities to meet with suppliers of entire textile value chain for capturing new markets and buyer.

“TEXPROCIL constantly strives to make Indian cotton textiles globally competitive and showcases the same to buyers across the world,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 29, 2019

100 benefit from Reg. 3 ‘back-to-school drive’ THE Ministry of Education (MoE) continues to distribute school supplies to nursery, primary and secondary school children throughout Guyana, preparing them for the new school term which begins September 02.

On Wednesday, one-hundred students from Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Region Three, received backpacks, lunch kits and other stationery supplies in the Regional Education Department’s boardroom. They are now equipped for school compliments of the Region’s Education Department.

The recipients were given the gifts due to their remarkable punctuality, school attendance and academic performance records.

Just last week, President David Granger, told the children of the communities of Hogstye-Lancaster Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six that education is an investment in the future.

Regional Education Officer, Annesta Douglas remarked that there is a need for such activities to continue, because “each child matters.”

Douglas noted that it is the Education Department’s responsibility to ensure that every boy or girl has access to quality education so that they can reach their full potential.

“This venture is to support you, the parents, materially and to give you counselling and encouragement that you should not give up. Guyana needs every young child to reach their full potential and so as we prepare to receive the oil and gas industry, we need to ensure that our children benefit from a piece of that pie,” the Region Three Education Officer told the parents gathered.

Recipients and parents along with representatives from the Republic Bank Limited, Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company and the Fat Boy Store, at the distribution ceremony on Wednesday

Regional, Education Officer, Annesta Douglas

Senior School's Welfare Officer, Azharuddin Zahaur

Providing an overview of the initiative, Senior School Welfare Officer, Azharuddin Zahaur noted that the Schools Welfare Department has pre-

viously organised other programmes to improve students’ attendance and punctuality.

Among these, he listed visits to several homes, award cer-

emonies and parent-teacher workshops.

From those efforts, it was observed that one of the main reasons for poor attendance in school was financial constraints. This, Zahaur said, led to the Education Department initiating the ‘back-to-school drive.’

The donors included Republic Bank Limited, Handin-Hand Insurance Company Limited and the Fat Boy Store.

On August 27, another 100 students, from the Demerara-Mahaica Region benefited from a similar drive. The remaining regions are expected to undergo their distribution exercise later in the week. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, August 29, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

W.J. Enterprise joins Limacol football tournament

DISTRIBUTION Company W.J Enterprise has joined the Limacol football tournament ahead of the kick-off this weekend.

The fourth in the annual Limacol football competition will see sponsorship from W.J Enterprise, sole distributors of Croxley Paper and other stationery supplies.

Kavita Sookhu, representative of W.J Enterprise, explained the company’s focus on youth development “We are pleased to be associated with this year’s Limacol Football Tournament organised by Petra.

W.J Enterprise recognises

the stewardship of the Petra Organisation in coordinating football tournaments, and we see that we are fit to support this activity that develops talents locally,” she said.

This year’s tournament will feature 12 teams from Georgetown, two from the East Coast of Demerara, one from the West Coast, and one from the East Bank of Demerara.

During his time at the microphone, Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca stressed the importance of corporate investments into sports.

Teams will participate in the round-robin group stage

before advancing to the quarterfinals, semis and the final.

The winner of the tournament will pocket $400 000 first prize, while second place will take $200 000; third and fourth will pocket $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.

The teams that will have a chance to vie for the $400 000 grand prize are: GFC, Pele, Campton, Northern Rangers, Black Pearl, Beacon, Riddim Squad, Pouderoyen, Grove Hi Tech, Mahaica Determinators, and Buxton Stars.

Meanwhile, GT Panthers and Eastveldt will have a play-off for the twelfth spot.

JAAA president optimistic Briana Williams could be exonerated DR WARREN Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) is optimistic that Briana Williams could be exonerated after testing positive for the diuretic at the Jamaican national championships in June.

Williams, 17, returned a positive test for the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) after competing in the 100m where she was third in a national junior record and world U-18 record of 10.94s. The Florida-based Williams is said to have taken Pharma Cold and Flu tablets that were

contaminated by the diuretic.

When she was tested, Williams had reportedly declared the tablets on her anti-doping form.

On receiving news that her ‘A’ sample had turned up an adverse finding, the tablets from the batch were sent to a lab in the United States which confirmed the contamination.

However, Dr Blake, in an interview on Tuesday when Williams was ousted, expressed some amount of optimism about the athlete’s chances of any serious sanction.

“We expect that a suitable explanation will be given and that it won’t translate to a hearing where the athlete will have to make herself present because the explanation and the tests that have been done seem that they might, in my opinion, exonerate the athlete.”

Up to this point, Williams has had an outstanding year, winning a second Austin Sealy Award at the CARIFTA Games in March, as well as the NACAC U-18 100m title in Mexico and the Pan Am Under-20 100m in Costa Rica. (Sportsmax)

Miguel Wong aiming to reach Germany table tennis camp … Sponsors needed ONE of Guyana’s top young table tennis players of recent times, Miguel Wong, has received an invitation to train and play at a table tennis club in Germany for three months, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which could propel the young talent even further to the advantage of Guyana.

However, for Wong to achieve and make full use of this opportunity he requires the full support of his countrymen and women, corporate Guyana and even the government.

The talented youngster has already raised a good portion of his expenses (US$3500 in total for airfare and accommodation) through a few fundraisers. However, he still requires more funds and is calling for support.

The table tennis club, Sachsischer Tischtennis-Verband eV, is considered the training ground for the World’s best talents from Latin-American countries.

Wong revealed that he met a Mexican senior player along with a Dominican player at the

Pan-American Games in the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago and they were impressed by his skill, thus they had put plans in motion to get him invited to the training facility.

The Training Camp invitation is for September 1- November 30 in Eilenburg, Germany and as such Wong is appealing for support. Anyone interested in assisting the youngster can contact him via +592 646 0825 or on Facebook: Miguel Wong.

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) deemed its Extraordinary Congress a success, according to a press release.

The Extraordinary Congress was hosted on Saturday last at the National Sports Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue.

The Congress, GFF said, saw the circulation and approval of an un-

qualified or clean, audited financial report in accordance with the Constitutional timeline.

“The GFF’s Executive Committee is committed to transparency and good governance and thus, in keeping with the Constitution, each member of the GFF was given the opportunity to honour their constitutional responsibility and obligation

to scrutinise the Audited financial report and raise their concerns at the Congress,” said GFF president Wayne Forde, in an invited comment.

The audited financial report will be published on the GFF’s website and will be shared with sponsors, partners, Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders.

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GFF hails Extraordinary Congress a success

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

Bishoo, Bramble on board as BCB starts 80th Anniversary celebration … Foster launches celebration in Upper Corentyne

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) month-long celebration of its 80th Anniversary was last Friday launched in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association.

BCB president Hilbert Foster on his 49th visit to the area since his election last

tion of a rich legacy - 80 not out” and the majority of the activities would focus on educating youths on the history of Berbice cricket and in making positive differences in the lives of less fortunate cricketers and clubs.

The hardworking pres-

Devendra Bishoo presents television set to BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu

year, launched the celebration by donating a $20 000 bicycle to eleven year-old Alina Sinclair, a promising junior female cricketer from the Upper Corentyne area.

Foster stated that the celebration would be held under the Theme: “Reflec-

ident stated that there are many youths who have great cricketing skills but are unable to fulfil them due to extreme poverty and as such the BCB would work along with them to make sure that no one is left behind.

He advised Ms Sinclair

Shivanandan Madholall’s sixth memorial softball match set for Sunday THE sixth annual memorial softball match for the late and former Guyana Under-19 cricketer Shivanandan Madholall is set for Sunday at the Reliance Sports Club ground in Essequibo.

The elegant and attacking left-handed batsman, who also represented Essequibo at the senior inter-county level passed away at the age of 31 following a brief illness.

Shivanandan Madholall

When contacted by Chronicle Sport, his eldest brother and former national youth batsman Rovendra Madholall, who now resides in Canada, confirmed that the one-day event should be an exciting affair since current and past Essequibo inter-county players will be in action.

“I am still saddened by my brother’s sudden demise yet I am honoured to play my role in being a sponsor for the match, since it is what my brother enjoyed as a promising player,” stated Rovendra.

Meanwhile, Reliance Hustlers Cricket Club will match their skills against Relaince Veterans XI commencing at 11:00hrs in the highly anticipated 20 overs encounter.

Leading the Hustlers will be former National T20 all-rounder Ramesh Narine, along with former National Under-17 batsman Rovendra Parasram, Mark Austin and Trevis Simon. The Veterans will be led by former Essequibo Under-19 player Ravindra Madholall, Latchmikhant Narine, Dinesh Joseph and former National Under-19 left-arm spinner Ray Reid.

Uniforms will be presented to the two teams while trophies and other memorabilia will form part of the presentation at the conclusion of the match.

Among the other sponsors are Ravindra Madholall, Narindra Madholall, former National Under-15 player Devon Ramnauth and Platinum Lounge and Sports Bar of Canada.

The family of the late Madholall also wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the event and has extended an invitation to the public to witness a planned and fun-filling day at the picturesque venue.

Additionally, according to the Madholall brothers the game will also serve to remember their late father Seeram Madholall who died in 2017 and who also was a colourful and dynamic cricketer. (Elroy Stephney)

to take proper care of the bicycle and to stay in school to complete her educational background. For 2019, Foster has assisted dozens of junior cricketers with cycles as part of a countywide campaign to assist them to get to school and cricket practice in the afternoon.

projects for the 80th Anniversary and Foster is personally spearheading it.

The office would be upgraded with the floor tiled, the roof sealed and new furniture/equipment installed.

The office currently leaves much to be desired and Foster stated that its restoration

BCB president Hilbert Foster launches 80th anniversary celebration by donating bicycle to Alina Sinclair

Meanwhile, West Indies players Devendra Bishoo and Anthony Bramble have contributed financially towards the upgrading of the BCB’s Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam-based office.

The restoration of the office is one of the main

when completed would result in better services to the general public and cricketers.

The BCB is also working to become self-reliant in an effort to reduce operating cost. Among the items the Board is working on are covers for pitches, comput-

er, printing machine, large water container, television set, sound system, water dispenser.

Last Friday, Bishoo, the leading wicket-taker at the Test level for any Berbician handed over a 32-inch television set to BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu,

freshments for players. The Board has not received any financial subvention/stipend from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for over a decade and Foster stated it has been a miracle that Berbice cricket has not only survived but also excelled at all levels.

He expressed gratitude

Anthony Bramble hands over donation to BCB president Hilbert Foster

while West Indies 20/20 selectee Anthony Bramble donated a $30 000 water dispenser to the project.

Popular Berbice Attorney-at-Law also donated a mobile watercart to the BCB. The cart would be used at BCB Finals to provide re-

to both Bishoo and Bramble for their assistance. He praised the support the BCB has received from 99% of Berbice clubs and players. Both Bishoo and Bramble stated that they were very delighted to assist Berbice cricket.

Federer finishes strong to defeat Dzumhur

By Rory Carroll NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Roger Federer overcame his second consecutive sluggish start to defeat Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 yesterday and advance to the U.S. Open third round.

um, which had its retractable roof closed due to rain.

Despite some shaky serving, 27-year-old Dzumhur took the first set thanks to 17 unforced errors from the Swiss.

The tide shifted in the first game of the second set, however, when Federer

superior serving carried the day as he finished with 16 aces to the Sarajevo native’s two and thumped a rocket that Dzumhur could not return on match point to clinch victory.

Federer, however, has looked vulnerable at the tournament.

Five-time champion Roger Federer hasn’t won a US Open title since 2008

World number 99 Dzumhur broke the five-time champion in his first two service games and raced out to a 4-0 lead before many in the crowd had found their seats at Arthur Ashe Stadi-

saved a break point at 30-40 following a wild rally during which both players race from corner to corner before Dzumhur sent a forehand into the net.

From there Federer’s

He dropped the opening set of his first-round match against qualifier Sumit Nagal and while he may get away with slow starts in the early rounds, he will need to be more consistent if he

hopes to win a record-extending 21st Grand Slam title.

“I have been in that position many times where you go through a little phase where you don’t start so well and everybody asks you right away, ‘What are you going to do?’” he told reporters.

“You’re like, I don’t know. Just go back to the drawing board. Just do the same things again. You hope for a better outcome.

“I don’t think there is per se a secret to a good start other than warming up well, being well-prepared mentally. Not underestimating your opponent.

I did all of that. You know me, I will always do that.

“So when it happens like this, back-to-back matches, it’s just a bit frustrating more than anything, especially when the level is that low and there are that many errors and the energy is not there.

“I can only do better, which is a great thing, moving forward.”

Federer will look to get off to a better start when he faces either Lucas Pouille or Dan Evans for a place in the round of 16.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

Smith’s first thought was Puran Bros golf tournament on this weekend Puran Bros Inc. in- cycling, paper-shredding, basis. comparable to almost any of Phillip Hughes after THE augural golf tournament party supplies, equipment This week’s tourna- other feeling in the world, August rental, tree-trimming, ce- ment will feature play- and the precision and dedibeing struck to the neck is31.setAllforeyesSaturday, will be on new ment supply, road-sweep- ers of every category as cation it takes to succeed at

IN the seconds after he was struck on the neck by a ball from Jofra Archer at Lord’s, Steven Smith has revealed his very first thoughts were of the death of his teammate Phillip Hughes almost five years ago.

Smith did not play in the 2014 Sheffield Shield match at the SCG when Hughes also took a blow to the neck with tragic consequences, but could not escape an immediate flashback to that eerily similar moment before he was able to rise to his feet again.

Australian batsman Steve Smith

“I had a few things running through my head, particularly where I got hit. Just a bit of past came up, if you know what I mean, from a few years ago,” said Smith, speaking with media after the third Test in Leeds. “That was probably the first thing I thought about.

“Then I was like, ‘I’m okay here,’ and I was alright. I was a little bit sad but I was alright mentally for the rest of that afternoon.”

While Smith said he had felt “pretty good” physically and returned to bat soon after passing all the initial concussion tests, he was later found to have delayed concussion, a sensation he described as similar to having drunk too much alcohol.

“It wasn’t until later that evening that it hit me,” said Smith. “When the doc asked me what did it feel like I said it felt like I had six beers last night and felt a little bit under the weather, without the six beers unfortunately.

That was the sort of feeling I got, that groggy feeling and that stuck around for a couple of days. Not a nice place to be in but these things happen and unfortunately missed what was a pretty amazing Test match.”

After progressing through a number of tests, starting from a brisk walk and gradually working up to facing bowling from Mitchell Marsh and Michael Neser in the nets, Smith will play in Australia’s tour match in Derby, starting today, and if there is no recurrence of symptoms, he will return to the

side for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford next week. In the build-up to that he will face faster bowling from Australia’s quicks in the nets.

Smith is also considering wearing a StemGuard attachment on his helmet as he tries to overcome the significant discomfort he feels when wearing the neck protector.

“I’ve tried them before, and I tried them the other day when I was batting and I reckon my heart rate went up about 30 or 40 straight away,” said Smith. “I just feel claustrophobic. I compare it to being stuck in an MRI scan machine.”

It is no surprise that someone who is famously obsessive about routine, repetitive movements and immaculately precise kit - he tapes his shoelaces inside his trouser legs so they can’t be seen - would be reticent to change, but he accepts that at some stage he will need to adapt.

“It was different, but I think at some point they’re probably going to become mandatory so I’m going to have to get used to them,” said Smith. “And I’m sure the more I wear them, the more I practise with them, my heart rate will come down and everything will be okay.

“Had I been wearing a stem guard in the game, I’m not sure that would have made a difference, the way my head sort of went back and where it hit me. Of course, you always want to have as much protection as possible and for me now it’s about trying it and trying to get used to it in the nets.”

One thing Smith is adamant he won’t change is the way he faces Archer and, while he expects to face more short balls in Manchester, he suggested it may help him if England opt to test him with a short-pitched barrage.

“If they’re bowling up there it means they can’t nick me off, or hit me on the pad or hit the stumps,” said Smith.

“With the Dukes ball, I don’t know, that’s an interesting ploy. So we’ll see what happens.

“I’m not really going to change anything. There’s been a bit of talk that he’s got the wood over me, but he hasn’t actually got me out.

“He hit me on the head on a wicket that was a bit up and down at Lord’s. He actually didn’t get me out so all the other bowlers have had more success against me I daresay. I’ve faced them a bit more, but they’ve all got me out a lot more. I’m pretty comfortable with that.”(ESPN Cricinfo)

LGC member Satish Puran, director of the Top Mix Cement division as he plays in his first-ever tournament.

At the newly remodelled headquarters on the West Bank of Demerara, president of the LGC received the sponsorship cheque from executive administrative assistant Sarah Dass and director of the Top Mix Cement division, Satish Puran.

LGC president Aleem Hussain expressed his appreciation to the company for its support and said he was encouraged by the level of development and expansion by the company over the past few years and looked forward to a long-term relationship.

Puran Bros has been a supporter of golf and sports for many years in Guyana and as its personal growth as a company continues, so does its involvement in local activities.

Known for its waste removal services, the company has expanded operations to include tyre-re-

ing, and septic tank removal, among many others.

In operation since 1987 and with more than 300 employees in the company, odds are that almost every household in the city uses one of the services provided

by Puran Bros on a regular

trophies will be awarded to the top two players in three categories: 0-10; 1119 and 20-36 along with prizes for Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. Puran described his excitement as a new golfer, stating “the experience of making a great shot is in-

golf can be transferred to the business environment”.

Members of the public and business partners and employees of Puran Bros are all invited to come and share in the fun and excitement of the game and the ambience of the Lusignan Golf Course.

LGC president Aleem Hussain (right) collects sponsorship for this weekend’s Puran Bros Inc. inaugural golf tournament

Heyliger cops Best Bowler award at ICC Americas tournament GUYANESE-born Dillon Heyliger emerged as the top wicket-taker for at the just-concluded International Cricket Council (ICC) Americas T20 final, played in Bermuda.

The tall right-arm fast bowler, who hails from Essequibo and represented Guyana at the youth level, finished the tournament with 11 wickets, including capturing four for 18 versus Bermuda, a feat he was richly rewarded for as Canada played unbeaten.

Heyliger, who, along with fellow Guyanese Mark

Montfort, was part of the Canadian squad, expressed thanks to his other teammates for their support during the tournament.

The tournament, which was held to determine the two Americas qualifiers, saw Canada and Bermuda secure the top two places with the former playing unbeaten.

They will now join Scotland, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Oman, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Jersey, Singapore, and hosts UAE in the 2019 ICC T20 World Cup qualifier in October and November.

Dillon Heyliger poses with the Best Bowler award at the conclusion of the tournament

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

Mohammed returns to Windies Women for ODI series, Gajnabi makes debut ST JOHN’S, Antigua - Anisa Mohammed has been included in the 13-member West Indies Women’s squad selected by Cricket West Indies (CWI) Interim Selection Panel, to play the three-match Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International (ODI) Series against Australia, starting on September 5 in Antigua.

Anisa last played international cricket for the West Indies in the away tour against Pakistan in February. She is the fifth highest ODI wicket-taker in women’s cricket with 146 wickets and brings a wealth of experience to the Stafanie Taylor-led team.

Currently ranked seventh in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship, the team will rely on its experienced players to fill the void left by Shakera Selman, Chedean Nation and Shemaine Campbelle, who have all been ruled out due to injury.

Kyshona Knight, also included in the squad, adds to that experience having been a part of the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup-winning squad of 2016.

Nineteen-year-old Guyanese medium-pacer Shabika Gajnabi has been included for the first time in the West Indies Women’s Squad.

players from the camp in Antigua over the last month, as a result of most of our senior players being unavailable due to injury.

Anisa Mohammed

Three-time captain of the Guyana Under-19 Girls team, Shabika brings a patient composure and strong arm to the squad. With a top score of 77 in the CWI Women’s Championship earlier this year and a handy economy rate she gives Stafanie a bonus in both the batting and bowling lineups.

CWI’s Interim Chairman of Selectors, Robert Haynes, offered his comments on the team’s selection, “The panel selected the best available

“We have included Anisa Mohammed and Kyshona Knight who have a lot of experience between them which is required when playing against Australia, the top-ranked women’s team.”

Haynes added, “As a result of the injuries to our senior players, it gave us the opportunity to select two of our younger players in Shabika Gajnabi and Karishma Ramharack to give the captain more options in the bowling department.”

The West Indies Women will bowl off their home series against Australia in a day-night ODI at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. The remaining two matches will be played at the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium, before the tour moves to the Kensington Oval in Barbados for the three T20 Internationals.

Tickets are priced at just US$4/EC$10 in Antigua or US$5/BD$10 for Barbados to make it affordable for fans to come out and rally behind the West Indies Women. Tickets are available online from Saturday, August 24 via the Buy Tickets button on www. windiescricket.com . Local box offices at the stadiums will be open from September 3 in Antigua and in Barbados from September 12.

FULL SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Hayley Matthews (vice-captain), Reniece Boyce, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Shamilia Connell, Stacy Ann King, Natasha McLean, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed Karishma Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi.

Stokes needs less bowling so his batting can blossom - Brearley (REUTERS) - England all-rounder Ben Stokes has emerged as one of the team’s best two batsmen and must be given assurances by Test skipper Joe Root that he will not be burdened with a heavy bowling workload, former captain Mike Brearley has said.

Stokes rescued England’s chances of winning back the Ashes on Sunday, hitting an unbeaten 135 against Australia at Headingley, as England successfully chased down a record 359 target to level the series at 1-1.

Brearley said that the 28-year-old had to make batting his top priority in the longest format of the game.

“Stokes needs assurances from captain and selectors that he will not be bowled too much, that he will in most conditions be the fourth seamer, not the third,” Brearley who played 39 Tests, wrote in a column for The Times newspaper.

“He cannot regularly bowl 20 overs a day, flat out, and regularly score six-hour centuries. He has to be encouraged to make batting his first, not his sec-

ond, string.”

Brearley said Stokes was among England’s top two batsmen following Alastair Cook’s international retirement last year.

men, along with Cook and Root. Now he is one of, at most, our two best,” Brearley added.

“I see in him no sign of internal conflict between

“A year ago I wrote ... that he could become the number three that England were looking for. He plays straight, well forward or well back. He pulls, hooks

Hero MotoCorp commits to three-year sponsorship of CPL IN a release to the media, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) announced that Hero MotoCorp Limited has agreed to extend the title sponsorship of the tournament for another three years.

The extension of the partnership means Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, will continue their title sponsorship of the Hero CPL until the 2022 season.

The New Delhi (India)-headquartered Hero MotoCorp has been the title sponsor of the Twenty20 cricket league in the Caribbean – popularly called the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ – since 2015.

Hero MotoCorp has long been a key partner of marquee sporting events – including cricket, soccer, field hockey and golf in India and across the globe, and the extension of their partnership with the Hero CPL further cements their association with world-class sport.

It also demonstrates the value that Hero CPL is delivering across the globe for the league’s partners and is a further endorsement of the international standing of the tournament in commercial as well as cricketing terms.

Richard Bevan, Chairman of Hero CPL, said: “Hero and CPL have become synonymous in every cricket fan’s vocabulary and we are delighted to join hands with the World’s pre-eminent two-wheel automobile company for three more years.

“It’s true to say that the Hero CPL wouldn’t be the magical event that it is without Hero’s now long and ongoing support. On behalf of the League and our millions of fans, I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude for this continued commitment to the Biggest Party in Sport.”

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp, said: “Hero is pleased to continue its association with one of the world’s most popular and respected T20 franchise tournaments. Having been associated with the Hero CPL from its inception, it is immensely satisfying to see how the tournament has grown and revitalised cricket in the Caribbean.

The Hero CPL has been an outstanding launch pad for budding cricketers who are now competing around the world. The extension of our title sponsorship of the Hero CPL is yet another example of our long-term commitment to the promotion of sports around the globe.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, August 29, 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)

Headingley, Leeds, Britain - England’s Ben Stokes hits a four to win the third Test Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

“A year ago, I said he (Stokes) was already one of England’s three best bats-

styles of batting or priorities as to what his best contribution may be.

and drives with power and control ... And he now builds an innings.”

(1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: NZ won by an innings & 65 runs Tom Latham (NZ)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI player against India to date?

What were Gordon Greenidge’s scores on his Test debut?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 29, 2019

Darren Bravo

Gray says Windies erred in excluding Cornwall, Bravo needs axing

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Former West Indies fast bowler Tony Gray has slammed the exclusion of off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall from the opening Test in Antigua and believes the subsequent lack of another impact bowler was one of the reasons behind the home side’s heavy defeat last Sunday.

West Indies left out Cornwall from the final XI and included seamer Miguel Cummins after fast bowling all-rounder Keemo Paul was ruled out with injury. However, Cummins proved woefully ineffective, sending down 20 lack-lustre overs in the match without taking a wicket, as West Indies slid to a crushing 318-run defeat inside four days.

levels to get wickets because he’s there mainly as a batsman.”

Chase, a part-time off-spinner, sent down 54 overs in the match and with the pitch at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground flattening out into a good batting track, the unpractised off-spin of John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite was also required for 13 overs combined during India’s second innings of 343 for seven declared.

The 56-year-old Gray, a former chairman of selectors in Trinidad and Tobago, argued that if a fourth seamer had been necessary, the place should have gone to uncapped Barbadian Chemar Holder who picked up 15 wickets in the three-match four-day ‘Test’ series against India A

West Indies all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall

Gray, who played five Tests and 25 one-dayers for West Indies between 1986 and 1991, said Cornwall offered a great alternative, especially with his height and past success against batsmen from the subcontinent.

“We have to look first at the selection of the team.

If we’re picking Rahkeem Cornwall (in the squad) with the history that he has behind him – doing well in regional cricket, very good bowling average and we know that he can bat, and also doing well on the A-team tours – you have to pick him ([in the final XI) in that sort of situation,” Gray told the Mason and Guest radio programme here Tuesday.

“You don’t have a Michael Holding or a late Malcolm Marshall to have in your bowling unit. You have two strike bowlers in Shannon Gabriel and (Kemar) Roach who performed tremendously well in that game but when you don’t have an additional impact bowler, what you’re doing is putting pressure on the whole team and it’s going to have a domino effect in different ways. “(Roston) Chase had to bowl a lot of overs, he’s had to use up concentration

earlier this month.

“When you don’t have Cummins bowling enough overs and not impacting where penetration is concerned, you’re going to have a problem with the team and Roach and Shannon Gabriel will have to bowl more overs in that regard,” Gray pointed out.

“I think we should have gone with at least Cornwall but if we had to go with an additional fast bowler, I think that Chemar Holder should have played. The way West Indies cricket has gone we’ve got to think outside of the box and not be stereotypical in your selections.

“As somebody who has done well against India-A recently, I saw him at the Queen’s Park Oval and I was very impressed with him.

“We needed an impact bowler in addition to the two other bowlers because when we did so well against England (earlier this year), we had Alzarri Joseph and what you also had was a captain (Jason Holder) who ran in.

So what you had were four impact bowlers in that series and hence the reason the result was the way it was.”

With West Indies trailing 1-0 in the two-match series

and needing a positive result in the Sabina Park Test starting tomorrow in Kingston in order to level the series, Gray said Cornwall needed to be handed his debut while outof-form left-hander Darren Bravo has to be dropped.

“You always have to look at the pitch but Cornwall

has to come in because … a lot of those guys would not have faced a guy who is six (feet), five-and-a-half (inches), bowling at a high action – he’s a different type of off-break bowler,” explained Gray.

“He’s the tallest off-break bowler in the world at the mo-

ment so we have to play him.”

He added: “Somebody has to come in for Bravo because I don’t think he’s confident at all. I don’t think he’s there. I would give him a rest.”

Gray contended his fellow Trinidadian had not been managed well in the lead-up to the series.

“We cannot have Bravo practising at home and there are A-team games (ongoing). He’s struggling and he didn’t play in the A-team games,” Gray maintained.

“That’s foolishness, absolute nonsense. We have to put these guys in situations where they will improve.”

W.J. Enterprise joins Limacol football tournament Page

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WJ Enterprise’s Kavita Sookhu presents the sponsorship cheque to Petra co-Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of Sean Embrack and Mark Alleyne

JAAA president optimistic Page Briana 23 Williams could be exonerated

17-year-old speedster Briana Williams has had an outstanding year

Miguel Wong aiming to reach Germany table tennis camp ‌ Sponsors needed Page

GFF hails Extraordinary Congress a success

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Page

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Miguel Wong

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2019