Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_09_06_2019

FRIDAY 6th SEPTEMBER, 2019

' No.105752

GPL seeks

…moves closer

to finalising pact with Giftland

power providers

See Story on page 03

Thorough probe underway into DHB barge collision – Min. Sharma 11 PAGE

– contingency plans being assessed

CDB pours US$1M

into Bahamas’ recovery PAGE

11

Patterson slams Berbice Bridge Company

PAGE

10

... says matter before court, gov’t unwilling to discuss future sale

Dancers of St Cuthbert’s Mission, on Thursday, perform at the closing of a three-day Caribbean Resilience Workshop geared at coordinating Indigenous and local solutions to address the impact of climate change (Samuel Maughn photo) (See story on page 10)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

Private Sector throws support behind CDC -- to help The Bahamas in time of crisis

By Svetlana Marshall COGNISANT of the challenges The Bahamas is facing, having been ravished

by Hurricane Dorian, the Private Sector has pledged to support the Civil Defence Commission’s (CDC) efforts to provide much-needed assistance to the Bahamians.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC), led by Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia, met with Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig and CDC’s Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, at the PSC’s Waterloo Street Head-office on Thursday.

On Sunday, September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category Five storm, made landfall on The Bahamas at Elbow Cay, Abacos Islands,

at approximately 12:40 pm with 185 mph winds. The Abacos Islands and Grand

Agency (CDEMA).

Captain Gouveia, on Thursday, said the Private

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams

Bahama, which collectively have a population of approximately 76,000 people, have been severely affected. The CDC has since activated its ‘response mechanism’ and will provide such support through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management

Sector stands ready to offer its support to the CDC to bring relief to Bahamians as was done in 2017 when Category Five Hurricanes, Irma and Maria, struck the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

“We certainly will be

working with you now as much as we could,” the PSC chairman told Minister Hast-

PSC Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia

ings-Williams and the CDC director-general.

“This is about a piece of humanity that we need to keep, digging deeper and deeper because this is really beyond the control of human beings, what is happening on the face of the earth, and whatever we can do, we have [to] dig deeper to keep showing that face and hand of humanity because we never know when we are going to be on the other end of this,” Captain Gouveia said.

PSC Secretary, Ramesh Dookhoo, who would have worked closely with the CDC during its 2017 efforts, underscored the importance of ascertaining the needs of The Bahamas to prevent the duplication of resources or the supply of unwanted materials.

NEEDS LIST The ‘needs list,’ Dookhoo noted, will be shared among members of the business community once provided.

“We need to see that list and we will assist you to circulate that list to about 5,000 businesses right across Guyana… Our strength in this is to appeal to these businesses and you may be surprised about what it can yield. Communicating with them is very easy but it is also very effective and we can do that effectively for you,” Dookhoo told the CDC. Pumps, reverse osmosis plants, generators, tents, hygiene kits, potable water, non-perishable food items and water containers

are among the items on the needs list, which the CDC has committed to making public soon. Early on in the discussion, the CDC officials informed the Private Sector Commission that the Bahamian Government has indicated a preference for financial support.

Wesley Kirton, a member of the PSC, supported the move for cash donations, noting that it would be easier and cost-efficient to wire finance to the Bahamas than to ship containers of items to the islands. He noted, too, that companies with partners or branches in the US can have items shipped from the US to The Bahamas. Purchasing of items in the US can also result in tax waivers and or price reductions or discounts, he further posited.

His proposition was endorsed

by Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean, one of the PSC executives present.

Already, GBTI has pledged $3M in hurricane relief. A representative of Edward B Beharry & Co Ltd, which has a majority control of GBTI, was present at the meeting and renewed the company’s support. The National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) was also represented at the meeting and pledged that company’s support.

ENCOURAGED The minister of state said she was encouraged by the Private Sector’s response to the CDC’s call for assistance.

Minister Hastings-Williams also used the platform to thank the PSC for its continuous support. “… you have supported us in the past both locally and internationally whenever you were called upon… you have always supported us, and I must say thank you very much, on behalf of the government, for your support, and we look forward for your continued support,” she told the PSC. The minister informed the commission that the government has already committed to rendering assistance to the Bahamian Government.

She noted that many of Guyana’s teachers are living in The Bahamas, and are more than likely affected by the storm. “I know a lot of our

teachers are there, so we sympathise with them,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, in giving a synopsis of the situation in The Bahamas, Captain October told the officials present that Dorian made its landfall as a Category Five Hurricane on September 1.

“Interestingly enough, its maximum sustained winds was the highest recorded on the Islands of The Bahamas to date in its history,” Captain October said while noting that it was a slow-moving hurricane that sustained its 185 mph winds for one and a half day – travelling 30 miles in the northern Bahamas.

He confirmed, too, that the Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama have been severely affected.

“We anticipate that while there are seven confirmed deaths, there can be reports of much more as the assessment progress. The assessment is only in its second day so far, search and rescue efforts are still highly afoot, and parts of the Abacos have been totally decimated,” he reported.

The CDC senior response officer pointed out, too, that a shanty town called ‘The Mud,’ which was owned by Haitian immigrants, was completely decimated. Additionally, approximately 60 per cent of the homes in March Habour are damaged. “Water and sanitation are currently compromised on those two islands,” he further reported while explaining that “a large per cent of water that is consumed on the island has to be treated through reverse osmosis plants and therefore if the water system is contaminated, those plants will not function properly.” A number of the reverse osmosis plants have also been destroyed.

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GPL seeks power providers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

the power grid. Banks DIH installed a 10MW to boost their operations and Gordon said discussions were held with the company to provide GPL with power. He said while the beverage giant was not too enthusiastic, the power company is still hopeful. He said the power from Banks DIH would be required mostly for the evening. That is also the case with power from Giftland and he added that there were legal constraints regarding the sourcing of power from the latter.

While GPL moves to iron out the agreement with Gift-

land, the company is faced with a tough challenge since there has been a shortfall in power generation in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

“GPL remains committed to supplying reliable electricity to our valued customers.

However, due to unforeseen occurrences and generation/ operational issues, we are currently challenged with providing the required generation during peak demand,” said GPL. In Berbice, due to a defective transformer at the Onverwagt, Berbice Substation, GPL is unable to export 6.9 MW of power to the DBIS. Additionally, a 5.5 MW generator at the Canefield power plant is unavailable because of scheduled maintenance.

Over in Demerara, at the Kingston Power Plant, a 6.9 MW unit is unavailable due to a defective alternator, which had to be sourced overseas. The alternator has arrived, and repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the week. Thereafter the unit will return to operation by Monday, September 9, 2019.

At the Garden-of-Eden power station, a 4MW is unavailable as GPL is awaiting

the arrival of replacement parts for the defective components. “Our company is aggressively injecting efforts to ensure all units are returned to operation in the shortest possible time. However, with a deficit of approximately 23 MW, customers in Demerara and Berbice will experience periods of service disruptions. Public advisories will be disseminated to inform and prepare customers…we apologise for the inconvenience caused,” said GPL. Meanwhile, On Tuesday, September 3, while a contactor was carrying out work on the Sheriff/Mandela Road expansion project, one of GPL’s poles with two transformers was up-rooted in the vicinity of the Rubis Gas Station on Mandela Avenue.

This resulted in a service interruption to a number of communities in South Georgetown, Queenstown and Lacytown. GPL, as such, reminded the public to exercise caution when conducting works in close proximity to its infrastructure.

of Nursing. She got married a few years later and added Fox to her surname.

In 1977, she joined the University of Guyana (UG) as a junior researcher attached to the Amerindian Languages Project, with the focus of her work being on research, that saw her col-

lecting and analysing data on a wide range of Amerindian issues and situations in Guyana, including the pre and present history, demography, geography, spirituality, rites and rituals, kinship networks, language and the general aspect of their way of life.

The project unit was later

renamed the Amerindian Research Unit.

Keen on advancing herself academically, Dr. Fox, in 1977, earned a Master of Arts in Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent in Canterbury, the United Kingdom; a PhD in

…moves closer to finalising pact with Giftland THE Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has moved closer to finalising a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with MCG Investments Inc (Giftland Mall), at a time when GPL is experiencing shortfalls in power generation.

In line with the government's vision to enhance the generating and reserve capacity of GPL and to meet the needs of its customers, the new Board of Directors of GPL has considered the proposal from Giftland Mall to enter into a PPA. “In furtherance of its consideration, the Board authorised GPL to move forward efforts to finalise a PPA Agreement with MCG Investments Inc. that met the needs and interests of the company. The Board also instructed GPL Inc. to ensure all of the legal and regulatory modalities were satisfied,” said GPL. While the legal and regulatory modalities are being completed, the board also authorised GPL to commence inviting Expressions

Chairman of GPL, Dr. Rawle Lucas

of Interest (EoIs) from other potential power providers with immediately available generation capacity.

Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat, had said that Giftland Mall is ready to help ease the present power predicament. Beepat justified his power plant’s capability, noting that it requires very minor technical connection to place the power plant on the grid, since the poles are already laid. He also said that Giftland’s cost is below that of GPL’s diesel plants.

“We cannot alleviate all the problems but we can certainly help and are on

Chairman of Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat

standby for the word to have this done,” said Beepat.

It was reported that government, through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, had taken measures to ensure that blackouts are reduced.

Part of those efforts included pursuing power purchase agreements with Giftland Mall and Banks DIH Ltd. for five megawatts each, during peak hours.

GPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, in June, had said the two significant potential suppliers – Banks DIH and Giftland – use heavy fuel oil and have the capacity to boost

The late Dr. Desrey Fox

By Wendella Davidson THE late Dr. Desrey Caesar-Fox was a serving government official, holding the portfolio of Minister within the Ministry of Education under the PPP Administration when her life was cut short following a tragic automobile accident on December 11, 2009, at age 54.

She is, in the annals of the history of the Caribbean, among the first three female ministers of government of Amerindian descent.

A Capricornian by birth, Desrey Clementine Caesar, at a very early age, displayed tremendous love for her people and the development and preservation of their languages. As time went by, she was viewed as an outstanding role model for the Indigenous Peoples, of which there are nine here in Guyana, including the Akawaio Nation, to which she belongs.

At the time of her death, she was involved in a project to translate this country’s National Anthem into the

town Seventh-Day Adventist Academy.

In 1973, Dr. Fox was awarded a nursing scholarship that saw her being trained as a midwife at the Georgetown Hospital School

The late Dr. Desrey Caesar-Fox

nine Amerindian dialects, and was being assisted by Gail Teixeira and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the latter who was at the time the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The eldest of seven children born to Gibson and Anita Caesar at Waramadong Village, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), she received her formative education at the Waramadong Primary, before moving on to Campbellville Government, and later the George-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

British PM Johnson’s own brother quits on eve of Brexit election campaign

WAKEFIELD, England (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to kick off what is in effect an election campaign casting parliament as the enemy of Brexit was overshadowed on Thursday when his younger brother quit the government, citing the national interest.

As the United Kingdom spins toward an election, Brexit remains up in the air more than three years after Britons voted to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. Options range from a turbulent ‘no-deal’ exit to abandoning the whole endeavor. Ahead of a speech in Wakefield, northern England, where Johnson effectively began an informal election campaign, his own brother, Jo, resigned as a junior business minister and said he was stepping down as a lawmaker for their Conservative Party. “In recent weeks

I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest — it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles,” he tweeted. The 47-year-old, who campaigned for Britain to remain a member of the European Union in the 2016 referendum while his older brother was the face of Vote Leave, has been in parliament since 2010, serving in several ministerial roles.

The move comes in a frenetic week for the premier, who said his brother had been “a brilliant, talented minister and a fantastic MP”, and that the decision would not have been easy. After wresting control of the lower house of parliament on Wednesday, an alliance of opposition parties and rebels expelled from the Conservative Party voted to force him to seek a three-month delay to Brexit rather than leaving without a

deal on Oct. 31, the date now set in law. Asked after Thursday’s speech to police cadets in Wakefield whether he would ask for such a delay he said: “I’d rather be dead in a ditch.”

“TRUST THE PEOPLE” Since taking office in July, Boris Johnson has tried to corral the Conservative Party, which is openly fighting over Brexit, behind his strategy of leaving the European Union on Oct. 31 with or without a deal.

On Tuesday, he expelled 21 Conservative lawmakers from the party for failing to back his strategy, including Winston Churchill’s grandson and two former finance ministers. Behind the sound and the fury of the immediate crisis, an election now beckons for a polarized country. The main choices on offer are Johnson’s insistence on leaving the EU on Oct. 31, come what may, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s hard-left socialist vision,

coupled with a promise of a fresh referendum with an option to stay in the EU. Jacob Rees-Mogg, who manages government business in the House of Commons, said parliament would be asked again on Monday, after the blocking bill becomes law, to approve a snap election. On Wednesday, lawmakers rejected Johnson’s request for an Oct. 15 poll. The Brexit crisis has for three years overshadowed European Union affairs, eroded Britain’s reputation as a stable pillar of the West and seen sterling lunge back and forth in line with the probability of a ‘no-deal’ exit.

Asked if Brexit would happen on Oct. 31, Johnson’s belligerent senior adviser Dominic Cummings, a focus of many departing Conservative lawmakers’ grievances, told Reuters: “Trust the people.” Former prime minister John Major called on Johnson to sack “political anarchist” Cummings, in a speech on Thursday.

ELECTION LOOMS Opposition parties say they are in favor of an election in principle, but are debating whether or not to accept Johnson’s proposed date. Johnson has accused Corbyn of cowardice for not facilitating a snap poll. At a meeting with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in Downing Street on Thursday, Johnson quipped: “We’re not too keen on your chlorinated chicken - we have a gigantic chlorinated chicken of our own here on the opposition benches.” The prospect that Britain will have to accept imports of chlorine-washed chicken from the United States in any trade deal between the two has become a symbol of what remainers say will be a weak negotiating position after Brexit. Pence, who laughed, said the United States supported Britain’s decision to leave the EU. He said later that Britain should take no lectures on how to conduct its affairs - a nod to U.S. President Barack Obama’s ill-fated warning in 2016 that Britain would go to the “back of the queue” for a trade deal if it left the EU. The sense that the prospect

of a ‘no-deal’ exit had receded pushed the pound 1.4% higher on Wednesday and it surged to a five-week high on Thursday, ending at $1.2317. UBS Global Wealth Management said sterling could rally to $1.30 if Brexit was delayed until January 2020 and an election was held after October. An election before Brexit would allow Johnson, if he won, to repeal the blocking bill. The law will pass the upper house, the Lords, by Friday evening.

Diplomats said an election campaign would halt any Brexit talks with the EU and expressed frustration with the turmoil in British politics at such an important juncture in European history.

In particular, they said London had yet to make any meaningful proposals to address Johnson’s complaints about the divorce settlement that his predecessor Theresa May agreed with the EU but failed to get through parliament at home. “The UK side continues to produce chaos and it is very hard to predict anything,” said one EU diplomat.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

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Death toll climbs to 23 NASSAU, Bahamas, Sep. 5, CMC – Health Minister Dr Duane Sands on Thursday confirmed that the death toll from Hurricane Dorian now stands at 23.

However, the Health Minister once again projected that the final count will be staggering and also revealed that additional morticians are being flown

into Abaco and Grand Bahama to embalm the bodies.

“Make no bones about it, the numbers are going to be far higher than 23. It is going to be significantly higher than that,” said Sands during an interview on local radio.

He also said that the government will bring in additional refrigerated cool-

ers to properly store the dead. “It’s just a matter of retrieving those bodies and making sure we understand how they died. It may seem as if we are splitting hairs.

In making reference to the death toll, Sands said: “It is way more than that…. there are only particular people that can declare persons dead. And until such

persons are declared dead, they cannot be recorded as an official death.”

“Let me say that I believe the number will be staggering,” he added. “…I have never lived through anything like this and I don’t want to live through anything like this again.”

In addition to bringing in morticians, Sands said

– morticians to be flown in

the government will also have to bring in additional refrigerated coolers to store the dead as the government does not have the capacity to deal with this “health crisis”. The Health Minister revealed that he has called on the director of the World Health Organization, among other organizations, for help. “We

will have three additional mini hospitals brought to both Abaco and Grand Bahama.” According to Sands, and 50 additional doctors will be brought in to provide acute, long term and psychological care of those affected by the storm.

The late Dr. Desrey Fox...

From PAGE 3

Linguistics from Rice University in Houston, Texas in 2003; and a Master of Arts in Linguistics at the Rice University, also in 2003.

Dr. Caesar-Fox also lectured in Linguistics and Amerindian Studies at UG, and taught special courses at the Universities of Oregon and Rice.

Dr. Caesar-Fox also obtained a BSc in Sociology from the University of Guyana, and was once the Curator at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology.

In April 2008, when Dr. Caesar-Fox was appointed a minister, she and two others, Pauline Sukhai and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, made history by becoming the first female Amerindian

ministers of government in the Caribbean.

LOOKING BACK Reflecting on the death of his eldest child, dad, Gibson, who was in the company of one of his sons, Ricky, told the Guyana Chronicle that despite years have elapsed, he still remembers, and will always remember his eldest daughter for the love she bestowed upon everyone around her, and the fact that such love still resonates within the family.

He, however, expressed his displeasure at the sight of a fading portrait of her that is erected in the vicinity of the University of Guyana, where she had given invaluable service. He wondered whether

the memory and legacy she left at the tertiary institution will be allowed to diminish the same way.

Yvette, the last of the children, who also spoke fondly of her eldest sister, said, “Desrey’s death was unexpected, and to this day, I am still unable to come to grips that she is still not around.”

She recalled how all of her siblings used to look up to Desrey, as she was like a second mother to them in terms of everything: Giving advice, shopping for them, and being their role model.

Yvette remembers, too, how Desrey, as a linguist, knew and fluently spoke the language of each of the nine Amerindian tribes.

“I used to be in awe whenever she visited other communities, how she would easily communicate with residents in their own dialect, when others couldn’t.

She was all about languages; that was her passion,” Yvette said.

She said that it is because of the late Dr. Caesar-Fox that her entire family can also speak the different dialects now, “She made certain that we all learnt them,” she said.

Flashback! Family members render song in the Akawaio dialect at the funeral.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

Going Solar

SOLAR energy forms an integral part of any country’s plan in addressing alternative energy. Where Guyana is pursuing a Green Economy, as a matter of its primary developmental thrust, whenever a business or individual switches to this form of energy, such act takes the country closer to the goal.

Alternative energy, such as solar, plays a significant role in protecting the environment. This is so given that it replaces consumption of fossil fuel which gives off emissions, which has been scientifically proven to be harmful to the environment. As consumption of fossil is reduced, the air we breathe becomes healthier and will help in enhancing the health of citizens and nations.

According to the watchdog Union of Concerned Scientists in its 2011 Report (which was revised November 2014), Guyana is among the 20% of the “rest of the world” where each country’s share of total carbon dioxide emission comes from energy consumption. The top emitters are China at 27%, the United States 17%, Russia 5%, India 5% and Japan

4%. Specifically to Guyana, according to the World Resources Institute as at 31st December 2012, our Greenhouse Gas Emissions, excluding land-use change and forestry, is recorded at 3.60. When it includes land-use change and forestry, Guyana records 7.64.

As a signatory to the United Nations Climate Agreement which came into effect on 5th January, coming with this is a responsibility to help meet the international timetable goals for reducing emissions. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also has its own Energy Thrust which Guyana has helped to shape and has a responsibility to bring to fruition.

In previous national budgets, the coalition government has committed to granting concessions to those desirous of benefitting from alternative-energy technology. This opportunity not only helps in harnessing the natural energy at our disposal but also creates a more reliable source of energy than presently obtains. Further, such pursuit would realise reduction of overhead expenses overtime, new opportunities for employ-

ment and economic opportunities, and Guyana elevating its image as a credible nation among members-states, regional and extra-regional.

The government has set itself a lofty goal-- but not unachievable -- that by 2025, the country will achieve renewable energy and energy-efficiency status. With six years remaining to achieve this goal, and in the midst of evident public delight with reported fossil fuel finds, such aspiration may not be taken lightly, which may require a refocusing of interests and energies. While government has targeted, for special attention, areas to be retrofitted, where businesses and private citizens are following suit they are deserving of commendation, even as all efforts must be made to encourage others. Back in 2017, the Nand Persaud Group of Companies went fully solar when it commissioned a $110m system at its Tain, Corentyne, call centre. The Demerara Bank Limited, Camp Street headquarters, is now fully converted.

Government also, on its own, has constructed Guyana’s first solar farm at

Mabaruma in the North West District.

Four acres of land had been identified for an ambitious 400-megawatt project, which, when it becomes operational, would afford an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents.

The Demerara Bank, in addition to going green, is providing support for others to do likewise. Though in our society -- where there can be little dispute -- habits are hard to change and the full appreciation of alternative energy is yet to be grappled with, this bank is helping the process of changing behaviour by making funding available at reasonable cost. At the eight per cent interest rate, the impetus is there to act. Retrofitting homes and other buildings create new types of jobs and other economic opportunities, direct and indirect. For home owners, opportunities are presented to opt for going fully solar or creating a hybrid system.

The possibilities for using alternative energy are limitless and Guyanese are being encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities.

Accountability must not be selective … Mr. Jadgeo must account for what he has done

Dear Editor, REFERENCE is being made to GAWU General Secretary, Seepaul Narine’s letter “Mr. Jagdeo did not close down the Diamond and LBI estates” (SN September 5).

The facts show the contrary, and it is unfortunate that my fellow trade unionist has sought to engage in this deceptive act. A sugar estate

comprises of factory, cane fields, among other services.

Closing a factory is not closing the estate.

Whereas a factory can close separately, the field (sugar canes) can still be under cultivation, which means the estate is still functioning. That was the case of the Diamond Estate, where, while the factory was closed earlier, it was the cane fields (the vital production ele-

ment) which stopped cultivation under President Bharrat Jagdeo’s leadership. It was Mr. Jagdeo who sounded the death knell on the Diamond Estate, GuySuCo’s highest-yielding cane fields.

Evidence will show that Diamond was still producing acres of cane since 1985, but its production was grounded to a halt in 2010.

Kaieteur News (KN)’s March 31, 2010 article ‘Dia-

mond Estate workers protest for severance pay’ noted, “GAWU contended that the decision to close the Diamond cultivation is injudicious.” Said article goes on to say, “The Union pointed out that in keeping with the Corporation’s goal of ultimately producing 80,000 tonnes of packaged sugar at Enmore Estate, the maintenance of the Diamond cultivation would ensure an adequate

cane supply, and would save the Corporation millions of dollars, having to develop new lands on the East Coast of Demerara, which certainly would not be as high-yielding as the Diamond cultivation.”

It was the Jagdeo government that initiated and put systems in place to realise the closure of the LBI Estate, and according to GuySuCo, the GAWU was on board. KN’s March 3, 2011 article, “Sug-

ar workers staged protest over LBI ‘closure’” stated that GuySuCo management said “…in recent times, the company and union were in discussions, as the company saw it feasible to close the LBI estate...”

The article further stated that the Chief Executive Office, Paul Bhim “added that the protest action came See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

Accountability must ... Post-Jagan PPP undermined From page 6

as a shock to the company, since the union was actively involved in negotiations, and some workers even agreed.”

The fact that finality was brought in 2016 does not negate the fact as to who initiated the process and put all measures in placed to bring closure. All evidence will show it was the Bharrat Jagdeo government.

Readers are invited to revisit my article, “Mr. Jagdeo, go to work and stop busing” (KN September 1) where I spoke about the closure of the Diamond and LBI Estates. The result of those actions placed thousands of sugar workers on the breadline. That my brother, Seepaul, sought to give the impression the reference to workers losing job dealt with LBI alone is deceptive. Further, it was sugar workers, utilising the legal service of Khemraj Ramjattan that took the government to court for their severance pay. If the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) took GuySuCo to court, using the legal service of Ramjattan, then logic defines it was workers who took the government to court. In an effort to debunk my statement that the workers had to resort to court action to receive their severance, my brother is now claiming that the workers did not do this; that it was done by GAWU. How more ludicrous can this statement be when the workers’ representative is GAWU. The question that he has made comparison about what the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government has done to the sugar industry but failed to acknowledge that I have constantly condemned the government’s treatment of sugar workers indicates that Seepaul’s writing is to serve another’s objective other than advancing the cause of the sugar workers. Public record would confirm that I have stood with sugar workers on numerous occasions, across all administrations.

Accountability must not be selective; Mr. Jadgeo must account for what he has done, in the same way the Granger/ Nagamootoo government must account for what they have done. We cannot be having two truths in Guyana. The fundamental difference manifesting itself here between the two of us is that I remain steadfast in my commitment, regardless of political season or leadership, whereas he has demonstrated in his letter a commitment to absolve political masters of their responsibility in the downfall of the sugar estates and the loss of jobs to workers. I invite Seepaul to join me in a non-partisan crusade to represent the workers of this country, without fear or favour for any political party.

My brother, let us join hands in holding all politicians accountable to return to Parliament to enact progressive legislation to protect the workers who are daily being exploited by unscrupulous employers, to ensure the safeguard of our environment for present and future generations, and to ensure local labour benefit from the oil-and- gas sector, not only to give meaning to Article 106(7) in the Guyana Constitution.

Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS

public education

Dear Editor, WHEN I read Leslie Ramsammy’s letter about “Cheddi’s dreams”, the first thought that came to me is that this man has no shame!

In the Guyana Times (4/9/19), he referred to improvements in the education section, and brazenly stated that “APNU/AFC totally ignored the hinterland and Amerindian communities”.

My reaction is: Where does this man live? Of course he lives overseas, since he holds foreign citizenship. He came back before the 1992 elections after he formed the

Republican Party to “chase Cheddi Jagan” from becoming president.

After his party was totally rejected, this opportunist begged to join up the PPP government. PPP supporters have long memories, and will not allow Ramsammy to fool them with his new-found love for Dr. Jagan!

Ramsammy knows that the regime that took over from Dr. Jagan undermined public education. Results in Amerindian communities were at an all-time low.

It was under the APNU + AFC Coalition Government that the entire

education system was overhauled.

The overall passes at CSEC, close to 80%, have resulted from the work of this administration!

The image of the PPP was the billion-dollar Kato Secondary School, which was a white elephant.

It is the Granger Government which renovated it and made it into a modern residential school.

Soon, the Cheing Falls at Kato will provide hydro energy to the school, at a cost of $450M. Regards, Rovin Singh

57 airstrips have been upgraded and constructed Dear Editor, “IN four-and-a-half years, little or no improvement has been made in the various airstrips in the hinterland”. So said Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, a former People’s Progress Party (PPP) Minister in his Guyana Times Column last Wednesday last.

I did not have to do much research on the Parliament of Guyana website for information that nails Dr. Ramsammy’s lies. The Minister of Public Infrastructure has given data to this effect: * 57 airstrips have been upgraded and constructed. These include air-

strips at Baramita, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Bemichi, Mahdia, Kamarang, Monkey Mountain, Kato, Eteringbang and Kurupung! * The Bemichi airstrip, which services the Moruca sub-region, cost $ 69M. * Lethem airport will be made into an international hub, with planned upgrade costing $834 million. * $2 billion has been approved for additional upgrades of airstrips and installation of light and other safety features. * Iwokrama aerodrome was lengthened from 762 meters to 1,219 meters,

thus accounting for more tourists visiting our Iwokrama Rainforest Resort.

Dr. Ramsammy should be more careful with his facts. It is easier to deny his role in procuring electronic devices that were used during a bloody period of his regime’s criminal past than to bury the truth that great progress has been made under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government in easing access to our hinterland communities.

Yours sincerely, Cheryl Campbell Research Student

Giftland ready to supply power Dear Editor, ONCE again I write to advise the Minister and his Board at GPl that we at Giftland Mall are ready to help ease the present power predicament.

The justification for taking power from our plant is as follows: 1. It just requires very minor technical connection to place our power plant

on the grid; the poles are already laid.

2. Our cost is below their diesel plants.

3. The present perfect storm of issues to hit the corporation shows the need to alternate supply to help ease the load.

4. It will alleviate the suffering of thousands of households at no extra cost

to anyone.

We cannot alleviate all the problems, but we can certainly help, and are on standby for the word to have this done.

Regards, Roy Beepat Chairman, Giftland Group

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

Morian flays ‘negligent’ regional education officials … RDC sets up taskforce to fix problems in sector

CHAIRMAN of the Upper Demerara Berbice Region, Renis Morian, on Thursday, announced that a taskforce will be established to bring solutions to the plethora of challenges facing the education system in the region, particularly dealing with the conditions teachers and students are forced to perform under.

Even after a two-month holiday break, visits to some of the schools in Region Ten, during this first week, showed that basic issues such as the condition of the compound, provision of adequate furnishing amongst other things, were not addressed.

The visibly frustrated Regional Chairman expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the education system is

being handled at the regional level, which is making central government, the tier providing all the budgeted funds for these issues to be addressed, look bad. “I want a taskforce, I want to look at the critical condition of our schools, weeding, toilet facilities, the whole general ambiance of the schools, the conditions that the schools are in...once we have the total picture for each school, it puts the administration, it puts the Council in a better position, step by step to address it” he said.

The taskforce will include members from the Education Committee and the Public Works Committee and physical checks will be made at the various schools to identify what are the pressing

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian issues that need addressing urgently. Morian argued that after two months, the basic needs of schools should have been met: provision of water and furniture and a clean compound but, unfortunately,

many schools are lacking in these areas at the start of the term. Checks to Mackenzie Primary School revealed that the compound was filled with weeds and Councillors even sighted a snake running into the compound. The Mackenzie High School’s compound also had high weeds, the Chairman related. “That is why I am asking what agenda is being pushed right now; the government sending money to clean the schools, somebody cutting the money, now school is opened, just as the children step outside, tall, tall grass. I am concerned that this RDC and the Department of Education; they don’t have the same agenda, like we have a different agenda. I certainly feel so because if the government releases

money to clean these schools, the problem we have right now should not happen,” the Chairman argued.

The lack of furniture at the various schools should not be an issue since the very same furniture is available in the regional bond. On the first day of school, Morian said that first formers at the Mackenzie High School were crying out for furniture. Upon visiting the bond, he was surprised to see furniture sitting there. “The government is spending too much money to have what we are having here; sometimes I want to know if we have the same agenda, or we have competing agenda...I shouldn’t be going to the bond to see furniture. When school is opened and there are schools

asking for furniture, why the furniture still in the bond?

We can’t manage government’s funding, taxpayers’ money in this way, that is why I want to know if all of we are on the same page, or if we have competing agendas going on here...the bond must be empty,” he stated.

The Regional Chairman said that the situation should be addressed by next week or recommendations for those responsible for such negligence at the Department of Education will be made for them to leave.

The move to have a taskforce established was accepted by the Councillors present who also expressed their frustration over the situation which, they said, is an aged-old one.

GNBA chairman informs CBU of Guyana’s effort to preserve Indigenous languages CHAIRMAN of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leslie Sobers, has informed the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) about Guyana’s effort to preserve various indigenous languages.

Sobers, who represented Guyana at the CBU’s 50th Annual General Assembly in San Andres, Columbia, said efforts are being made to formulate various dictionaries and organisations are advocating for such indigenous languages to be taught in school. The theme for the general assembly was “uniting the region through indigenous content.”

“The chairman also expressed endorsement for shared cultural experiences among Caribbean countries with the objective of bringing about understanding of the similarities and differences with regard to our common cultural experiences, way of life,

terminologies, history, inter alia,” said the GNBA in a press statement.

Sobers also took the opportunity to create links with other broadcasting authorities in the region for future cooperation and for information-sharing.

The CBU also led discussions about the Digital Switchover. On this score, the Columbian Government made a commitment to conduct training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for members of the CBU, to assist in the transition from analogue to digital.

GNBA intends to utilise such training opportunities, with the aim of assisting broadcasters, as Guyana prepares for the digital switchover.

GNBA said it looks forward to continued collaboration with countries in the region in an effort to further assist in the development of broadcasting in Guyana.

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers (right) and Veteran Broadcaster, Enrico Woolford at the conference

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

Gov’t hands over $45M garbage truck to City Hall A NEW garbage truck was, on Thursday, handed over to the Mayor and City Councillors of Georgetown from the Ministry of Communities(MoC) By Hon. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan.

The 28 cubic metre vehicle is worth some $GYD45M and was handed over to aid the solid waste disposal department in offsetting the garbage collection load on a daily basis.

In a release, the ministry said Minister Bulkan noted that this is part of the government’s 2019 subvention programme while acknowledging that the City Council has financial constraints.

Minister Bulkan said, “It is for this reason central government is forced to step in and provide much critical support by way of equipment and other forms of assistance.”

Previously, the Ministry of Communities provided the Mayor and City Council with a tractor/trailer to the Solid Waste Management Department for the improvement of solid waste collection.

In 2015, the MoC had given the Georgetown municipality two (2) 21 cubic meter, and two (2) 8 cubic

9

Additionally, other municipalities have benefited from 10, nine-ton trailers for the ten municipalities across the country. These efforts will assist with the collection and disposal of solid waste. The ten municipalities were given tractors, skip bins, skip lifts and a number of garbage bins.

Currently, the MoC is

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan, hands over the keys to the truck to City Mayor, Ubraj Narine. Also in photo are: Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore and Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine

The new garbage truck that was handed over to City Hall

meter waste compactor trucks.

operating six (6) landfill sites

nationwide, in the areas of Haags Bosch, Rosehall, Bartica, Lethem, Lusignan and Kara Kara Linden. This initiative ties in with the (Guyana) United Nations

Linden police keeping an eye on gang-related violence in the community --as wanted bulletin issued for former cop over shootout RANKS of ‘E’ Division (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice) are closely monitoring incidences of escalating gang-related violence in the jurisdiction that are of much concern to residents of Amelia’s Ward and communities in Wismar, Linden.

The latest such incident is a shootout in Amelia’s Ward on September 2, 2019, and reportedly has to do with an ongoing feud between members of a Cayenne-based Guyanese gang and former cop, Teon Allen, aka “Spoil Child”.

Word is that Allen, for whom a wanted bulletin has since been issued, was targeting one Denise Grant, the mother of one of the gang members, and Tiffany McDeth.

Allen is now wanted for questioning in the attempted murder of Grant and McDeth, and according to ‘E’ Division Commander, Superindendent Ramesh Ashram, he rather suspects that it is he who committed the act, and previous acts of violence on other persons associated with the gang and on their properties as well.

Since the feud started some months ago, at least one person has been stabbed; a car was torched, and shots were fired at several properties.

With the situation fast escalating, Commander Ashram said that the Division has ramped up patrols in the communities, especially in Amelia’s Ward. “It is an active investigation,” Commander Ashram said, adding: “Up to late last night, we were patrolling in Amelia’s Ward. We are reviewing CCTV footage, and the

Teon Allen

police is on the ball, trying to bring the matter down.”

He said, too, that checks have already been made at two of Allen’s last known addresses in Linden, but so far he has not yet been arrested.

A relative of Allen’s, when contacted, is holding out that he is innocent of the shooting, as he was at her at the time it is said to have occurred.

She also told the Guyana Chronicle that Allen will be turning himself in to the police to clear his name, and that only the night before the Amelia’s Ward shooting, shots were fired at his residence in Fairs Rust, South Mackenzie, and that gang members were throwing homemade bombs at both his house and car.

She also related that at one point, Allen picked up two policemen in his motorcar and was taking them to identify some of his attackers, when they came under fire. “Nothing did not

even come out of that, and they were right there, because they are getting paid to cover up for these people,” the relative, who opted to remain anonymous, told the Guyana Chronicle.

She opined that because Allen has a long criminal history, the police are targeting him and not investigating the real issue behind the matter. Only recently Allen had a gun-related matter against him dismissed, after it was alleged that he shot a vendor at Wismar, Linden.

Back in August 2017, Allen appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, charged with harbouring wanted fugitives, Mark Royden Williams and Uree Varswyk, who broke out of the Camp Street Prison on July 9, 2017.

Allen reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that between July 9 and 23, 2017, in the Upper Demerara Magisterial District, he received, relieved, comforted, assisted and maintained Williams and Varswyk.

Also, on January 26, 2017, Allen and two other men were charged with the illegal possession of an AK-47 and matching ammunition.

It was reported that on January 22, 2017, at a house on John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, the police swooped down on the location and carried out a search and found an AK-47 assault weapon, 80 rounds of live ammunitions and a 9mm pistol.

Development Programme (UNDP) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six (6) which speaks of sanitation and investing in adequate infrastructure, providing

sanitation facilities, and encouraging hygiene at every level. Another Disposal truck, costing some GY35M, will also be handed over.

Fraud accused sentenced to two years’ imprisonment

A 20-year-old man was, on Thursday, September 05, 2019, sentenced to a total of five years’ imprisonment

by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, after he confessed to three criminal charges.

Kevin Campbell admitted that, on March 7, 2019, at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Camp Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $150,000 from Vijay Rampersaud by falsely pretending to be an employee of the GRA and that he was in a position to deliver one Toyota Premio motorcar to him.

It was further alleged that, on March 8, 2019, at the GRA, Camp Street, Campbell obtained the sum of $300,000 from Nalini Rampersaud by falsely pretending to be an employee of the GRA and that he was in a position to deliver one Toyota Premio motorcar to her also.

It was also alleged that, on July 3, 2019, at Robb and King Streets, Georgetown, Campbell escaped police custody.

Campbell pleaded guilty to all of the charges and told the court that he met two GRA employees who gave him the impression that they could have gotten the car for him.

He noted that he, too, was a victim and was scammed by two men and when he went to meet with the two men he could not find them and decided to keep the money.

Campbell explained that he was threatened by the police, and that is why he ran.

Police Prosecutor Mansfield told the court that during January 2019, Vijay Rampersaud contacted Campbell and told him that he was interested in purchasing a motor car.

Campbell falsely told Vijay Rampersaud that he was employed at the GRA and would be able to sell him a Toyota Premio Motor Car which was seized by his employer.

On March 7, 2019, the virtual complainant met Campbell at GRA and gave him $180,000 as payment towards the said motorcar.

On March 8, 2019, Nalini Rampersaud met with Campbell at the GRA and gave him $300,000, as payment towards the said motorcar.

However, upon receiving the monies, Campbell never delivered the motorcar to the virtual complainants. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.

On July 3, 2019, Campbell was arrested by ranks of the Leonora Police station and, while being transported to Police Station in Georgetown, he escaped from the police van while in the vicinity of Robb and King Streets.

However, police gave chase but was unable to apprehend the accused.

Senior magistrate Nurse sentenced Campbell to two years’ imprisonment for each fraud charge along with one year’s jail for escaping police custody. The sentencing will run concurrently and Campbell will only spend two years in jail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

Patterson slams Berbice Bridge Company ... says matter before court, gov’t unwilling to discuss future sale

SINCE the management of the Berbice River Bridge took the matter regarding proposed increase in rates to the court in November 2018, the authorities are unwilling to discuss any future sale of the facility.

At the same time, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson noted on Thursday that while the management of the bridge refused an offer of $120M from the government to carry out repairs to pontoons supporting the bridge, the structure has seen no repairs since 2008.

He said too that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BCCI) “has an unwavering focus – maximisation of financial returns for its shareholders at the expense of the citizens of Guyana.”

On Thursday, the BBCI said it is “extremely disappointed in the government’s refusal to now meet and present a fair and reasonable offer to purchase the ownership of the bridge” and it noted that this was against the backdrop of Minister Patterson’s previous public statement on the matter.

The company said that it has always been the understanding of the BBCI “that it is in the public

interest and best business practice for parties delivering a public service who are in dispute to sit down together to seek an amicable resolution to their differences rather than proceed to litigation where there can only be one winner and one loser.”

BBCI RATE PROPOSAL In 2018, the BBCI announced that it planned to increase fares and in October that year, it published the proposed rates which it said would take effect from November 12, 2018.

The sums appeared high for the average road user and Patterson said in July that year when the proposal was first floated by the BBCI, that the proposal was “burdensome” to commuters. “We will ensure that no further hardship from the bridge is passed on to the folks or the citizens of Berbice,” he said at the time.

The fares proposed by the BBCI included fees for cars (G$8,040), pickups (G$14,600), 4WD (G$14,600) and minibuses (G$8,040) among other high rates per trip. On Thursday Patterson fired back at the

BCCI’s statement, when he noted that the matter of the APNU+AFC government protecting citizens from the “unconscionable” rates of the BBCI, is in the court, where that company placed it.

Patterson said that while the BCCI is “disappointed” in the government’s stance, what that company has not addressed is the fact that nine months after the government made the sum of G$120M available for the repairs of at least six of the pontoons that support the bridge, the company refused to allow the authorities to proceed with the repairs.

Patterson said that the “good citizens of Regions Five & Six should be aware that the pontoons supporting this bridge have been in the river since at least 2008,” although the recommended maintenance period is every three years.

He said that there are 39 pontoons supporting the bridge, and a simple calculation would reveal that if repairs are effected at six per year, it would take almost seven years to repair all the pontoons.

“Yes there is a possibility of some pontoons

being in the river for 18 years without repairs,” Patterson said.

DHB DREAM TEAM Minister Patterson and the management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) recently received high praises for the efficiency with which that bridge was repaired earlier this week, days after a tug and barge slammed into the structure.

Patterson noted on Thursday that the events at DHB demonstrated the effects that can result if a main artery such as a bridge linking two regions becomes inaccessible.

He said fortunately for the country, DHB has a “dream team of management and technical support staff” and he noted that they were able to minimise the impact of the accident.

On the contrary, Patterson said the BBCI has no such team, adding that they have yet to even present an emergency plan in the case of an accident. He reiterated that indeed he declined to meet with the BBCI to discuss “a possible sale”, since, according to him, government’s priorities are “very different.”

He said that as the Minister of Public Infrastructure, he remains “laser focused” on the safe and affordable transit of goods and people over the Berbice River.

He said that he is willing to meet at anytime to further discuss the maintenance and repairs of the Berbice Bridge however, although he noted that the legal case is being handled by the Attorney General’s Chambers while financial matters remain under the domain of the Ministry of Finance.

“I will not be accused of fiddling while Rome burns,” Patterson said.

In November 2018, the government announced that it was taking temporary control of the bridge in the safety of the public.

BANKRUPTCY The BBCI, which said it was facing bankruptcy as it argued its case for the steep increase in tools, subsequently filed court documents seeking the courts to reverse the decision of the government.

The bridge company was launched under the Bharrat Jagdeo-led administration with the aim of providing the general public with an ease of crossing the river as

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson opposed to ferry services.

Later, what came to light was the financial structure of the company, the BBCI, in the public/private partnership agreement with the PPP-government which saw a few of Jagdeo’s close friends effectively taking control of the bridge posing as investors in the project.

The public later found out that a majority of the money invested into the project belonged to them, the public, since funds were taken by Jagdeo’s government from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to invest in the bridge.

UNESCO Caribbean Resilience Workshop Addresses Climate Impacts and Vulnerabilities - touts indigenous and local knowledge to address impacts of climate change THURSDAY marked the conclusion of a Caribbean Resilience Workshop hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which was held under the theme, “Mobilising Indigenous and Local Knowledge Solutions: Addressing Climate Impacts and Vulnerabilities.”

The three-day exercise which corresponded with this year’s Indigenous Heritage Month’s theme, “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy,” ended at the Pegasus Hotel with a ceremony.

The workshop provided a platform for a Caribbean-wide outline of how indigenous and local knowledge are used to address the impacts of climate change.

Giving an overview of the workshop was Chief Rapporteur of the event, Max Ooft,

who said that the workshop focused on themes such as livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities of the Caribbean; observing and understanding impacts of climate change, including extreme events and mobilizing indigenous and local knowledge in Caribbean climate change adaptation, amongst others.

Ooft said that due to the direct relationship the indigenous peoples have with “mother nature,” traditional knowledge has been developed and enriched over the course of many centuries and is rooted in direct observations, analysis, trial, error, cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices.

“It is a knowledge system that is in many ways different from the mainstream scientific, hydrological, metrological systems that are used to understand weather and cli-

mate patterns but it has been realized and recognized that these traditional knowledge systems help many indigenous people and local communities around the world,” he explained.

Giving remarks at the event was Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry who pointed out that in Guyana, educational and economic developments, among other developments, are ongoing within indigenous communities, which are synergistic efforts to build the capacities of the indigenous population.

She also highlighted another noble effort of the government which is the expansion of its Green State Development Strategy that links the challenges of Climate Impacts to the potential environmental solutions.

According to the Minister of Education, the strategies and measures adumbrated in

the Green State Development Strategy have been examined for infusion into the new school curriculum being developed by the Ministry of Education in Guyana.

She said, “As Minister of Education, I also see the need to begin educating our children in the school system, ensuring that they are fully acquainted with the issue of climatic change and its effects.”

The Minister of Education also made a clarion call for all nations of the Caribbean and Latin American to respect native and indigenous peoples from across the world who are involved in studying weather patterns and seeking to find additional solutions to ensure mankind is not at conflict with the environment.

Petty Oti-Boateng, Director of the Division of Science at UNESCO, said that

the workshop was the first of its kind to be held in the Caribbean and marks a fair commitment by UNESCO to be with the Caribbean in tough times.

“In these troubled times, seeking solutions, bringing experts together and ensuring all-inclusive and human right based approach is how we mobilize knowledge, intellect and human and financial resources to secure the safest and the most secure future for all of us, with particular attention to vulnerability of Small Islands Developing States,” she noted.

Oti-Boateng noted that UNESCO has been engaged in projects in capacity building with coastal and small islands for over 30 years.

“UNESCO Member States developed the UNESCO 6 Action Plan that runs from 2016 to 2021, which sets out a roadmap for

UNESCO on delivering programme priorities that helps strengthen the resilience and capacity of states,” she explained.

Highlighting the actions that the Government of Guyana is taking to promote a green nation was the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

The actions he disclosed include the development of a National System of Protected Areas, promotion of a National Mangrove Tree Planting Programme to reduce the vulnerability of our coastal areas to rising sea levels; and the development of an internationally-recognized Forest Monitoring, Reporting and Verification programme, among others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

CDB pours US$1M into Bahamas’ recovery

AS immediate response to the devastations caused by Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has allocated almost US$1 million for the Government of the Bahamas.

“We are devastated by the loss of life and infrastructure in Bahamas, hit by the strongest storm ever recorded in the archipelago.

The Caribbean Development Bank stands ready to support the people of The Bahamas to make quick recovery,” said Dr. Warren Smith, CDB President.

The CDB has disbursed US$ 200,000 as an Emergency Relief Grant to the The Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency for humanitarian assistance and has allocated a US$ 750,000

Immediate Response loan to assist with the clean-up and short-term recovery.

Dr Smith went to the Bahamian capital, Nassau, for consultations with the Bahamian Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis, and to tour the affected areas. The President was part of a high-level delegation, headed by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chair and Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allan Chastanet, and included Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque; and Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Ronald Jackson.

“Countless houses, medical facilities and roads were destroyed or are under water, and the number of lives lost

Some of the destruction in The Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian (BBC photo)

is still rising. The devastation is a stark reminder that climate change is real and a major threat to our region. Our

region needs to build better and stronger in order to minimise damage and mitigate future losses,” said Smith.

Thorough probe underway into DHB barge collision – Min. Sharma –– contingency plans being assessed A THOROUGH investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the September 3, 2019 tug and barge collision with the Demerara Harbor Bridge (DHB).

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, appearing as a guest on the National Communications Network (NCN) radio programme 'INSIGHT', said the “Port State Control Inspection”, will determine the cause, look at the state of the vessels involved, the vessel’s logbook, anchorage records, the crew, and possible criminal responsibility among other issues.

The minister explained that vessels approaching the DHB should be under control

of a Transport and Harbour’s River Pilot, who would be familiar with the area and the dos and don’ts. This was apparently, not the case at the time of the collision. “You wouldn’t expect that an international vessel approaching the bridge does not have a local person advising, or being on board,” Minister Sharma said. He commended the efforts made by the DHB’s management, engineers and workers who effected bridge repairs within 36 hours of the “massive collision”, describing their work as “highly commendable.”

The quick responses to utilise the Vreed-EnHoop and Stabroek Market Stellings, by the Transport and Harbours Department

(T&HD) and the Maritime Administration, was also commended by Minister Sharma. “Within a couple of hours, they [Transport and Harbours Department] had arranged for water taxis and speed boats to be used effectively and efficiently.”

The minister opined that instead of one bridge, possibly two or even three may be necessary eventually, “and that costs money and planning”, he pointed out.

Minister Sharma added that the plans to beautify the stellings, as waterfront areas, should perhaps take into consideration the alternate use as embarkation points for commuters, in case of a similar emergency.

“I am saying that even

with a new harbour bridge, a fixed bridge, we should even have other bridges...

We should even have the two stellings up and running, operational. They could be used for tourism but in case of emergencies they could be easily switched for passengers and commuters.”

General Manager of Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, stated that the cost for the repairs to the bridge will be borne by the owners of the tug and the barge that slammed into the bridge.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge was forced to close on September 2 after a tug and barge drifted into the bridge, shifting its alignment and loosening the anchorage. (DPI)

Fire destroys Angoy's Avenue home AN early morning fire completely destroyed a one-flat concrete house at Plantation Mount Sinai commonly referred to as Angoy's Avenue.

No one was at home at the time of the fire and the door remained padlocked even after the blaze was extinguished just after 02:00hrs on Thursday morning.

Rural Constable, Clobert Benjamin, revealed that the building was owned by Esther Moriah but was occupied by her daughter, Angela and her three children.

The occupant, her partner and children have not been seen for over four

Rural Constable, Clobert Benjamin speaking to reporters about the fire

weeks.

However, Benjamin was awakened after hearing cracking sounds some distance away.

When he looked outside, he saw the fire and even though the fire tender responded quickly, it did not have sufficient water to spring into action at full blast. The house does not have electricity. Residents suspect that the fire was an act of arson, after a known person was seen in the yard earlier in the day.

An investigation has been launched into the fire.

Among the support offered, the CDB President pledged the bank’s assistance with the restoration of essen-

tial services on the affected islands, including water and sanitation, and through the re-purposing of available balances from other loans for priority recovery projects in the power and education sectors. The bank is also ready to scale up assistance to provide mental health and psychosocial support in the aftermath of disasters, which is a project that the CDB started jointly with the Pan American Health Organisation prior to the hurricane season.

“The Caribbean Development Bank is prepared to fully support a clearly-defined national recovery plan prepared by the Government of The Bahamas with financial means and technical expertise,” noted Smith.

Government mulls possibility of two bridges across the Demerara River IN light of an accident at the Demerara Harbour Bridge, a few days ago, Government is examining the possibility of having two more bridges built across the Demerara River.

This was disclosed

by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Jaipaul Sharma, during an interview on NCN’s programme, “Insight”.

Minister Sharma further made the point that more emphasis will be placed on infrastructure to prevent another unfortunate incident.

The minister further disclosed that there is a plan to rehabilitate the two stellings, namely the Vreed-en -Hoop Stelling and the Stabroek Stelling.

The point was made that since a large number of persons use the bridge daily, the possibility of building two or three bridges across the river should be examined.

Minister Sharma revealed that an investigation was being conducted to determine the cause of the accident that occurred on Monday September 2, 2019.

PUBLIC SAFETY On the issue of Public Safety, Minister Jaipaul Sharma believes that there should be an enforcement of the City’s bylaws in relation to the use of the recently-built overpasses.

He made the point that when Guyanese travel abroad, they comply with the rules and laws of the country.

Minister Sharma is of the view that there is no penalty for citizens who do not operate with public safety in mind. If this area is not addressed, Guyanese will continue to pay no attention to the relevant laws.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has already spent $17 billion dollars in infrastructure, since the Administration assumed office in 2015.

A sum, in excess of one billion dollars, was spent in the construction of a road in East Berbice Corentyne.

Minister Sharma has indicated that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has done much work in transforming the country through infrastructure. The Ministry is indeed addressing its mandate successfully.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

PAHO supports Bahamas response with emergency medical teams

THE Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) is focusing on clinical care to save the lives of persons who survived the hurricane and keeping people safe, with three Emergency Medical Teams arriving in

the Bahamas, according to Dr. Esther de Gourville, PAHO/WHO’s Representative in the Bahamas.

“Clearly, it is a desperate situation for some persons on Abaco,” she said, and PAHO is working with the Ministry of Health and emergency

teams to help those who survived secure food supplies, safe drinking water and sanitation. PAHO pre-deployed water, sanitation experts and health services experts to The Bahamas even before Hurricane Dorian struck, Dr. de Gourville noted, and has

experts in logistics, disease surveillance, coordination, information (data) management, and civil-military cooperation in place in The Bahamas office. Assessment of needs has begun, and a structures expert is looking at damaged health facilities.

PAHO pledged health sector infrastructure and public health support and is acting quickly with the support of the Ministry of Health to assess needs and damage assessments. An Incident Management System has been established in the country office. PAHO’s Disaster Response Team is supporting the Ministry of Health in all areas of the response and is expected to launch a funding appeal in the coming days. Due to floodwaters and potential contamination with sewage and lack of safe water, the risk of diarrheal and waterborne diseases is high. Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama is flooded and supplies damaged, and other clinics on Grand Bahama and New Providence are also flooded.

Patient evacuations will be needed and supplies from PAHO’s Panama Regional Warehouse are on standby.

PAHO used its extensive experience in emergency preparedness to improve disaster relief operations, setting up the structures to deploy emergency teams to support public health measures. Bahamas is the first Caribbean country to apply the WHO/CICOM international standards to coordinate clinical care in disasters. With many health centers flooded and unable to receive patients, a full hospital-capable Emergency Medical Team from Samaritans Purse is arriving in The Bahamas today for a three-month stay. The

team includes six physicians and two surgeons, 16 nurses, two anesthesiologists, allied health personnel, and logistics and management staff.

It brought 34 tons of medical equipment and tents to set up operations in Grand Bahama.

Another Emergency Medical Team from Team Rubicon was deployed to Abaco today for a 15-day mission. Abaco aerial surveillance shows vast devastation to the island’s infrastructure. Communications are being restored but there is still no electricity on the island, and water, sanitation and food have been identified as critical needs, according to PAHO’s Emergency Operations Center.

Over 1,200 people are reported in various shelters in Great Abaco and Grand Bahama and an additional 800 are sheltering at Marsh Harbour Clinic. A third Emergency Medical Team from Humanity First is expected to arrive tomorrow, and the Ministry of Health has designated Dr. Christa Well, medical officer in the emergency service of Princess Margaret Hospital, as the coordinator of the emergency teams. Dr. Well was one of 20 experts who were trained by PAHO in Barbados earlier this year.

All the emergency teams are self-sufficient, by PAHO/ WHO standards, and will collaborate with health officials in The Bahamas.

Fraud accused granted bail SENIOR Magistrate Clive Nurse, on Thursday, September 5, 2019, granted bail to two construction workers who were charged with conspiracy to commit Felony.

Ganesh Singh, 32, of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and Benvolio Valenski, called Roy Anthony Sewnarine, 28, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, between February 1, 2019, and September 2, 2019, at Georgetown, the duo, with intent to defraud, conspired with each other to produce one Republic of Guyana Driver’s License in the name of Roy Anthony Sewnarine, purporting to show that same was issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The second charge stated that, between Feb-

ruary 1, 2019, and September 2, 2019, at Georgetown, the duo, with intent to defraud, conspired with each other to forge one Guyana Identification Card in favor of ‘Roy Anthony Sewnarine’ purporting to show that same was issued by the Guyana Elections Commission.

Valenski was also slapped with two separate charges and he pleaded not guilty to them.

It is alleged that, on September 2, 2019, at Central Immigration and Passport Office, Camp Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Towanna Crandon- Primo, woman police constable, an Immigration Officer, the forged Identification Card in favour of himself, purporting to show that same was issued by the Guyana Elections Commission.

It was also alleged that, on September 2, 2019, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

GI key to standards in local production GEOGRAPHICAL Indicators (GI) are key to raising the standards and quality of local products and developing Guyana’s economy, said Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar.

The minister was at the time addressing stakeholders at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) workshop on Geographical Indicators and Control. He noted that GI can be a powerful marketing tool that will help Guyana get its products onto the global market; and that the government recognises the potential of the tool and is committed to meaningfully pursuing it.

“GI [Geographical Indicators] will help to ensure

brand is maintained,” he underscored.

Guyana’s exports. Gaskin pointed to the fact that with

Guyana now entering the oil and gas industry, the country needs to make full use of the recognition and derive the benefits from the global market. He emphasised the importance of such a move since Guyana is a small country that is trying to grow certain products.

“We need to do everything to maintain and to exploit that name recognition.

So, adding Geographical Indicators to the national quality infrastructure makes good sense at this time… we need to quickly expand our understanding of Geographic Indication and how this system can work for us and what we have to do to apply it to our products and services.”

Inter-American Devel-

opment Bank (IDB) Country Economist, Victor Gauto, in his remarks, stated that GI can help create a strong private sector which is the key to building a resilient economy. The development of new markets and greater competitiveness can contribute to strengthening investment, employment and family income.

In the business sector, Geographical Indicators or GI as they are commonly called are signs which identify goods as originating in a specific country or region where the quality and other characteristics are attributed to the specific country or region. (DPI)

card, a birth certificate, and a driver’s license.

The men made arrangements and Valenski paid Singh $200,000. He also provided a passport-sized photograph and requested that the documents be issued in the name of Roy Anthony Sewnarine. Singh later

handed the documents to Valenski.

On September 2, 2019, Valenski went to the Central Immigration and Passport Office with the documents given to him by Singh and applied for a passport.

The documents were examined by Immigration Offi-

cer Crandon- Primo and they were found to be forged.

Valenski was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department, where a further investigation was carried out.

Magistrate Nurse granted Singh $200,000 bail, while Valenski was released

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar

accountability among producers wishing to use the indicator in trade since they will now have to ensure that they adhere to standards in order to be certified and they will have to ensure that their peers are likewise compliant so that the integrity of the

Stakeholders at the Geographical Indicators and Control workshop (DPI photo)

Meanwhile, Director of Business, Dominic Gaskin,

Fraud accused granted ...

FROM PAGE

at Central Immigration and Passport Office in Georgetown, for purpose of procuring a new passport, he made a false statement that is to say he signed to a written declaration stating

said Geographical Indicators will help to increase

that he was ‘Roy Anthony Sewnarine’ knowing same to be false.

According to reports Singh and Valenski are known to each other.

It is alleged that Valenski

12

resided in the United States of America since he was eight years old. He returned to Guyana in January 2019.

Upon his arrival, Valenski met Singh and told him that he needed an identification

14

Anglican Diocese in ‘back-to-school’ drive

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

–– for third consecutive year

ONE hundred students, including new entrants to the secondary system and some still in the primary system, have been gifted with backpacks and other school supplies, compliments of Mrs. Maureen Davidson, wife of Bishop Charles Alexander Davidson of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana and Suriname.

The recipients were drawn from St Paul’s Pri-

Some of the children with their new backpacks chock-full of school supplies.

With them, barely visible in the back row, is the benefactor, Mrs. Maureen Davidson mary, at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara; Linden Foundation Secondary, at Linden; Kingston Practical Instruction Centre, in Kingston, here in the city; as well as primary school children living in Tiger Bay and the High and Barrack Streets, Kingston areas.

The `Back-to-School Giveaway’ project, which is in its third consecutive year, was made possible through donations from family and friends of Mrs. Davidson who live overseas, along with some local businesses.

Mrs. Davidson has expressed her gratitude to the respective donors, local and overseas, who, through their generosity, have brought smiles to the faces of these children, as they prepare to embark upon a new school year.

Bishop Charles Davidson helps out with the distribution

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

Min. Norton, DG Harmon resolve issues at De Kinderen

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, Thursday afternoon, met with residents of De Kinderen, West Coast of Demerara (WCD), to address the development of a community ground into a multi-purpose facility.

During a community meeting held at the end of

August last, residents had called for the establishment of a multi-purpose centre and playground in the area to support talented youths.

At that meeting, Minister Norton had reminded residents that the government had already committed $7.7M for the development of the Boerasirie community ground. At that meeting, too, some residents had suggested that the land of the old

GuySuCo’s “Pay Office” be converted since it has suitable space for such a facility.

According to Minister Norton, there seemed to have been some issues among some residents regarding which of the facilities the money should be invested in. “Some wanted, rather than the Boerasirie ground, the pay office ground to be done. And they did not want to continue with the Boera-

sirie,” Dr Norton explained.

However, since the money was already allocated to develop the Boerasirie ground, Dr. Norton said the work will continue. He said the other ground will also be developed.

Director-General Harmon explained to residents that monies have already been allocated for the development of the Boerasirie ground, and the contract has already been

signed. He said to change that now would be to induce a lengthy process. “If we want to change this, what it would mean is that it would have to go back to the Ministry of Communities which will have to get permission from the Ministry of Finance to apply this money to anything else.”

He said the process could take a while and the community could eventually lose the money while awaiting the

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton

A section of the residents at the meeting

changes as the end of the year is swiftly approaching. “This money is being allocated and, in my view, it should be spent for that purpose”, the minister stated which was met with agreement by the residents.

Work on the Boerasirie ground will commence next week, while residents will start the clearing of the “pay office” the following week. (DPI)

WFC brings smiles to hundreds of students with back-to-school drive

DURING the week leading up to the opening of the new school term, Women For Change (WFC), the women’s arm of the Alliance For Change, quietly brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of school children and parents across the country.

WFC distributed over 300 backpacks and 2000 items of school supplies in all 10 administrative regions, a release from the

organisation said. The back to school drive which was initiated and driven by newly-elected WFC President Mrs. Tamara Khan and her executive included note books, pens, pencils, compass sets, socks and other items.

Distribution was done by Mrs. Khan and WFC representatives in various communities including Mabaruma, Corentyne, West Coast Berbice, Mocha Arcadia, Tuschen, Mahdia,

WFC President, Tamara Khan, hands over a backpack to a young girl in Corentyne

Happy Corentyne children with their new school gear Lethem, Linden, Bartica and on the Essequibo Coast among other areas.

“Education plays a pivotal role in shaping every child for life and WFC is pleased to make a contribution to these young students to make life in school a little more comfortable,” Mrs. Khan explained. “We are aware that some parents are still finding difficulties providing all the things needed for school and we are very pleased to be able to alleviate a little bit of that burden,” Mrs. Khan said.

“WFC commends President David Granger for the emphasis and priority he has placed on education and specifically for the Five Bs programme. WFC sees this drive as a contribution to that programme,” Mrs. Khan added.

The WFC President thanked the many businesspersons, corporate donors and individuals who contributed to the drive and signalled that it will execute another initiative to bring smiles to children for the Christmas holidays.

The WFC wishes all Guyanese children a safe and successful school term and also hails the hardworking teachers for delivering a higher quality education to our children.

Further the WFC recognises the improved results that Guyanese students have been producing in recent years and looks forward to this trend continuing.

Children who benefitted from the back-to-school drive include students at: Kartabo Nursery; Edinburgh Nursery; St. Mary’s Nursery; Mocha Nursery; Vergenoegen Nursery; Lachmansingh Primary; Litchfield Primary; Number 29 Primary; Belladrum Primary; Philadelphia Primary; Rose Hall Primary; Wineperu Primary; Auchlyne Primary; Tuschen Primary; Linden Foundation Secondary; Canje Secondary; Port Mourant Secondary; Skeldon Line Path Secondary; Rosignol Secondary and Diamond Secondary.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

SARA official calls on ERC to sanction MTV for malicious report on Haitians

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…refutes claims that election promises were made to Haitians, African nationals DEPUTY Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer is calling on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to sanction MTV Channel 65 over a malicious report which suggested that he and the Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix were colluding with Haitians to commit electoral fraud.

On Wednesday, Heath-Retemeyer refuted the claims levelled against him and called on the ERC to investigate and sanction the television station that is closely affiliated to the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The SARA deputy director explained that he and Minister Felix met with African and Haitian migrants on August 29, 2019 at the Critchlow Labour College.

“The nationals had many questions with regards to the status of their applications and needed clarification,” he noted. The African and Haitian nationals had applied for citizenship and work permits, but had some concerns.

According to him, “MTV Channel 65 without interviewing anyone subsequently

aired on its newscast a mischievous and grossly inaccurate representation of that meeting and also a video posted on YouTube entitled the “PNC plans got busted” by an MTV news reporter.”

The report suggested that the SARA deputy director and the Minister of Citizenship promised the Haitians and Africans that they would be given citizenship and work permits and in case of those studying, their tuition fees, in exchange for votes; Heath-Retemeyer, however, said this is far from the truth.

“Let me be pellucidly clear: no promise was made to anyone for votes or any other purpose. It was simply a question-and-answer session,” he said.

He said the ERC cannot and should not turn a blind eye to this very serious infraction. “I call on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to investigate and sanction those who persist in the unsubstantiated allegations and unwarranted alarms against African and Haitian nationals in Guyana. These attacks by known PPP media news media outlets and against African nationals in Guyana

Deputy Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer

are obnoxious and racist, and should be condemned by all,” the SARA deputy director said. He is of the opinion that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his PPP supporters are using the media as a means of race-baiting with the intention of causing racial division in this society.

Noting that the news report from Channel 65 was libellous, Heath-Retemeyer said it would appear that the television station is on a mission to tarnish his good character and reputation. In

recent months, Haitians in Guyana have come under attack by the opposition and some local media houses; the SARA deputy director said all and sundry must be reminded that Haiti is one of the 15 full member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Guyana is a founding member.

“Historically, Haiti has played one of the most important roles for emancipation in the western hemisphere, being second to the United States to free itself from colonial rule. Haitians are entitled to work permits under the tenets of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy,” he pointed out.

The SARA director questioned the reason behind fuelling xenophobic attacks against Africans, whether be it Africans from the continent of Africa or Africans from Haiti, when favourable reports are made with respect to other nationalities. In support of his view, Heath-Retemeyer alluded to a February 26, 2019 INews article which stated: “ With 5,123 documented Venezuelan migrants in Guyana, efforts are being made to

roll out a programme to help them become self-sufficient, the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee noted in a statement.”

Guyana, he further noted, has extended the right hand of brotherhood to Venezuelans in Region One with support from the Australian Government and the International Organization of Migration (IOM). Heath-Retemeyer said if such help can be given to Venezuelans, the same can be done for Haitian and African nationals.

He pointed out that in 2018 it was reported that 298 foreigners acquired citizenship in Guyana, while 979 foreigners were granted an extension of stay and work permits.

“These 979 foreigners included 225 Cubans, 175 Chinese, 165 Americans, 120 Indians, 70 Philippinos, 75 Venezuelans, 59 British, 45 from The Dominican Republic, 30 from Trinidad and Tobago and 15 Surinamese,” he further pointed out, while noting that there were no attacks by the PPP or news entities that are closely aligned with the party.

“It is obvious that Guy-

ana is a destination choice for those near and far and as of December 31, 2018, Guyana recorded a total of 286,732 visitors, which is a 15.93 per cent increase from the 247,330 visitors Guyana welcomed in 2017. With thousands of visitors that we have had in this country and the hundreds that sought citizenship, none has been treated more unfairly as the African and Haitian nationals by the PPP and their media outlets,” he said.

This xenophobic, hostile, unparalleled singling out of African nationals and Haitians must be condemned by all Guyanese, the SARA deputy director said. “I vehemently condemn the xenophobic and racist attacks against the African and Haitian nationals and the malicious attempt to stain my character as this is a poor attempt to remove public attention from the corrupt practices of the PPP in Region (9) where persons have been caught with fraudulent birth certificates,” he said.

Accident victim appeals for public assistance THE survivor of the fiery motor accident which left two youths dead after their speeding motorcar catapulted into a coconut tree about 50 feet off the Naarstigheid Public Road, West Coast Berbice, on June 19 last, is appealing to the public for assistance.

He has since been confined to a wheelchair.

Parmanand Arjune, 17, told Guyana Chronicle that he was in the company of his cousin, Dhaniram Dhanraj, who was behind the wheel, along with a friend, Kelvin Artherly Warde, when the accident occurred.

They were returning home after playing pools a few villages away.

"Dhanraj start to drive speed. Warde tell he to slow down. At that time he was driving at 140 kph. He did not listen. He accelerated.

I pleaded with him to slow down. But he continued until he lost control. The car was moving at 175 kph,” Arjune recalled.

He sustained third degree burns to the back, hands, fingers, ears and other areas of the body. Arjune was initially taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was admitted.

He underwent several surgeries but is in need of further treatment.

According to the young man, a steel plate was inserted in his hip, and as a result he is

5495.

Following the accident, the vehicle exploded, resulting in the death of the driver, Dhaniram Dhanraj, 22, and Kelvin Warde, both of Chester Village, West Coast Berbice Reports revealed that motorcar PVV 7792 was proceeding west along the

Accident survivor, Parmanand Arjune

confined to a wheel chair. He is expected to undergo another surgery on September 12.

The survivor is pleading with the public for assistance as he cannot continue his farming and is now dependent on his parents. He can be contacted on telephone number 621

southern carriageway on the Naarstigheid Public Road, West Coast Berbice, at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of his vehicle.

The vehicle ran off the road, collided with a coconut tree and exploded.

Arjune, who was seated on the back seat of the car

managed to exit the vehicle and was picked up in an unconscious state. The driver and other passenger were burnt beyond recognition in the car. Firefighters at the Onverwagt Fire Station had responded and extinguished the blaze.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

NAMILCO distributes school books to Region Two students

Siromanie Chunilall of NAMILCO presenting a book to a teacher

HUNDREDS of Region Two students were beneficiaries of exercise books donated by the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO) as part of activities to celebrate the company’s 50th anni-

versary.

Distributing the books to the children on Thursday was Siromanie Chunilall, a merchandiser attached to the Region Two NAMILCO branch. Chunilall said six primary schools, namely

Queenstown, C V Nunes, Sparta, Suddie and Fisher primary schools benefitted from the exercise.

She noted that the books were printed in such a way that the children will be educated about some of NA-

Some of the children who received the books

MILCO’s products. The children were excited to receive the books and thanked the company for choosing their respective schools.

In addition to the school book distribution exercise, the company hosted a crick-

et and football competition on September 1 at Imam Bacchus and Sons Ground, Affiance.

Exercise books were also distributed to children at the ground, free of cost.

NAMILCO was officially

opened on May 17, 1969 by the then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham. The company is known for its Thunderbolt All-Purpose Flour, Maid Marian Self-Rising and Maid Marian Pholourie Quick Mix.

Diamond Hotel proprietor freed of assault charge THE proprietor of Diamond Hotel and Bar was,

on Thursday, September 05, 2019, freed from the

charge of assaulting Police Inspector Prem Narine,

after the victim failed to make an appearance in court.

Freeman Fordyce, 43, of Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, was on trial before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge stated that, on November 9, 2018, at George Street, Werk-enRust, Fordyce assaulted Police Inspector Prem Narine.

He was also charged for behaving disorderly in public view on the day in question.

Magistrate Bess, on Thursday, dismissed the matter due to insufficient evidence and the absence of Narine.

Fordyce was charged and placed before the court

Freeman Fordyce

following a video which went viral on social media, showing him assaulting Police Inspector Prem Narine at Diamond Hotel in George Street, Werk-en-Rust.

According to reports,

the video footage, which was posted online, showed Fordyce resisting being searched and then punching Inspector Narine in the face.

The police subsequently removed a number of women, including Venezuelans, from the hotel. The ranks reportedly searched Fordyce’s club while conducting a trafficking-in-persons investigation.

Fordyce is currently before the court for trafficking two Venezuelan women at Club Diamond for sexual exploitation.

In February 2019, he was given a two-year suspended sentence after he was found guilty of having an illegal pistol and ammunition in his possession.

Middle-aged man dies in accident A middle-aged man known as “Santa Claus” was pronounced dead at the New Amsterdam Hospital, moments after he was hit by a car at Main and St John Streets, New Amsterdam, around 22: 00hrs on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the known substance abuser had, minutes before, left St John Street and,

on approaching the Main Street, opted to lie on the main thoroughfare where he apparently fell asleep.

Moments later, motor car HC 6742, driven by Cort Edwards of Tucber Park, proceeded from the north to south and shortly after there was an impact.

The driver, assisted by public-spirited citizens and the police, transported the

injured man to the New Amsterdam Hospital where his death was confirmed.

Meanwhile, a breathalyser test conducted on the driver found he was below the legal allowable limit. The driver is in custody as police seek the public’s assistance to identify the victim.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

Residents happy Onderneeming road rehabilitated RESIDENTS of Onderneeming Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, are happy that their concerns regarding the road in their community have been addressed.

able state. Guyana Chronicle understands that the road is the only one leading to the community and hundreds of commuters traverse the area daily. The area has a sandpit, logging forest, countless

having the water flow on the road during the rainy season.

Jaikarran said the works conducted are temporary and the region will be working to find

The rehabilitated road

Several residents have told this publication that they are happy the road has been rehabilitated and thanked Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, for his timely intervention.

According to residents, during the rainy season, the road leading to the community used to be in a deplor-

industrial businesses and a lake.

Residents had visited the REO and asked him to fix the road and immediately the REO and the region’s engineering team visited the location. Soon after, the road was repaired and compacted.

A drain was dugged to move water downhill instead of

a permanent solution to the problem. He will be engaging the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Central Housing and Planning Authority to have a more permanent road surface laid.

Wakenaam farmer offering handsome reward --to help find missing boat, engine MOHAMED Kalam, a farmer from Melville Village on the island of Wakenaam is calling on the public to help him find his missing speedboat.

The last he saw the 17foot vessel, Kalam said, was when he tethered it before going into the farm.

Kalam said that after he was done with the farm for the day, he went to offload his produce, and that’s when he discovered that his boat was missing. And from the way the water was heaving, he knew that whoever made off with it had not too long done so.

But the thing that has him amazed, he said, is that while he was working on his farm, he did hear a boat passing,

The speedboat that has gone missing

but little did he realize that it was his.

He’s assuming that they must’ve “hotwired” the vessel, as he still has the keys in his pocket.

Kalam say the loss of his

boat has left him frustrated, as it was his only means of transportation. He is, therefore, offering $100,000 to anyone with information that may lead to the recovery of his boat and engine.

The state of the road before it was fixed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 6, 2019

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Golden Jaguars to roar against ...

From back page

been going through their paces, as they seek to get the chemistry of playing under a new head coach, ahead of two important matches in four days.

Guyana will face Jamaica on September 9 at Leonora.

The Brazilian head coach stated that the players have already started to adapt to the new methodology and philosophy. They are settling in well to the tactical and physical training, aiming for a good start in tonight’s game.

According to Máximo, tonight’s game will start a new era of continued building of the national senior programme and would be used to assess the potential of all the players - Guyana and international-based.

“It is our target to prepare the best group for World Cup qualifying, also the next Gold Cup qualifying. Of course we want to New Golden Jaguars do well in this competition head coach Márcio but you should understand that this competition we Máximo during a re- can use to test as many cent training session players as possible,” Máxwith the team. imo said.

Matthew Briggs, Neil Danns, Terrell Ondaan, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Akel Clarke, Alex Murray, Quillan Roberts, Kevin Layne, Liam Gordon, Daniel Wilson, Pernell Schultz, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Sheldon Holder are the players returning from Guyana’s historic Gold Cup, while Kelsey Benjamin, Ryan Hackett, Delwin Fraser, Raphael Edwards, Clive Nobrega and Sherwin Skeete are the others coming into the squad.

“We go to the pitch (tonight) with high confidence and we will do our best job. We will do our best to come back with a good result, to play Jamaica on Monday.

I also look forward to the full support of everyone in Guyana to back this team,” the Brazilian said.

Shadab, Paul the heroes in Warriors opening win ...

From back page Keemo Paul.;However, Shadab Khan struck in the third over, bowling Andre Fletcher for 8.

Green after his heroics with the bat, removed dangerman Rahkeem Cornwall (36) who looked to be taking the game away through some lusty blows; Cornwall went LBW to leave the Zouks on 53-3 in the sixth over.

Shadab then stifled the middle- order along with the economical Romario Sheperd who had a good game with the ball (2-18, 4 overs); together they contrived to restrict the Zouks who kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

In the end, the lack of batsmen and good fielding from the Warriors restricted the Zouks to 142-9 off their allotted 20 Overs.

Shadab Khan with his 3 for 16 (4 overs) was the pick of the bowlers while Romario Sheperd and Chris Green (2-28, 4 overs) took two wickets apiece with Ben Laughlin taking 1-39 from his four overs.

The Warriors next assignment is the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the same venue on Saturday (September 7) at 20:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

‘Proud’ Rahmat scores Afghanistan’s first Test ton

Rahmat Shah celebrates his first Test century.

BATSMAN Rahmat Shah, on Thursday, became the first Afghanistan cricketer to score a Test century, helping the newcomers start strongly against Bangladesh on the opening day of the one-off Test match.

Rahmat made 102 and put on a crucial 120-run fourth-wicket stand with Asghar Afghan, not out on 88, to counter the Bangladesh spin attack at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

Afghanistan were 271-5 at stumps with Afghan and Afsar Zazai, on 35, putting together a 74-run partnership in the final session of play.

But it was Rahmat and Afghan who ensured that Afghanistan fought their way back in to the contest after being in trouble at 77 for three at lunch.

“It is a proud moment for me. I am the first person who has the first half-century (in a Test) for the country and now the century,” Rahmat told reporters after the opening day’s play.

“I had the dream to become the first centurion for Afghanistan.

So naturally I was very upset when I got out scoring 98 against Ireland. Today I got the chance and scored the

century.”

Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan took two wickets each to hurt Afghanistan after the tourists elected to bat first in just their third five-day game.

The war-torn nation had a bruising introduction to Test cricket after India outplayed them inside two days in 2018.

Afghanistan registered their first Test victory against Ireland early this year with Shah scoring two fifties in the game including a 98 in the first innings.

Rahmat extended his prolific run of form as he reached his hundred with a boundary off Hasan, raising his bat to a standing ovation from the crowd and the dressing room.

His celebration though was short-lived as Hasan got the batsman, who hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 187-ball knock, out on the next ball.

Hasan struck again with his off-spin three balls later in the same over, rattling the stumps of Mohammad Nabi for nought as Afghanistan slipped to 197-5.

Afghan, who survived a reprieve on 42 by the third umpire after being given legbefore out off Mehidy Hasan, has struck three fours and two

sixes so far in his second Test fifty.

In the first session Taijul bowled opener Ihsanullah Janat for nine with his left-arm spin and became the fastest

Bangladeshi bowler to reach 100 Test wickets.

Taijul, who finished the day with 2-73, also became the third Bangladeshi bowler after his captain Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Rafique to achieve such a feat in the longer format in his 25th match.

Off-spinner Mahmudullah chipped in when he forced Hashmatullah Shahidi to give a catch to Soumya Sarkar at slip for 14 in his first over.

Bangladesh fielded an all-spin attack without picking a single pace bowler while Afghanistan handed a Test debut to Ibrahim, Qais Ahmed and Zahir Khan.

Afghanistan skipper Rashid became the youngest-ever Test captain at the age of 20 years 350 days, breaking the record held by Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Taibu, who made his debut as Test captain just eight days older than Rashid in 2004. (AFP)

SCOREBOARD AFGHANISTAN 1st Innings Ibrahim Zadran c Mahmudullah b Taijul Islam 21 Ihsanullah b Taijul Islam 9 Rahmat Shah c Soumya Sarkar b Nayeem Hasan 102 Hashmatullah Shahidi c Soumya Sarkar b Mahmudullah 14 Asghar Afghan not out 88 Mohammad Nabi b Nayeem Hasan 0 Afsar Zazai † not out 35 Extras: 2 (lb 1, nb 1) Total 271/5 (96 Overs, RR: 2.82) Bowling:: Taijul Islam 31-4-73-2, Shakib Al Hasan 17-1-50-0,Mehidy Hasan Miraz 22-4-59-0, Nayeem Hasan 13-0-43-2, Mahmudullah 4-09-1, Soumya Sarkar 4-0-26-0, Mominul Haque 4-0-9-0, Mosaddek Hossain 1-0-1-0

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

25

Smith’s magnificent 211 puts Aussies in command

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Steve Smith’s domination of England’s bowling attack in the Ashes series reached new heights yesterday as his magnificent 211 led Australia to 497-8 declared on the second day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

England lost opener Joe Denly for four, brilliantly caught by Matthew Wade at short leg after he fended off a rising delivery from Pat Cummins to leave them struggling on 23-1 at the close.

But a day in which Australia surely smelled again the chance to make sure of retaining the Ashes was

to note that as well as his impeccable timing and shot selection he also enjoyed good fortune.

Having made his third century of the series, Smith was on 118 when he was caught by Ben Stokes at slip off left-arm spinner Jack Leach. Unfortunately for the hosts, their joy turned to despair when video officials deemed Leach had delivered a no-ball.

As the top-ranked Test batsman in the world was making his way towards the pavilion, the video

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings (o/n 170-3) M. Harris lbw b Broad 13 D. Warner c Bairstow b Broad 0 M. Labuschagne b Overton 67 S. Smith c Denly b Root 211 T. Head lbw b Broad 19 M. Wade c Root b Leach 16 T. Paine c Bairstow b Overton 58 P. Cummins c Stokes b Leach 4 M. Starc not out 54 N. Lyon not out 26 Extras: (b-8, lb-14, w-3, nb-4) 29 Total: (8 wkts decl., 126 overs) 497 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-28, 3-144, 4-183, 5-224, 6-369, 7-387, 8-438.

Bowling: Broad 25-2-97-3, Archer 27-3-97-0 (nb-1), Stokes 10.5-0-66-0 (nb-2), Leach 26.1-3-83-2 (nb-1), Overton 28-3-85-2 (w-3), Denly 3-1-8-0, Root 6-0-39-1.

Smith’s magnificent 211 puts Aussies in command

Dharry breaks into top five in WBA ranking ELTON Dharry broke into the top five of the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Flyweight Division in its September ranking.

The US-based Guyanese is happy with his highest ever position and calls it “one step closer” in his quest to reach the top.

Early this year the top boxer was ranked eighth, but in the July 31 ranking, he jumped to sixth position before now climbing higher.

Dharry’s most recent victory was in Panama a few months ago, where he won the Central American Boxing Federation (Fedecentro) World Boxing Association and Central American Boxing Federation (Fecarbox) World Boxing Council (WBC) champion titles after he defeated Panama’s champion and former title challenger Gilberto Cacique Mendonza by unanimous decision.

Since then his team has been attempting to set up a fight with current world champion Khalid Yafai.

Although the Great Britain boxer’s team had indicated that they might be interested,

Elton Dharry is now ranked fifth in the WBA Super Flyweight division.

(Photo Pattee Mak)

nothing has been finalised.

The Guyanese is, however, hopeful to get back into the ring in November.

Dharry, who fights under Havoc Boxing Promotions, has won his last 21 consecutive bouts. At fifth in the world, he is ranked higher than June’s number oneranked competitor Norbelto Jimenez. The Dominican retained his seventh spot.

Dharry is also ahead of former unified world champion (WBO and IBF titles concurrently in 2014) Jose Francisco Rodriguez, who is ranked sixth.

Steve Smith acknowledges his double century. (Getty)

all about Smith. It takes nothing away from the appreciation of the 30-year-old’s fine demonstration of the art of Test batting

reviewers spotted that Leach’s front foot was not behind the crease when he let go of the ball, handing the Australian his second reprieve of the day.

Smith had had a lucky escape in the second over of the day when Jofra Archer dropped a caught-andbowled chance after his full toss was driven straight back at him.

Those were the “if only” moments for England but the bigger picture was that Smith has succeeded in making a mockery of

the idea that the hosts had gained momentum from their remarkable comeback victory at Headingley in the last Test.

Smith missed that drama due to concussion but his scores in this series speak for themselves - 144, 142, 92 and 211 at an average of 147.25.

BUOYANT MOOD England did indeed come into this match in buoyant mood but minute by minute, over by over and run by run, Smith drained away their self-belief.

The sixth-wicket partnership with captain Tim Paine (58) added 145 and put Australia firmly in control.

England’s misery in the afternoon session was compounded when allrounder Stokes went off with an injury, unable to finish his overs of bowling.

Stokes, who kept England in the series with his unbeaten 135 in the run chase at Headingley, returned to the field having had treatment for soreness in his right shoulder, but did

not bowl.

His brief absence did have an indirect impact on the game as Stokes’ replacement in the field, Sam Curran, dropped Paine when he was on 49.

Curran spilled a chance at mid-on after Paine had lofted a drive off Archer and the same batsman was dropped in the first over after lunch by Jason Roy at second slip off Stuart Broad.

None of England’s seamers or Leach was able to seriously trouble Smith and in the end, with the third double-century of his Test career - the previous two also came against England - in the bag, he fell to the occasional spin of captain Joe Root.

As Smith headed back to the pavilion, there were still a smattering of now tiresome boos from England fans, recalling his 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering affair, but most at Old Trafford stood in appreciation.

Neesham gives reigning CPL champions winning start PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Two-time reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders made a successful start to the defence of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title here Wednesday night, when they beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 11 runs at Queen’s Park Oval.

Slumping on 20 for three in the fourth over after being sent in, TKR recovered to reach 152 for seven off their 20 overs, thanks to captain Kieron Pollard’s top score of 47 and 33 apiece from Denesh Ramdin and New Zealander Jimmy Neesham.

In reply, Patriots looked in the hunt at 70 for one but seamer Neesham (3-18) and Pakistani new-ball pacer Mohammad Hasnain (3-36) snatched three wickets each to restrict them to 141 all out with two balls left.

TKR looked in early trouble when left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell (3-13) removed Sunil Narine’s middle stump without scoring with the fifth ball of the match, and then also shattered Tion Webster’s stumps in his next over for six with 11 runs on the board.

And when Lendl Simmons

played on to fast bowler Alzarri Joseph for 11, Patriots boasted all the momentum.

However, the recovery started through Neeshan and Ramdin who put on 60 for the fourth, before Ramdin added a further 54 for the fifth wicket with Pollard.

Neesham lashed three fours and a six off 30 balls before holing out to long-off off pacer Rayad Emrit in the 12th over and Ramdin’s innings was ended when he skied Cottrell to deep square, after hitting a four and two sixes off 32 deliveries.

Pollard, in at number six, slammed four fours and three sixes in a 32-ball knock, as his side gathered 51 runs from the last five overs.

He was out to the fourth ball of the final over, caught at cover off Emrit who finished with three for 39.

Patriots were then given a handy start when left-hander Evin Lewis (36) and fellow Trinidadian Kjorn Ottley (25) posted 47 off 44 balls for the first wicket.

Neesham had Ottley caughtand-bowled in the eighth over but Lewis, who belted two fours and three sixes in a 27ball stay, added a further 23

James Neesham played a starring role with bat and ball. (CPL T20/Getty Images)

for the second wicket.

Once Lewis picked out Neesham at long off with left-arm spinner Khary Pierre in the 11th over, the Patriots innings unravelled as four wickets tumbled for six runs in the space of 17 deliveries.

Tottering on 76 for five in the 14th over, Patriots were given a glimmer of hope when Fabian Allen smashed four sixes in a 14-ball 30, in a 36-run sixth-wicket stand with Usama Mir whose 24

came from just 10 balls and contained a pair of fours and sixes.

The game was still open with 21 required from the last two overs but Hasnain conceded just eight from the penultimate over before Man-of-the-Match Neesham grabbed two wickets in the last, to seal the result for TKR.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

Toronto Blizzards continue winning ways … cart off Legends title at Toronto Cup 3

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Their opponents were the same. The city was different but the result remained the same.

At June month-end, Toronto Blizzards defeated New York Hustlers by seven runs in a highly entertaining contest in the Legends Over-50 final, as part of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) annual Independence Cup, played at the Canarsie ground, Brooklyn, New York.

Last Sunday, Toronto Blizzards were again victorious, thrashing their opponents by 37 runs at the University of Toronto ground when the third edition of Toronto Cup, organised by the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) climaxed here.

Boasting a lineup consisting of several former Guyana national players and one who previously represented Canada (Desmond Chumney) at the ICC World Cup, Toronto Blizzards lived up to their pre-tournament bidding, once again playing unbeaten on their way to claiming the top prize.

Led by a brilliant 76 from opener and former Guyana batsman Jaimini Singh, who creamed six fours and cleared the ropes on four occasions, Toronto Blizzards were paced to 160 for five in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to take first strike.

The Essequibian-born Singh

The victorious Toronto Blizzards team members pose with their winnings.

Emma Sunich, daughter of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, hands over the winning trophy to Toronto Blizzards manager Nasrudeen Baksh.

dominated an opening stand of 56 with his skipper Shivnauth Seeram (15) and added a further 52 for the fourth wicket with Mohan Harihar whose contribution was 16 (one four and a six). Lalchand Shivraj weighed in with 18 towards the backend of the innings, hitting a four and a six.

Rajpaul was the best bowler for the visitors, bagging two for 24 while there was one wicket each for Qayaam Farrouq, Cedric Beaton and Eustace Dodson for 25, 26 and 29 runs respectively.

New York Hustlers’ lone resistance came from veteran Ken Sanichar whose 42 was decorated with four sixes as wickets tumbled around him.

Shivraj returned to claim three for 17. Terry Mathura, who had the unique distinction of being part of three championship teams in 2018, was also among the wickets with two for 16 while the wily Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran claimed one for eight.

Jaimini Singh was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final.

He also took home the prize for scoring the most runs (196), Balkarran for the most wickets (eight) and also had the best bowling figures (three for six) in a match, copping prizes for both achievements.

Singh was also the recipient of a gold chain, compliments of Gologistics and it was engraved by Trophy Stall.

Toronto Blizzards winnings were US$3000, the highest among the three categories based on the number of teams who participated in the category. They also took home the Trophy Stall trophy while runners-up New York Hustlers received US$200 and the runners-up trophy. All the players collected medals.

OMSCC president Azeem Khan, while praising all the teams for their participation in the three-day tournament, was

MVP Jaimini Singh collects his MVP award.

delighted with the presence of Toronto’s deputy mayor Michael Thompson and councillor Jennifer McKelvie of Ward 25 – Scarborough Rouge who readily accepted the invitation from the league.

Toronto Blizzards owe their formation to businessman Nasrudeen Baksh, an ardent enthusiast and supporter of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC).

Linden synthetic track nearing completion VERY soon athletes who are residing in the Mining Town of Linden will be able

to practise and compete in a modern state-of-the-art sporting facility, which will

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday September 06, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 34 matches (2) 2015 Today’s Quiz: (1)

Who are the defending CPL champions?

(2) 2019?

Who was voted Man of the Tournament in CPL Answers in tomorrow’s issue

boast an eight-lane synthetic track.

The first two phases of its construction have been completed and the third phase has commenced. This includes execution of drainage works and laying of aggregates such as gravel, loam among others, which will serve as the foundation for the synthetic material to be laid.

The actual laying of the synthetic material will be done by an overseas firm and this is expected to commence at the end of September.

The contractor related that work is moving apace and its completion is guaranteed before the end of the year.

In April, Minister with responsibility for Sport, George Norton, had expressed satisfaction with the ongoing works.

Norton said that he is very excited and hyped about what

is in store for Linden, upon the completion of the track.

Not only is he impressed with the transformation of the Bayroc Community Centre ground where the track is currently being laid, but also he is satisfied with the quality of work being carried out by the contractors.

Minister Norton said that Region Ten has always positively contributed to sporting development in Guyana and the athletes have always represented Guyana well at international competitions.

The minister encouraged the residents of the surrounding communities to take pride in the facility and to keep a keen eye on the contractors to ensure that quality works are put out, since it will contribute to the improved aesthetics of the community.

The Linden synthetic track is

Current state of the Linden synthetic track

being constructed by Builders Hardware and General Supplies, to the tune of $179M. This phase of the project includes groundwork, laying of necessary drainage pipes, curb work, asphalting and concreting where necessary.

The track will also have the

necessary amenities for all field events and the middle will be developed into a worldclass football field.

The development of the pavilion and the additional surrounding space is a project that will be scheduled for a later time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 6, 2019

27

Dominant Aussie Women romp to victory in ODI series opener was a vastly different story in the Windies camp, with injurydepleted hosts dealt a blow when Knight was stretchered from the ground with an apparent lower back complaint during the 15th over of the Australian innings – rendering her unable to bat during the chase.

Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning celebrate their epic partnership in Australia's ODI series opener in the Caribbean.

TWIN centuries to Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy led the way as Australia romped to a 178-run victory yesterday in the opening oneday international against the West Indies in Antigua.

Healy’s 122 and Lanning’s 121 laid the foundation as Australia piled on 4-308 from their 50 overs, the highest women’s ODI total ever scored in the West Indies, before Ellyse Perry led the way with the ball taking three wickets.

Sent in by Windies captain Stefanie Taylor at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Australia were immediately put on the back foot when newly promoted opener Rachael Haynes was dismissed first ball of the innings after mistiming a short ball from Shamilia Connell.

The hosts were jubilant but it would be another 38.1 overs before they’d have another reason to celebrate as Lanning joined Healy in the middle.

Capitalising on wayward bowling and poor fielding from the home side, the pair put on 225 for the second wicket – Australia’s second highest partnership for any wicket in women’s ODIs – with first Healy, then Lanning, raising the bat for triple figures Healy rode her luck through her 106-ball knock, dropped on several occasions including over the rope for six when she was on 42.

The powerful right-hander made the most of her lives, batting through sweltering conditions to bring up her second ODI century from 94 deliveries.

When she departed looking to clear the ropes for a third time on 122, Lanning picked up the pace, bringing up her 13th ODI century in style with a six.

The Australian captain already has more ODI tons than any other woman and her innings

at Coolidge saw her collect another slice of history as she became the fastest player, male or female, to reach 13 one-day international centuries – getting there in 76 innings, eclipsing Hashim Amla’s previous mark of 83.

Three balls later, she dispatched the ball into a nearby swimming pool, the exhausted skipper’s 145-ball innings eventually coming to an end on 122 when she was caught at long off.

Ellyse Perry (33no from 31) and Beth Mooney (15 from 16) put the finishing touches on the Australian innings, as they posted their highest ever one-day total against the West Indies.

Megan Schutt then ensured the West Indies’ chase started in identical fashion to Australia’s when she trapped Natasha McLean lbw with the first ball of the innings.

And it went from bad to worse as a double-strike from Perry saw Stacy Ann King and Kyshona Knight also dismissed without scoring, leaving the host in all sorts at 3-8.

Captain Taylor played a lone hand as regular wickets fell at the other end, giving the home fans something to cheer about as she brought up her 34th ODI half-century.

Lanning put the icing on a brilliant match when she clung on to a one-handed screamer at slip to give leg-spinner Georgia Wareham a second scalp and send Shabika Gajnabi on her way for one.

Taylor finished unbeaten on 70 while Perry led the way with the ball with 3-17 from five overs, Wareham (2-44 off 10) was other multiple wickettaker.

While the Australians celebrated their 13th consecutive ODI victory, it

t added injury to insult after vice-captain and star allrounder Hayley Matthews was earlier ruled out of the series for disciplinary reasons after breaching Cricket West Indies code of conduct on match eve.

A release from CWI did not elaborate on the reasons for Matthews’ withdrawal but the

incident has been referred to their disciplinary tribunal and Sheneta Grimmond has been drafted into their ODI squad as a replacement.

Australia pick up two ICC Women’s Championship points for the win and have leapfrogged England to reclaim their spot on top of the

table.

The

determines

Championship which

four

teams – alongside hosts New Zealand – will automatically qualify for the 2021 one-day World Cup.

Hero CPL T20 2019

Keemo Paul hits a six during his innings of 38. (Delano Williams Photo)

By Michelangelo Jacobus

EXCELLENT lower- order hitting from Guyanese all-rounder Keemo Paul (38) and Chris Green (28) ensured that the Guyana Amazon Warriors got to a respectable total of 155-9, while leg-spinner Shadab Khan tightened (3-16) the screws with the ball to ensure they started the Hero

CPL 2019 campaign with a 13- run win over the St Lucia Zouks at the National Stadium here in Guyana at Providence.

Pegged as one of the most consistent teams since the inception of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Warriors looked a tad bit rusty as they were sent in to bat by the St Lucia Zouks.

Their top and middle order

Romario Sheperd had excellent returns of 2-18 from 4 Overs. (Delano Williams Photo)

Shadab, Paul the heroes in Warriors opening win over St Lucia Zouks batsmen with the exception of skipper Shoab Malik (28) and local boy Shimron Hetmyer (24) failed to get going as the Zouks made early inroads.

Opener Brandon King (7) who started the innings with a four off the first delivery of the game, was the first to go caught by wicket-keeper Fletcher off the bowling of Kesrick Williams in the third over. Chandrapaul Hemraj would follow suit in the next over, caught off the bowling of Krishmar Santokie for just 14 to leave the Warriors on 25-2.

Hetmyer and Malik then came together to steady the ship with a partnership of 48; Hetmyer looked out of sorts in his knock of 24 (26 deliveries, 4x1) and would depart in the 12th Over, the first of Obed McKoy’s four victims.

Nicholas Pooran, highly touted as the Warriors trump card, went for a first ball duck, McKoy dismantling his stumps; Sherfane Rutherford hit two quick fours but soon departed for 10, stumped

by Fletcher off of mystery

leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed to leave the Warriors wobbling on 85-5.

In strode Paul but Malik would soon perish via the same route off the same bowler at 98-6 in the 14th over.

But some exciting batting from Paul and vice-captain Green would lift them out of the doldrums; Paul struck three fours and three sixes in a highly entertaining 38 from just 22 de-

liveries, two of the fours coming back to back off Santokie in the 18th Over, however, Paul would hole out the very next over to give McKoy his third wicket with the score on 146.

Chris Green then struck a couple of lusty blows in his enterprising 28 (15 deliveries, 4x2, 6x1) in the 20th Over to get his side to a more than challenging title of 155-9 when he was run out off the

last delivery of the innings.

McKoy ended with figures of 4-41 from his four overs, he was supported by Fawad Ahmed who took 2-25 (4 Overs) while Santokie and Williams took a wicket apiece.

Chasing 156 for victory, the Zouks looked to attack, with a couple of boundaries coming off the first over of See page 23

Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Chris Green celebrates with his team-mates after trapping St Lucia Zouks’ Rahkeem Cornwall LBW for 36. (Delano Williams Photo)

Márcio Máximo ready for Nations League baptism!

Golden Jaguars to roar against Aruba tonight in Curacao

NEW head coach of the country’s senior national men’s football team, Márcio Máximo, said he’s ready to lead the ‘Golden Jaguars’ in the CONCACAF Nations League, as the side begin their campaign tonight in Curacao against Aruba.

The match, which gets on the way at 19:00hrs, will see the two countries face each

other for the first time since 1992, when they last played in Suriname during the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup when Guyana won 3-0.

Máximo, his technical staff and players arrived in Curacao on Monday and have See page 23

BATTLE READY! From left, Neil Danns, Samuel Cox, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Matthew Briggs.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019