Issuu

TUESDAY 24 th SEPTEMBER, 2019

' No.105770

DDL mid-year profits at $1.2B

â€Śchairman says company positioning self to take advantage of oil economy

Pay hike for public servants this year

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-says Finance Minister

SEE STORY ON PAGE 11

Son seeks justice, closure -13 years after Ronald Waddell was assassinated

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Guyana, China pledge to strengthen ties President David Granger and Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo share a toast with, China's Ambassador to Guyana HE. Cui Jianchun and wife Ms. Liang Huili (See story on page 03)

Rice farmers reaping higher prices for paddy SEE STORY ON PAGE 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

‘The school is a pillar of the village’ - President Granger at 178th anniversary celebration of Queenstown Village

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Monday, said “the school is a pillar of the village,” when he attended the 178th anniversary celebration of Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast. “Education is essential to development. It is the one true path to development at the national, regional, neigh-

educated as this is the most important thing apart from the family. Education, he said, helps to produce a corps of skilled persons to boost village development through the creation of cottage, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and jobs for school graduates. “It is the responsibility of the

President David Granger on arrival at the Queenstown Community Centre, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two). Also photographed is Denis Jaikarran (left), Regional Executive Officer (REO).

President David Granger delivering the feature address

bourhood and village levels,” the Head of State said, before adding that education has helped the village to produce outstanding sons and daughters. Queenstown Village has produced civil servants, economists, engineers, soldiers, teachers, tradesmen. The President said, “Education was one of the pillars upon which Queenstown was established. The others are the family, the farm, or workplace and the church. If one of these pillars fails, the village would fall.” Queenstown Village was in the vanguard of the ‘Great Village Movement’ which began in the first decade after Emancipation. “Education was viewed as a means of securing economic emancipation- of escaping exploitation of the plantation and to provide a better future for their children. Education unlocked economic opportunities helped many to escape the clutches of inter-generational poverty,” the President said. President Granger said education must be strengthened if Queenstown Village is to progress. Education, he said, will ensure that children do not have to live in poverty, as it is the greatest gift which we can bequeath to the nation’s children. The President said too that education is the responsibility of the family, the school and the village, which must ensure that children are

villages to ensure that the best education is accorded to their children. The village has a vital role in education. Villages must be restored to a central place in education,” President Granger emphasised, before referencing an old African saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” The President pointed to the Government’s education policy, ‘Every Child in School’ (ECIS). “We want to ensure that every child is literate, numerate and graduates from school as an ‘A’ student. ‘A’ for access to education, ‘A’ for attendance and ‘A’ for attainment,” he said. “I would like to see a school in every village so that children do not have to travel long distances. Attendance at school is equally important. Government’s policy is to ensure that every child attends school and stays in school,” the President said. The Head of State said too that Government is making progress in ensuring that the nation’s children attend and stay in school with the launch of the Public Education Transportation Service (PETS) initiative. There are 29 buses, 10 boats and more than 4,000 bicycles, which have been distributed so far under PETS, to make it easier for children to attend school. “We want every child to graduate from school with the knowledge, skills and values

Little Stacy Mentis sing a calypso, 'Mommy I want to go to school'

which would allow him or

President David Granger presents a trophy to Queenstown Village's top National Grade Six Assessment performer.

Some attendees at the 178th anniversary of Queenstown Village.

her to gain employment,” he said, urging that villages must become the drivers of this policy. President Granger advised the villagers to assume the responsibility of ensuring that every child has access to, attends and stays in school. Education, he said, is being repositioned. Government has spent more than $170B on the education sector over the past four years. This year, Government is spending $52.2B, which is 15.6 per cent more than last year. The Head of State referenced the `De-

cade of Development’ which will be launched next year. Throughout this Decade, the President said, emphasis will be placed on education. He told the residents of Queenstown Village and neighbouring communities that every citizen has a right to free education. Free education, he said, is a constitutional entitlement. President Granger said too that Government will expand the provision of buses, boats and bicycles to reduce the financial burden on parents as well as expand the school

feeding programme to encourage school attendance and improve performance. The President said that emphasis must be placed on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Meanwhile, the President noted that Queenstown is considered the oldest village on the Essequibo Coast, having been purchased by freed Africans who pooled their resources to acquire former plantations. The Africans then converted these plantations into communal or propriety villages or a mixture of both. The village

was named after Queen Victoria on the 25th September 1841. The President said Queenstown was a pacesetter as it was a pioneer of local government and a hub of economic enterprise, which provided a range of public services. “Queenstown has never been helpless. It has helped itself. It has demonstrated the capacity for self-organisation, throughout its 178 years. This capacity is exemplified by the Queenstown Development Association in 1991,” he said. The President said vibrant village economies are essential to the survival of the country as a whole and have to be resuscitated. Additionally, he noted that Queenstown has been transformed over the past 178 years. It is still predominantly an African village but it now has a multicultural character. The village has churches, a mandir and a masjid, catering for Christians, Hindus and Muslims. “Queenstown must continue to utilise its capacity for self-organisation to boost its development. It must build on past achievement to ensure future progress,” the President stated. The President in congratulating Queenstown Village and the Queenstown Development Association for its work, said village economies must flourish through the establishment of micro and medium-scale enterprises to generate industries and business, which will provide employment, by growing food again, producing goods and providing services again. Village lands must bloom again by being placed under cultivation, he stressed. President Granger also noted that village democracy must flourish through their regular local government elections and the selection of local leaders, who care for their communities and who represent their constituencies. “Villages cultural life must be revived. Villages must have happy homes, happy families and happy neighbours. Villages,” he said, “must be socially cohesive units promoting inter-ethnic harmony”. Meanwhile, the Head of State committed to assisting the Aberdeen-Zorgen-Vlygt Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) with a trailer. (MOTP)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Guyana, China pledge to strengthen ties REAFFIRMING his Government’s commitment to the robust friendship that exists between Guyana and China, President David Granger said his country is indebted to the people of China for their contribution to infrastructural and human resource development here. Toasting to the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Monday evening, President Granger said he is optimistic about the future. “We look forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he told China’s Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun, in the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, who were among the officials present. In congratulating President Xi Jingping and the government and people of

the People’s Republic of China on this milestone achievement, President Granger applauded China on the social and economic progress made over the past seven decades. “China has achieved much to ensure consistent and positive development in transforming infrastructure and improving technology,” President Granger said. Guyana and China established diplomatic relations 47 years ago on June 27, 1972. Their relationship continues to be strengthened through cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, and have resulted in the conclusion of agreements and exchanges, particularly in infrastructural development and training. Last September, President Granger welcomed State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi to Guyana. “His visit resulted in the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Provision of a Con-

President David Granger and His Excellency Cui Jianchun, China’s Ambassador to Guyana cut the 70th Anniversary cake, as Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, Liang Huili, and Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, who is performing the functions of Foreign Affairs Minister, look on

cessional Loan between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the implementation of the National Broadband Project; and the Agreement on Economic and Technical

Cooperation between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for Grant Aid, which will be used for the development of the Public Service Staff College,” President Granger

detailed. He said Guyana is grateful to China for its contribution to the infrastructural development of the country through the construction and rehabilitation of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre; the upgrading of the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport; the construction of a four-lane highway on the East Coast of Demerara and the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue Road Enhancement Project. “The Arthur Chung Conference Centre, for example, is an appropriate setting that symbolises the cooperation between our two States. The construction and rehabilitation of this building was made a reality through China’s support,” he posited. The Head of State noted, too, that China has been a reliable partner in the development of Guyana’s human resources. This, he said, is evident in the recent awarding of scholarships to 11 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers to pursue advanced studies in China, mainly in the scientific, technological and engineering fields. “Guyana is pleased, also, for China’s continued support for the annual visit of the Chinese Medical Brigade,” he added.

UN agency to provide housing for Venezuelan migrants FOLLOWING a meeting with Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and a delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Ministry of the Presidency has informed that UNHCR is willing to offer “prefabricated accommodation” for the Venezuelan migrants here. On Monday, the delegation comprising of UNHCR’s Deputy Regional Representative, Chiara Cardoletti-Carroll; Chief of Mission for UN House, Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Leila Jane Nassif; Senior Regional Protection Officer, Washington DC Office; Rana G. Ksaifi and Senior Liaison Officer for Guyana, Cecilie Guerrero, visited the office of the Minister, who was accompanied by his Technical Officer, Jermaine Grant to discuss issues affecting Venezuela migrants. Minister Felix informed Cardoletti-Carroll that the availability of adequate shelter for Venezuelan migrants was one of his main concerns. He also noted that access to employment and appropriate educational opportunities for migrant children are also challenges that the authorities here are facing. Cardoletti-Carroll, who is based in Washington DC, expressed willingness to work along with the Minister and

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and the delegation from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

his Department to see how best the issues raised can be resolved. With regards to shelter, she informed that prefabricated accommodation can be offered but the UNCHR would need reassurance that the structures would be erected on land that is not under dispute. Although the figures may have since risen, as of February this year, Guyana hosted approximately 36,400 Venezuelan migrants. In relation to educational opportunities that minister noted still pose a challenge, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had reported that a survey of 1100 Venezuelan migrants in Guyana indicates that 17 per cent of that population, which is school-aged, is attending school here.

USAID said that its partners are working with the Government of Guyana to address educational needs among Venezuelans, including launching a safe-school initiative to increase service delivery in host communities. It was reported in the Guyana Chronicle last month that 800 children have been enrolled in the school system here and the Ministry of Education will soon train 19 North West District teachers to be equipped with skills to teach English as a second language to migrant students. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Government, through the Ministry of Education, has been working with UNHCR to develop educational interventions, which will improve the learning and

communication skills of these children. There are many other issues surrounding migrants but all efforts are being made to integrate them into society. In fact, in an interview with this publication earlier this year, International Organisation of Migration (IOM)’s Regional Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello, said “… migrants are productive members of society, generally. Albert Einstein was a refugee and there are a lot of migrant success stories. Migrants contribute to society. So we will try to strengthen the capacity of host communities and integrate migrants and support the government.” UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, had also pointed out that with the

number of migrants recorded compared to the overall population in Guyana; it is still a relatively manageable scope. Tanaka said persons ought to look at the issue from a larger picture and see how it can strengthen the country. “Amidst our efforts, we want to seize opportunities to improve the government’s own services. And if they are stronger, the capacity for them to deal with migrants will strengthen. Today might be Venezuela,

tomorrow might be something else, because you know if Guyana is going to have all these oil revenues, I’m sure it is going to attract many more people coming from outside. So the more robust Guyana becomes the capacity to do that will increase. And that’s the larger picture,” Tanaka said. She noted that the efforts being made by the UN are not parallel but are in support of the national efforts.

President saddened at passing of Lady Lois Winifred Ramphal PRESIDENT David Granger is saddened at the death of Lady Lois Winifred Ramphal (née King), wife of Sir Shridath Ramphal, O.E. His condolences were offered in a release from the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday, which stated: “Undoubtedly, she would have served as a tower of strength and support during their 70 years of marriage and would have immensely contributed to the invaluable service her husband has provided to Guyana

and the world. President Granger expresses heartfelt sympathy to Sir Shridath Ramphal, their children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.” Sir Shridath Ramphal, O.E. was the second Commonwealth Secretary-General and Guyana’s Foreign Minister from 1972 to 1975. He married Lois, a nurse he met while studying in London, in 1951. They have four children: two sons and two daughters.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 24, 2019

Trump defends raising Bidens in Ukraine call

(BBC) US President Donald Trump has defended raising the subject of former Vice-President Joe Biden and his son on a phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. “It’s very important to talk about corruption,” Mr Trump told reporters on Monday about the call. Mr Trump denies reports he pressured Ukraine to investigate his would-be challenger in next year’s election. A top Democrat said im-

peaching the president now “may be the only remedy”. What’s the background? Mr Trump and his allies have been suggesting that Mr Biden, as Barack Obama’s vice-president, encouraged the firing of Ukraine’s top prosecutor because he had been investigating a company that employed Mr Biden’s son. Hunter Biden became a director at Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma in 2014 while his father also held a key role in US policy towards

Mr Trump’s alleged pressure on Ukraine to investigate the Bidens has dominated headlines

Ukraine. Joe Biden is now the frontrunner to be the Democratic candidate who will take on Mr Trump in the November 2020 presidential election. US media reported last

week that an intelligence whistleblower had filed a complaint over Mr Trump’s alleged promise to a foreign leader during a call. The US president pressured his Ukrainian counter-

24 September, 2019 - 14:30hrs - 16:00hrs

Wednesday September 21, 2019

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part to launch corruption investigations into the Bidens, according to US media reports. It emerged last week that the Trump administration was blocking the whistleblower complaint from being handed over to Congress, despite the intelligence inspector general judging it to be “urgent”. Under US law, if a complaint is considered to be of “urgent concern”, and if the inspector general considers the complaint to be “credible”, then the department head is expected to share the information with Congress within seven days. The controversial phone call between the two leaders coincided with the White House’s decision to temporarily freeze up to $250m (£200m) in military aid to Ukraine. The decision to suspend the aid was made before the call on 25 July, US media report, and there has been no indication the package was discussed on that particular phone conversation. Following bipartisan criticism of the aid delay, the administration approved the $250m for Ukraine this month. Mr Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani told Fox Business on Monday that he could not say “100%” that the president did not threaten to withhold military aid to Ukraine. What did Trump say? Arriving on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Mr Trump insisted there had been no wrongdoing on his call with Mr Zelensky. “What Biden did was wrong,” the Republican president added. Asked why his administration had delayed the military aid to Ukraine, Mr Trump added: “Why would you give money to a country that you think is corrupt?” Mr Trump told reporters on Sunday that his call with Mr Zelensky had been to congratulate him on his recent election. But Mr Trump also said during the conversation he mentioned corruption and “largely the fact that we don’t want our people, like Vice-President Biden and his

son, creating to the corruption already in the Ukraine”. He insisted he had done “absolutely nothing wrong”. Mr Trump has previously accused the as-yet-unnamed whistleblower of being “partisan” and said he knew all his phone calls to foreign leaders were listened to by US agencies. While Mr Trump suggested a transcript could be released, senior Trump administration officials said it would be inappropriate for private conversations between world leaders to be made public. The Wall Street Journal has quoted sources as saying Mr Trump had urged Mr Zelensky about eight times to work with his lawyer Rudy Giuliani on an investigation into Hunter Biden, but had not offered anything in return. Democrats have said that if Mr Trump asked Mr Zelensky to investigate Mr Biden, it is tantamount to promoting foreign interference in the 2020 election. The US president is due to meet his Ukrainian counterpart on Wednesday, among several other foreign leaders at the UN General Assembly. What are the Biden claims? When Hunter Biden joined Burisma in 2014, questions were raised about a potential conflict of interest for his father. Ukraine was undergoing a political transition after its pro-Russia president was forced out of office, and the elder Biden was making frequent trips to the country. In 2016, Joe Biden pushed the Ukrainian government to fire its top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, whose office had been investigating the oligarch owner of Burisma. In a speech last year at a think tank Mr Biden boasted of having threatened to withhold a billion-dollar loan guarantee to successfully force Mr Shokin out. “I looked at them and said ‘I’m leaving in six hours: if the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money’,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 24, 2019

Haiti senator opens fire outside parliament, wounding two (BBC) A Haitian senator opened fire during a protest outside the country’s parliament building, wounding two people including a photographer. Chery Dieu-Nalio, a photographer for the Associated Press, was hit in the face. Leon Leblanc, a security guard, was also wounded in the incident. Senator Jean Marie Ralph Féthière opened fire as he left parliament in the capital, Port-auPrince. He claimed he was defending himself from protesters. Mr Dieu-Nalio, who

sacred right.” Another senator, Patrice Dumont, told local media that Mr Féthière issued a warning before opening fire. Protesters had gath-

ered outside the building as the Haitian senate met to confirm Fritz-William Michel as the new prime minister. Crippling fuel shortages have triggered weeks

Senator Jean Marie Ralph Féthière is seen on the right seconds after opening fire

was wearing body armour clearly marked with the word “Press”, was struck on the chin. Reports said he was treated in hospital but his injuries were not severe. Mr Leblanc’s condition was not immediately known. Mr Féthière, a senator

from the north, told local media he had attempted to defend himself after “armed individuals threatened me”. “I was attacked by violent militant groups, so I defended myself,” he told Haiti’s Radio Mega, adding: “Self-defence is a

Mr Féthière fired the shots as he attempted to leave parliament

of anti-government pro- try into an economic and tests, plunging the coun- political crisis.

Soaring inflation and allegations of government corruption have compounded Haiti’s woes, leading to calls for Jovenel Moïse, president since 2017, to stand down. Earlier this year, Mr Moïse rejected calls for his resignation, saying he would not leave the country in the “hands of armed gangs and drug traffickers”. This week, Mr Moïse postponed a planned trip to the UN General Assembly in New York until a new prime minister had been approved by parliament.

Warner to fight extradition at Privy Council (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) FORMER government minister Jack Warner has received conditional leave to take his challenge of the extradition proceedings against him to the Privy Council. At a conditional leave hearing at the Court of Appeal on Monday, Justices Nolan Bereaux, Judith Jones and Charmaine Pemberton set out reduced time-frames for the procedural steps to be taken by Warner. These include paying a fee and settling the record, before final leave can be granted for him to take his case to the court in London. They also granted a conditional stay of the committal proceedings in the magistrates’ court until the hearing and determination of the appeal in the Privy Council. In arguing for conditional leave and the stay of the proceedings, Warner’s attorney Fyard Hosein SC, contended that the

State has indicated his client had a valid appeal. He also submitted that this country’s extradition treaty with the US was inconsistent with the Extradition (Commonwealth and Foreign Territories) Act. Attorney for the State, Douglas Mendes, SC, agreed to the stay but urged Warner’s legal team to seek an expedited hearing of the appeal at the Privy Council since, according to him, the case could impact all extraditions to the US. He said the issue needed to be pronounced on since, if Warner’s arguments were correct, then no one could be extradited until the flaw was corrected. Warner is challenging the process by which the extradition proceedings against him are being carried out and seeks to quash the authority to proceed (ATP) which was signed in 2016 by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi. The ATP gave

the magistrate the green light to begin committal proceedings. Warner also challenged the legality of the Extradition (Commonwealth and Foreign Territories) Act, and the treaty signed between this country and the US. In June, the Court of Appeal dismissed his judicial review claim, but stayed the proceedings before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby-Earle Caddle so that Warner could seek permission to argue his case at the Privy Council.

In their ruling, Justices of Appeal Gregory Smith, Prakash Moosai and Andre des Vignes said the extradition treaty had not been shown to lack conformity with the act and there was no merit in Warner’s case that the US order, which declared that country as a declared foreign territory, was not valid. “Therefore, the pending extradition proceedings in respect of the appellant before the magistrate are valid,” the judges held, adding that “there was no denial of

justice in the issuance of the ATP by the Attorney General.” Warner is wanted in the US for a series of fraud-related offences allegedly committed during his tenure as vice-president of world football’s governing body FIFA. He surrendered himself to fraud squad officers on May 27, 2015,

after learning of the provisional warrant. He is on $2.5 million bail. Also appearing for the AG are Michael Quamina and Sean Julien while attorneys Rishi Dass, Sasha Bridgemohansingh, Anil Maraj and Nyree Alphonso also represent Warner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 24, 2019

Reducing the prevalence of HIV GUYANA, on Monday, launched its programme of activities to observe World AIDS DAY on December 1, 2019. Even as this was done, we note the continuous call for discrimination against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) to be a thing of the past as such persons have the same rights as everyone else, as enshrined in the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was recorded decades ago, millions of persons around the globe have died annually from the various symptoms associated with it. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, speaking at the launch, said that of the 8,200 estimated persons living in Guyana, 93% are aware of their status ,which made Guyana the only Caribbean country to achieve the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target ahead of the timeline set for 2020. According to the latest statistics as recorded on the UNAIDS website, 37.9 million [32.7 million–44.0 million] people globally were living with HIV. 23.3 million [20.5 million–24.3 million] people were accessing anti-retroviral therapy. 1.7 million [1.4 million–2.3 million] people became newly infected with HIV. 770 000 [570 000–1.1 million] people died from AIDS-related illnesses. 74.9 million [58.3 million–98.1 million] people have become infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic. 32.0 million [23.6 million–43.8 million] people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Despite public service messages, advertisements

and seminars hosted to educate persons on the dangers attached to having unprotected sex, there is still a substantial number of persons dying every year from AIDS-related complications. Millions of dollars are, annually, being spent to help sensitise the public on the disease which was first diagnosed here in Guyana in the year 1987, not only because of its ability to rob otherwise healthy persons of their lives which knocks decades off of a country’s national development, but also for its ability to “widen the gulf between rich and poor nations and push already stigmatised groups closer to the margins of society.” Since then, a combination of factors, such as increased access to anti-retroviral treatments, programmes focusing on youth development, reproductive health and counselling have seen a constant decrease in the number of new cases each year. Guyana also seems to be doing well in the fight against mother-to-child transmission of the disease as a result of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, and soon may be able to boast of the public health achievement of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV as Cuba did. For all the improvements over the years, however, doctors are now of the opinion that a new formulated strategy needs to be put in place with the spread of the virus as many persons across the country are taking comfort in its success rate of reduction and this has encouraged complacency, as many have stopped seeing the urgent need for protection which has resulted in “a growing trend of new HIV cases.”

There is an urgent need to sustain and intensify efforts in the fight against infection, so that its levels can be kept at a minimum level, particularly amongst young people. Recent statistics have shown that over 60% of the new cases are isolated to young persons, showing the need for more education regarding the virus and its potential dangers amongst the young. Education on prevention aside, more also needs to be done in helping to eliminate or diminish the amount of stigma and discriminative attitudes held towards those with the disease. Stigma in Guyana and around the world is often so strong that those who are infected or suspect that they are, are often hindered from seeking treatment or learning of their status and being educated on preventative measures. This creates a barrier, which could potentially become life-threatening and significantly decrease the mental health of the person. While there has been some progress over the years with the monitoring and reduction of stigma within the workplace as guidelines have been put in place to help in that respect, the stigma within the wider society is still largely in place and for the most part will largely remain that way over the next few years. Guyana has joined the rest of the world in implementing the treat-all initiatives to end AIDS by 2030. The Ministry of Public Health, through the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), continues to engage in numerous activities to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, and the measures to be taken by individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming infected.

That Vote #33 was an act of treachery

Dear Editor, I COUNT myself not exactly as Allan Fenty puts it in his letter in SN this Monday, “as among the mass of people who are in full congratulatory mode over PNC Leader David Granger’s guile of current success and triumph.” More exactly, I count myself among those who believe that a 2020 election date has restored some natural fairness and legitimacy to our democracy, for I do not see a 2020 election date as giving the ‘Coalition’ government extra time. Rather, I see it as restoring most of its earned regulation game time. Fortunately, many today have not for-

gotten what the 2015 election result meant at a personal and national level for our soul and spirit after 23 years of PPP excesses. And though one may have been concerned over the avoidable missteps by the ‘Coalition’ government, nothing could justify what must be the most callous and selfish political act by an MP in the form of Vote #33. For many Guyanese, the use of the NCM guillotine did not fit the claimed government crimes. Moreover, they did not ignore the allegation of bribery and collusion surrounding Vote #33. That Vote #33 was an act of treachery; that the government exercised its rights

to take legal action; that the courts interpreted the Constitution the way they did; that GECOM did not buckle to the reckless demand for elections with all possible shortcuts and jeopardies have all combined to make a 2020 election date acceptable to many. If people are in a congratulatory mode, as Fenty puts it, I suspect it is due to a feeling of redress, given the scant regard paid to their individual and collective desire, as expressed in the 2015 election, first, by Charandass, and then by the PPP and the other advocates of fast and dirty new elections. What Fenty, however, did not mention in his letter is that many of the,

as he termed it, diehard loyalist PNC members and supporters continue to hope that the ‘Coalition’ government would use its remaining regulation playtime to demonstrate more that it cares, that it can deliver real benefits quickly where it matters, and that it can capture the public imagination with an exciting vision for the rapid development of youths, families, communities, regions and the nation. Regards, Sherwood Lowe

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 24, 2019

A propaganda letter just wouldn’t cut it, Mr. Gill Dear Mr. Editor, I SAW a most comical letter by the illegal opposition MP Harry Gill, published in the Stabroek News on September 23, 2019. The letter is titled, “At no time Dr. Cummings’ car was threatened”. The Dr. Cummings in question is the very legal Minister of Foreign Affairs. The PPP-designated letter writer, Harry Gill started out by stating that he needed to “clear the air”. The thugin-chief is spot-on. With that kind of atrocious toxic behaviour, the air does need clearing. Unfortunately, a propaganda letter wouldn’t do. Gill then went on to explain what transpired, or rather what story they fabricated at Freedom House in Robb Street. The not-soPrincely Harry stated that

Dr. Cummings’ chauffeur was trying to bully his way through protestors. Seriously, Harry! That’s the best script you guys could have manufactured. Sit back, Harry, and take note on how the goodly doctor would dissect your story with surgical precision. Mr. Editor, by international standards, cars drive in the middle 3/5 of the road with pedestrians utilising the outer 1/5, if they are no pavements. The only time a passenger gets to the inner 3/5 is if he/she is crossing the road. Let’s examine the video evidence that Harry is alluding to. In that video, it was obvious that the crowd was in the middle 3/5, i.e. of the road; they were stationary, hence not crossing the road. The door bouncer, who should

have been careful since he has 19 criminal charges under his belt, was in sunglasses and cap, gesturing that he would flip over the 4000kg SUV. Irfaan, why bother lifting a 4000kg vehicle? Why not try something less heavy; say your transcripts? Lifting that and producing it would be much more than 4000kg off your shoulder. The next character I recognised was the one-time ‘presidential hopeful, self-appointed oil and gas consultant now turned street-protester-in-chief, ‘Baby Charles’. Mr. Editor, these guys and their followers were all in the middle of the road, the designated area for vehicular traffic. Come on Harry, it is obvious that they were not there to get the autograph of the legal Minister of Foreign Affairs; they were

there to stop her vehicle like exactly what they did to Minister Patterson. Then Harry Gill went on to state that the only reason our legal President, Mr. Granger, was interrupted was because he called the protestors hooligans. Harry, clearly your gill is not working, and your brain is starved of oxygen. Listen to me, go look back to that video. The hooligans that interrupted the President, led by the Bishop, all had placards readied for violent protest. Don’t tell me that they knew a month ago that the President would call them ‘hooligans’, hence they had their placards at the ready. I would say this, and I would say this with no apology. What I saw was a pack of hooligans dressed in red,

terrorising folks at the Pegasus Hotel. No amount of letter writing can whitewash that fact. It was street terrorism orchestrated to create fear and divide the country. The police and the President showed great restraint, which they should be applauded for. Under the PPP, such protest would have resulted in many dead, many arrested and injured. So, my suggestion to the PPP “think tank” is, next time come up with a believable story. By the way, never use Harry again; he is neither smart nor articulate. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

Eton London was a dedicated and committed PNCR Comrade Dear Editor, I WRITE this letter to share a brief reflection on a friend and a comrade. I was shocked and in disbelief when news of Eton London’s passing reached me a few days ago. I have known Eton for many years; we were both members of the PNCR youth arm, (The GYSM). When I served as National Secretary of the organization, Eton served as Chairman of the Georgetown District of the GYSM. This responsibility he took very seriously. He was present at almost every group meeting in Georgetown, and kept up with the activities of each group. Eton also served on the National Executive Committee of the organisation before he moved on to formalise his membership in the adult party group. There was never a dull moment in a GYSM group, once Eton was present. He had the unique abil-

ity to skillfully insert himself into a debate and reformulate the mute to suit his purpose. Eton London was an eloquent orator and a good communicator, who used his talent to enrich the younger members of the GYSM. I recall Eton taking us to the Toastmasters’ Club, of which he was a member, to listen to himself and other members deliver impromptu speeches. He thought of ways he could have helped prepare the Party’s youths for leadership. He was an active participant and leader at many of our leadership retreats; he served as a facilitator for various leadership workshops. Eton London was friendly, witty and kind. His willingness to serve the GYSM and the PNCR cannot be overstated, and his contribution cannot go unnoticed. He was present at every activity, whether he was feeling well or not! Nothing stopped him. I last saw

Eton on August 6, 2019. We were at the Founder Leader’s death anniversary at the Botanical Gardens. He was in high spirits. We talked PNCR business, and he shared some of his thoughts with me. It is usual for us to meet at such events and reflect on our role in the GYSM and party. His contribution on the floor, at both GYSM and Party Congresses always left a lasting impression. He will be missed at Party Congresses and other events. Eton loved life, but was unafraid of death. He spoke casually of death, and made it seem like a simple transition. I recalled some years ago, when I was chairperson of the GYSM, receiving a call that Eton was very ill and was hospitalised at the Georgetown Hospital. I left work on my lunch break and headed over to the hospital to see Eton. When I arrived at the hospital, Eton was lying on

the bed and seemed physically weak, but he used up every second of my time to engage me in conversation about the GYSM, his voice never failing him. I reminded him that he should rest, and we will focus on things GYSM when he is better. His response to me was, “Lurlene, how you know I might be here tomorrow.” We laughed and encouraged each other. After that, we spoke often on the phone. A week later, Eton was out of the hospital, and called to remind me of where we left off the conversation. That was the nature of the Comrade. He invested in the PNCR and its youth arm. That his enthusiasm and passion for things PNCR was great cannot be denied. He did have some health challenges, but he never gave up; he was a fighter. He never let those challenges hold him back. A few years ago, I saw him and he said to me,

“Lurlene, you know this leg is showing off itself! He think he gon keep me back! Ah gon cut it tail off!” I pleaded with him that he should hold off and see if things will change, as he was already an amputee. He looked me straight in the face and said, “So you begging fuh he nah! He getting disgusting; he think I can’t do without he.” These are some of the light conversations he had about himself. Eton London was a true comrade and friend; he made his contribution at all levels of the GYSM and the PNCR, whether directly or indirectly. He was a committed and dedicated member of the PNCR. He will forever be missed. He fought many battles, but this last one won out! Sincere condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace! Regards, Lurlene Nestor

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 24, 2019

Man who engaged in sexual activity with under-aged female granted bail

John Fitzgerald Hopkinson

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, September 23, 2019, released a 55-yearold Kitty resident on $20,000 bail for sexually assaulting a fouryear-old girl.

John Fitzgerald Hopkinson appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge which was read in-camera. Particulars of the

charge alleged that, on April 26, 2019, at Queen Street, Kitty, Hopkinson engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, by bracing her to a gate and rubbing his body against her.

Hopkinson was released on $20,000 bail and was ordered by the Chief Magistrate for a psychological evaluation to be done on him to see if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

He was also ordered

not to contact the victim and to stay 50 feet away from her. The matter was adjourned until October 14, 2019.

Please do not fall for Jagdeo’s tactics Dear Editor, I crave your indulgence to allow me space in your papers to comment on the current political situation in my country. I have always held the view that there is always method to Jagdeo’s madness. It is in this context that I wish to frame this letter. It is my firm belief that Jagdeo and his bunch have reviewed the success of the government’s Social Cohesion programme. It is my firm belief that the facts revealed as a result of that review have shaken the PPP to the core. They would have realised that Guyanese are no longer susceptible to the race-baiting tactics of the PPP. They would have come to realise that Guyanese were embracing each other’s diversity, to the extent where mixed marriages were on the increase. They would have realised that the youths were not interested in the PPP’s Jurassic policies and tactics. So what was the next step? Instigate a vote of no confidence. But that is not all. They paid an East Indian

Government MP to do the dirty work, with the intention that the APNU’s Black supporters would now vent their anger on all persons representative of that race. Well, Jagdeo and his criminal bunch were deeply disappointed when that did not happen. The PPP is aware how much reverence The President is accorded by his Party supporters and others. So they have now decided to target the President personally, in an effort to raise the ire of his supporters, so much so that they will retaliate. Once that retaliation is in motion, the evil deed would have been done. The country will descend into chaos and absolute anarchy. Jagdeo would have won; he would not care that Guyana has lost. Editor, the PPP cannot survive without racial tensions, so they will exploit racism to the ‘max’. Guyanese, especially our youths, are not so inclined or interested. Jagdeo’s next ploy then was to clamber for something that his Party, and his Founder Leader had fought

against: The Overseas Vote. We all remember that Dr. Jagan, since the 1969 elections, was calling for an end to overseas voting. That was eventually abandoned in 1992 when he and President Hoyte hammered out an agreement at the instigation of the Carter Centre. So, why should we now reinstate the overseas vote? Why must the game’s rules always be in favour of the PPP? Why must the rules change to suit them? The ‘Coalition’ needs to be steadfast in this regard. As far as I know, the Carter Center’s formula is still in effect, and the ‘Coalition’ needs to insist upon that. It was the Carter Center’s formula that has the present GECOM configuration in place. So why change other configurations? To suit the PPP? No way José! I am therefore urging the PNC/R, The APNU, and the ‘Coalition’, PLEASE do not fall for Jagdeo’s tactics. PLEASE inform your supporters to hold the moral high ground and do not (I repeat) do not engage in tit-for-tat politics. PLEASE, PLEASE. TOO MUCH IS AT STAKE!

In the meantime, supporters of the ‘Coalition’ should be engaged in an aggressive letter-writing campaign extolling the virtues of this government since it came to power in 2015. The evidence is everywhere, but they need to write nevertheless. The PPP’s strategy of “telling a lie often enough will make it believable” should not be ignored. I am ashamed of the ABE countries for falling for that trick AGAIN! In the 70s and 80s, the PPP made everybody believe, inclusive of his supporters, that Burnham had several Swiss bank accounts, and that he was among the richest Black men alive. Of course, none of it was true. So, ‘Coalition’, please remind your supporters that there is much work to be done, or else you will lose the propaganda war. Regards, R. Britton

Pushing our country into great danger Dear Editor, WITH reference to Hamilton Green’s ‘Thursday’s performance at the Pegasus reminded me of the mongrels in my neighbour’s yard’ of September 22, 2019 in the Guyana Chronicle. This letter speaks a thousand truths. The Freedom House lusters-for-power and those who are their political advisers have been seeking ever since to bait the State, represented by principally the governing coalition’s largest party, the PNCR, into a public showdown that will support their plan of proving that Party, and by extension the government, of which it is a part, to be undemocratic, which has to resort to strong-arm tactics to deal with dissent/ protests.

These political gangsters began with the ugly and disrespectful parliamentary shout down, which I have always contended ought to have been put down by removing disrupting MPs from the House. That type of conduct was not only disgraceful, but an affront to both the dignity of the House and the person of the President, and should not have been tolerated, to the extent where the President could not have been heard at times. It was uncivil in every respect, and warranted appropriate response. I need not repeat the measures, which former speaker Sase Naraine said he would have taken against such a rabble. However, the non-action by the speaker, though seem-

ingly tolerant, perhaps as an understanding of democracy, sent the wrong signal of being too cautious, by one of the highest-ranking officials of State. This emboldened other disrespectful actions, especially those directed to the person of the President, that would have led up to the recent acts of hooliganism. Of course, I agree with the elder statesman and former prime minister, Hamilton Green. For those reckless younger members of the PPP/C party seem not to understand what their dangerous actions could lead to, in a country that can ill-afford any repeat of its past experiences. Editor, there is no citizen, male/female, who would have

lived in those very turbulent years which Mr. Green has mentioned, who would want a re-living of its very fratricidal experiences, in an age when the country is much more polarised, and when there are numerous persons who are still bitter and angry about unfair actions suffered over the past two decades. This is a government, notwithstanding the many unfair actions perpetrated against its daily functions, inclusive of fake news and sabotage, that has been very responsible and tolerant. Perhaps too tolerant of those who seem to believe that the government is cowed. They are so wrong. No government is. Instead, this is a government that has upheld

the very tenets of a democracy that they, who now hypocritically pretend to champion, have a dark record in terms of their well-known, blatant suppression. Therefore, those who believe that their actions are a show of strength and political bravado are ill-advised as to the great danger into which they are pushing their country. They would only be jeopardising the promise of a better country which must be shared by all, inclusive of their children, grandchildren et al. Regards, Earl Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Man accused of sexual assault granted bail

Devon Mohammed

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, September 23, 2019, released a 35-year-old fruit vendor on $100,000 bail for sexual assaulting a girl, who is under the age of consent. Devon Mohammed appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge which was read in-camera. Particulars of the charge alleged that, between August 1, 2017, and August 31, 2017, at Werk-en-Rust, he engaged in sexual activity with a child who was under the age of 16. Mohammed was released on $100,000 bail with the condition that he keeps away from the victim. The matter was transferred to Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs- Marcus for October 14, 2019.

Attempted murder accused granted bail CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, September 23, 2019, released a 24-year-old Gordon Street, Kitty resident on $120,000 bail for the charge of attempted murder. Quincy Evans appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that, on August 28, 2019, at Gordon Street, Kitty, Evans wounded Joshua Williams with the intent to commit murder. According to Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question, the two men had a misunderstanding. It is alleged that, Evans armed himself with a sharp instrument and chopped Williams to his chest and shoulder. Williams was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and was discharged three days later. The Prosecutor made no objection to Evans being released on bail, which was granted at $120,000 by the Chief Magistrate. The matter was adjourned until October 14, 2019.

Miner before court for killing brother-in-law CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, September 23, 2019, remanded a 35-year-old miner from the Waramadong Village, Region Seven, for killing his brother-in-law. Anthony Edwards appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was unrepresented by an attorney. He was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that, on September 15, 2019, at Waramadong Village, he murdered Doreian Brown. Prosecutor Inspector Gordon Mansfield informed the court that the police file was still incomplete and the post mortem report was outstanding. Edwards was remanded to prison until December 16, 2019, when he is scheduled to appear at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Edwards is the brother-inlaw of Brown. However, on the day in

Guyana welcomes second family --from hurricane-ravaged Bahamas A SECOND Guyanese family on Sunday landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) from the hurricane-ravaged Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. The family of five is inclusive of two adults and three children. Guyanese-born Vanessa Taite; her Bahamian husband, Stevie Cooper snr, and their three Bahamian-born children Stevie Jr, Steve and Stephanie Cooper arrived at the CJIA at around 22:00hrs. The family was welcomed by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix. When asked about her experience during the hurricane that devastated the island, Taite related that it was an experience she wishes she never had to face. "Our house, the entire roof came off. It was horrible; it’s nothing that anyone wants to go through. Speaking about it, you would get an impression, but actually going through it, you would have a whole different understanding. It’s scary. It was like living in a scary movie," Taite said. She went on to say that she is happy that she and her family were able to make it out of the storm safely. "Good is good,” she said, adding: “Because I know entire families that literally nobody is alive now; the entire household got swept up by a wave." Minister Felix spoke on the government’s commitment to help as many Guyanese citizens as possible

who have been affected by the hurricane on their return to Guyana and the process of reintegration into the Guyanese society.

“The question about what plans we have for them would be determined after their interview, once we know of their expectations and so on,”

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix with the Taite-Cooper family at the CJIA on Sunday night

"We are willing and ready to accept Guyanese citizens and their families back to Guyana,” Minister Felix said, adding: “Initially, we had a list of about 102 persons showing interest, then it broke down to 28. Five came last week, and five have arrived tonight. And two are to come next week, so far. We don’t know if others would join that list, but so far, we know about the two others that will return to Guyana on a similar flight next Sunday.” He said that the government will be standing by the Cooper family, and provide them with the necessary guidance to ensure a smooth transition back into the Guyanese society where citizenship is concerned.

Minister Felix said, adding: “In the meantime, we would like them to feel welcome in Guyana, having been taken to their homes. And the other issues with respect to citizenship issues would be sorted out, as the husband is a Bahamian, as well as the children were born to a Guyanese mother outside of Guyana, so these are issues which we would have to walk them through the process to regularization.” HERE TO HELP On September 1, 2019 Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas, decimating Abaco Islands and severely devastating Grand Bahama, the northernmost island of the Bahamas, as well.

Since then, the Guyana Consulate in The Bahamas has been working feverishly to ensure that all Guyanese on the islands are accounted for and provided with the best possible care. While the record shows that approximately 80 Guyanese families had registered as residents in Grand Bahama, the Guyana Consulate believes that it is likely that the number is greater. Through a WhatsApp contact, more than 100 Guyanese living in The Bahamas have directly and indirectly reached out to the CDC for assistance. As such, the CDC has joined its Regional partners through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to provide relief and support. Minister Felix told the media that plans are in place to assist other Guyanese interested in returning to their country.

Port Kaituma-bound cargo vessel sinks off Essequibo Coast ….crew rescued by trawler, captain in hiding

Anthony Edwards

question, Brown was hosting a charity event at Waramadong Back Dam and was in the company of his brotherin-law. The men left and went into the village and began consuming alcohol together. It is alleged that the men had a misunderstanding, which caused Edwards to brandish a knife and dealt Brown a chop to his right arm. Brown was rushed to the hospital but died while receiving treatment.

BUSINESSPERSONS in the community of Port Kaituma in the North West District have been hard hit after a cargo vessel, which was laden with goods, sank several miles off the Essequibo Coast on Thursday. Reports are that the vessel, the Captain Ricardo, departed a Water Street wharf, close to the former Giftland Store during the wee hours of Thursday morning. Sometime after, while en-route to Port Kaituma, the vessel developed issues after water started to flood its hull. Reports are that the captain informed his wife of the situation and sometime later, a fishing boat came to their aid. A businessman in the city told the Guyana Chronicle that the total losses incurred in the incident amounted to

close to $100M since many persons sent goods on the trip. He said that the captain and crew of the vessel have since gone into hiding. He said that he later relayed to business owners that the persons who operated the vessel on Thursday hired it from its owner. The man noted that the owner of the vessel had informed the persons who hired the vessel that it was experiencing mechanical issues and that they should now leave for the seas. “Right now no one is hearing from this guy Ralph who rented the boat,” the frustrated man noted. He said, too, that businesspersons later found out that ‘Ralph’ knew that the vessel had a problem but he went ahead and loaded the vessel with goods which included

groceries, non-perishable items and meat. Residents of the village of Cullen on the Essequibo Coast reportedly witnessed goods washing ashore there sometime over the weekend and they helped themselves to items which were usable. In recent time, several cargo vessels sank while en-route to the North West District from the city, a situation which raises questions about the serviceability of such vessels to handle the Atlantic Seas. Businessmen are calling on the authorities to ensure that all vessels, which ferry goods to and from the North West, are sea-worthy. Late in July 2015, a cargo vessel –the Captain Saffie-sank off the Waini Coast while en-route to the North West District .The four crew

members were rescued and taken to safety, the Maritime Administration Department reported at the time. In November 2018, the cargo vessel--MV Shivita-was headed to Kumaka in the Mabaruma sub-region from a Water Street wharf when it developed engine trouble. The boat started to list around 04:30hrs that Sunday morning and the crew sent out distress messages in a bid to save themselves. The Guyana Defence Force Coastguard and private boat owners responded to the distress calls and rescued the crew. Millions of dollars in goods were destroyed during that incident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Genequip’s investment shows confidence in local economy- says Finance minister

-as Government officials get tour of facility MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan has said that local machinery giants, General Equipment Guyana Ltd (GENEQUIP)’s latest investment in Guyana shows the expression of confidence in the local economy. GENEQUIP was founded in 1992 and commenced business in the sales and service of new equipment in Guyana and in the wider Caribbean. The company recently

invested over US$2 million into the construction and development of a new facility at the Houston Industrial Site. “It shows the expression of confidence in the economy, that they could have built a third property like this,” said Jordan subsequent to a tour of the facility, on Monday. Jordan was joined by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of Business, Haimraj Ra-

jkumar; and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey. The finance minister said the new complex boasts modern equipment and a well organised set of operations. “The company supplies two top sectors in Guyana, mining and agriculture…they also do work for various other enterprises in Guyana… they bring in certain types of equipment and office pieces,” said Jordan. The company, he said,

The multi-million dollar Genequip complex (Delano Williams photo)

Managing Director of Genequip, Renzer Vandyk (first from right) and the company’s Operations Manager, Schelte Van Dijk (first from left) giving Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (second from right); Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (third from right); Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar; and CEO of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey a tour of the modern Genequip facility (Delano Williams photo)

also holds vibrant training for persons. They teach them how to operate and service modern equipment. One of GENEQUIP’s trainers recently brought third in a world competition, beating places like the US, Canada and Europe and coming third to China and Indonesia. “That says a lot for the quality of the people and once given the right training and guidance, we can excel not only in Guyana but in the Caribbean and the rest of the world,” said Jordan.

He said the company should focus on employing and training persons from within the South Ruimveldt community, since the area was established with the concept of having housing and creating commercial projects which would provide employment for people. Operations Manager of GENEQUIP, Schelte Van Dijk said the company has been partnering with the Government Technical Institute and other state organisations like the Guyana

School of Agriculture (GSA) to provide training. “We train teachers and take on as many students as we can for direct employment, vacation work and internship,” said Van Dijk. He said the partnerships are significant because equipment do not maintain itself, so they are training young people to maintain equipment for agriculture, mining and power generation.

44 trials, 31 convictions at Sexual Offences Court

THE Sexual Offences Court in Guyana has been making significant headway in bringing perpetrators to justice; something that, in the past, took a very long time to transpire. Since its inception in November 2017, the court has heard 44 cases, resulting in 31 convictions and 13 acquittals. Sentences for those convictions ranged from nine years to life. Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, OR, CCH, provided the statistics recently. She said since the establishment of the specialised court, the judiciary has seen a “sea-change” in the management, adjudication and prosecution of sexual offence matters. The first sexual offences court was launched in 2017 at the Supreme Court in Georgetown. In May of this year, a similar court

was launched in the Berbice County and more recently, on September 16, 2019, another facility was established in the county of Essequibo. According to Justice Cummings-Edwards, the court has brought with it a swifter system that helps both victims and defendants. “We are happy that because of the Sexual Offence Court, victims and defendants no longer have to wait to know their fate. Victims do not have to give their evidence twice since we have what is called paper committal in the magistrates’ court, a speedier system where the magistrate makes the committal on the bases of the statement,” the chancellor said. She explained that the Sexual Offences Act passed in 2010 provides for a special court environment to try cases. The average duration of the trials stands at five days. “This reduces the time spent

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

in court, the time for the processing and adjudication of a case involving sexual offences,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said. The offences for which trials were conducted include rape, rape of a child under 16, sexual activity with a child by a family member and carnal knowledge. The ages of the victims range from 3 to 77 years old.

According to the provisions under the Sexual Offences Act 2010, sexual assault is ranked as a severe offence which carries a penalty of imprisonment. Chapter 8:03 of the Sexual Offences Act specifically states that a person commits the offence of sexual assault if he/she touches another person (the complainant)

in a sexual way; causes the complainant to touch him/ her in a sexual way; causes the complainant to touch a third party in a sexual way; or otherwise indecently assaults the complainant within the meaning of any other law. The specialised court has seen six judges presiding. These include Justice Simone Morris- Ramlall, Justice Jo Ann Barlow, Justice Priya Sewnarine- Beharry, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice Navindra Singh and Justice Gino Persaud. Justice Persaud will preside over the Essequibo October Assizes. Earlier this year, it was reported by this newspaper that Guyana recorded, at March, 400 cases of sexual abuse against children in just three months, a figure which Resident UNICEF Representative, Sylvie Fouet, said was alarming. The number of cases last year was over 1000. The

UNICEF representative signalled the need for more to be done in order to address the scourge which has been plaguing society for years. She believes that building capacity will help Guyana to find solutions, which will result in the reduction of those numbers and even the prevention of such cases. As part of its contribution, UNICEF has assisted in the launching of several sexual offences courts locally. The sexual offences courts follow the model guidelines to ensure that their operations are in line with the Sexual Offences Act and meet best practices. The work of the courts is complemented by the support services offered by the Ministry of Social Protection and other partners. This includes the one-stop centres or Child Advocacy Centres for the reporting of abuse.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Public servants ‘will’ receive salary hike this year -says Finance Minister DESPITE the current political situation, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan has given the assurance that public servants will receive a salary increase for 2019. “Public servants will get a salary increase this year and a bigger increase in 2020…we would have loved to go back to Parliament if we had to pay a salary increase that was beyond what we have in the budget, but for the time being, since the Parliament will virtually shut down, we will have to consider what we have,” said Jordan in an invited comment on Monday. He reiterated that pub-

lic servants will receive a salary increase in 2019 and government does not have to go back to Parliament to get that. “I cannot say what per cent because we are talking to the unions and they do not like when you go off and say something and there is no agreement and principle,” said the minister. Jordan, however, noted that the government is trying to reach an agreement with the Guyana Public Service Union, but if they do not come to a decisive conclusion, the administration will not allow the money to be sent back and will pay something. When asked about the

possibility of a bonus, Jordan said government made it clear that bonus was not a concept which they treated with in the public service. “We concentrate, in the public service, more on providing a viable, livable wage…I am not saying we are there as yet, but you have to move steadily to a living wage,” said the minister. He said Government cannot afford to pay a bonus and a decent salary every year, so they rather concentrate on paying a decent salary which will reflect well on vacation allowance and other allowances. In recent reports, Jordan had acknowledged that since 2017, the government

DDL records $1.2B in profit at mid-year DESPITE talks from sections of the population about the slowing down of the economy and a decline in business, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has recorded $1.2 billion in profit after tax for the period January to June. Chairman of the DDL Group, Komal Samaroo, in his comments in the company’s interim report, said profit after tax was $1.2 billion compared to $1.1 billion in the preceding year. Samaroo said gross profit in the period increased by 5.7 per cent, while profit before taxation increased by 7.2 per cent and profit after tax increased by 6.2 per cent. “Overall turnover increased marginally by 3.3 per cent to almost $10.6 billion in the period, compared with just over $10.2 billion in the corresponding period in the previous year,” he said. The company expended $1 billion on programmes related to the modernisation and diversification of the DDL Group. The company’s new central distribution centre of Distribution Services Ltd (DSL) was completed in March 2019 and the distribution operation was relocated from the Ruimveldt location at the beginning of April 2019. “Construction of a modern blending plant for the branded spirits division was significantly advanced in the period and will be com-

had to grapple with financial challenges that have precluded paying bonuses. “However, we have paid salary increases beyond the five per cent, such that the minimum wage has rapidly increased by nearly 52 per cent in two years, from $39,570, in 2015, to $60,000, in 2017. It took the PPP/C administration nine years to move the minimum wage by a similar percentage, or from $26,070, in 2006 to $39,570, in 2015. All workers can expect salary increases going forward, especially in 2018, 2019 and 2020,” said Jordan. In 2018, government had approved increases for all public servants ranging

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

from 0.5 per cent to 7 per cent. Last year, Jordan presented a $300.7 Billion

Budget for the year 2019, an increase of 12.6 per cent from 2018.

M.B Sandaka to ply GuyanaSuriname route from Thursday -business community praises move By Svetlana Marshall

Chairman of the DDL Group, Komal Samaroo

pleted before the end of the third quarter of this year. This dismantling of the old blending plant will release much needed space for the expansion of the production and warehousing facilities of the beverage division,” said Samaroo, adding that the project is in the planning phase and will commence next year. Meanwhile, during the period under review, the upgrades to the wharf and container yard of Demerara Shipping Co. Ltd continued as part of a three-year project, which would ultimately result in the complete rehabilitation of the entire facility. The rehabilitation and restructuring of the sales offices were completed in August of this year. It is expected that production in the offshore oil and gas sector would commence in the first quarter of next year.

The group’s investments in these various projects, along with several others that are, in the planning stage, will place it in an excellent position to take full advantage of new opportunities that the projected growth in the national economy will present over the next decade. “In the meantime, we continue to invest in the continued training and advancement of skills and knowledge of our employees. The continued improvement in the group’s performance is a direct testimony of the commitment and hard work of such employees,” said Samaroo. The group’s profit before tax for 2018 stood at $4.362B compared to $3.551B in the previous year, representing an $810M or 23 per cent increase.

IN the absence of MV Canawaima, M.B Sandaka will ply the Moleson CreekSouth Drain route from Thursday, until further notice, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure announced on Monday. Based on a scheduled established by the Management of the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service, M.B Sandaka will depart Moleson Creek Terminal – Guyana at 09:00 hours (Check-in: 06:30 hours to 8:00hrs) and depart South Drain – Suriname at 11:30 hours (check-in 08:00 hours). The Public Infrastructure Ministry was keen on noting that the M.B. Sandaka cannot accommodate 20ft and 40ft containers and trucks with height and width in excess of 3 meters and 2.7 meters respectively. President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mohindra Persaud, told Guyana Chronicle that the intervention by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was most welcome. “This is great news for the region,” he told this newspaper. Persaud said trading of commodities between the two countries was severely affected. “Persons trading between the two countries had to resort to alternative boats but that was more expensive, and time consuming. So having this vessel will greatly be greatly welcomed,” he said. The Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce President said the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, ought to be applauded for his intervention. President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Mohamed Raffik echoed similar sentiments. “This is an excellent move and I will like to commend the Minister for that,” he said. It has been months since the MV

Canawaima, the ferry vessel that plies from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side to South Drain in Suriname, has been pulled from service after experiencing prolonged mechanical difficulties. The vessel provided a vital service for persons, including tourists, businessmen and women, who ply their trade between the two countries. The ferry service, which is owned and controlled by Guyana and Suriname, was launched on November 6, 1998, based on shared-responsibilities. However, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Suriname has not been holding up its side of the agreement. Financial and other arrangements for defraying operational expenses are outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Suriname on the Formation and Operation of the Joint Ferry Service between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Surname (1998). According to the agreement, the maintenance of the ferry is to be shared equally. This has not occurred. In a bid to reduce the hardships to passengers and businesses using the service and in order to give the neighbouring state time to meet its obligations, the Government of Guyana has been funding most, if not all, of the maintenance works on the ferry over the years. Reports indicate that the management of the M.V. Canawaima continues to lose much-needed revenue amounting to in excess of $20M monthly, from such a vital service that was provided between the two countries, especially during this ‘peak period.’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Another 75 adolescent mothers re-integrated in education system THE Ministry of Education, through its Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Programme, re-integrated 75 adolescent mothers into the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), bringing to 225, the number of teen moms who are benefiting from technical and vocational education. At the orientation session of this fourth batch on Monday, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry was unable to attend but she, however, sent her remarks. The minister noted that this initiative was birthed in 2018 so as to afford teen moms the opportunity to get back on the path of self-development.

She highlighted that since the launch in June 2018, in December 2018, 30 mothers were re-integrated; in March 2019, 80 mothers; last Friday another 40 were re-integrated in Skeldon, Berbice. Henry, in her remarks, urged the new batch to encourage other mothers to get on board “as we continue to aim to lift the standards of all of our citizens.” District Education Officer – Secondary, Sherwin Blackman, told the gathering that every single person is entitled to that given chance of having a very best education. “Regardless of our circumstances, the journey upward would normally be faced with many hurdles. I

think what makes us stronger at the end of this process is our ability to overcome these hurdles. Yet look back at ourselves and the persons who would have supported us during this process, to ensure that we can celebrate our successes at the given point. But more so, ensuring that we are proud of ourselves in this process,” Blackman said. He further enlightened the group of young women that “what lies behind you, and certainly what lies before you are really the tiniest things that matter, compared to all that lies in you. As you recognize what lies inside you, you will come to the realization that one of the strongest things you need is self-empowerment. Which

The new batch of young women being enrolled into the Carnegie School of Home Economics

means you would have to be prepared to push yourselves to the extent that you can achieve basically anything you set yourself out to achieve.” Principal of CSHE, Myrna Lee, said that the school is continuously seeking opportunities to harmonise with the mandate of the Ministry of Education. “We have customized

our programmes to meet the needs of the population that is given to us, our teenage mothers. “Our staff have been trained and briefed on the kinds of social, economic and academic needs that are necessary for the success of each individual mother in the group. For we know too well, and I quote, “Children with less educated mothers are unlikely to complete the

school themselves and there are more likely to become poorly educated and may have fewer opportunities to better their lives” end of quote. As an institution, we would like to contribute to the improvement of literacy and competency of all mothers. When you educate a mother, you educate a family. When you educate a family, you educate villages and communities, and when you educate village and communities, you impact nations,” Lee told the attendees. The young women will engage in a 10-week programme in elementary cookery, cake decoration and family decoration. During the 10 weeks, the adolescent mothers will benefit from full transportation, day care services for their children and will also receive start-up kits after completion of the courses, to venture in their own line of business to sustain themselves and families.

Middle-aged man remanded for a series of offences MAGISTRATE Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday, September 23, 2019, remanded a 49-year-old man to prison on a series of offences. Gary Grant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to four charges. Particulars of the first charge stated that, on September 19, 2019, at Stabroek Market, he stole one cellular phone, valued at $35,000, from a woman. The second charge stated

that, on September 19, 2019, at Stabroek Police outpost, he behaved in a disorderly manner. It is alleged that, on the same day and at the same place, he damaged two benches valued at $10,000 along with other items totalling $ 39,300, property of the Guyana Defence Force. The last charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place, while in custody on a simply larceny charge, he escaped. “The police lash me in

ma head, I can’t remember doing anything, and I in name Gary so he betta come and answer to all them charge, I escape then turn myself in, still yal get escape charge”, Grant said. Police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to Grant based on the nature of the offences and the penalty attached. Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus remanded Grant to prison until October 7, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

City Council calls for support of APNU+AFC Gov’t THE Mayor an d C ity Council (M&CC) on Monday declared its unwavering support to the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government when councillors met for their fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall. “We recognise that the

the government can change. So we recognize our government as a legal one,” Narine stated. President David Granger had made it clear to the Opposition that the APNU+AFC Government will govern the country without any limitations to its authority. The opposition, since

that the government should perform the duty of caretaker using the Constitution as the basis of its argument. However, Article 106(7) of the Constitution states: “notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and they shall hold an election within three months, or such lon-

The statutory meeting in full swing on Monday.

Mayor Ubraj Narine (third, right) called for Guyanese to give their support to the APNU+AFC Government

government is a legal government,” Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine said during his announcements. As such, he said he is encouraging citizens and those Guyanese in the diaspora to stand in support of the government. “Until elections are held; that’s the only way that

the controversial passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, has been attempting to strip the government of its powers and responsibilities. Initially, it called for government to resign with immediate effect, and then said

ger period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

WHO welcomes landmark UN declaration on universal health coverage

World leaders on Monday adopted a high-level United Nations Political Declaration on universal health coverage (UHC), the most comprehensive set of health commitments ever adopted at this level. “This declaration represents a landmark for global health and development,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO. “The world has 11 years left to make good on its sustainable development goals. Universal health coverage is key to ensuring that happens.” He added: “Universal health coverage is a political choice: today world leaders have signaled their readiness to make that choice. I congratulate them.” The declaration comes the day after the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners flagged the need to double

health coverage between now and 2030 or leave up to 5 billion people unable to access health care. In adopting the declaration, U.N. Member States have committed to advance towards UHC by investing in four major areas around primary health care. These include mechanisms to ensure no one suffers financial hardship because they have had to pay for healthcare out of their own pockets and implementing high-impact health interventions to combat diseases and protect women’s and children’s health. In addition, countries must strengthen health workforce and infrastructure and reinforce governance capacity. They will report back on their progress to the U.N. General Assembly in 2023. “Now that the world has committed to health for all, it is time to get down to the

hard work of turning those commitments into results,” said Melinda Gates, CoChair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We all have a role to play. Donors and country governments need to move beyond business as usual to bolster the primary health care systems that address the vast majority of people’s needs over their lifetimes,” said Gates. On 24 September, WHO and 11 other multilateral organizations, which collectively channel one third of development assistance for health, will launch their Global Action Plan for health and wellbeing for all. The plan will ensure the 12 partners provide more streamlined support to countries to help deliver universal health coverage and achieve the health-related SDG targets.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Rice farmers reaping higher prices for paddy FARMERS are now being paid higher prices for paddy sold to mills, compared to what they were paid during the first crop season. According to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), millers have been paying between $41,526 and $53,830 per tonne of paddy. When harvesting commenced a few weeks ago, prices ranged from $40,000 to $46,140 per tonne. Second crop paddy prices are higher than the prices paid during the first crop of 2019. At the close of the paddy intake period for first crop 2019, farmers were paid $50,754 to $30,760 per tonne. Prior to the commencement of harvesting for the second crop, GRDB conducted training of rice farmers to grade paddy and rice in all producing regions. The most recent training was

held on the island of Wakenaam. It was reported that the target for the second crop was initially 85,000 hectares, but it was revised due to the fact that the rice sector had surpassed its target of 88,500 hectares for the first crop. General Manager of GRDB, Nizam Hassan, had said that the board was looking to harvest over 500,000 tonnes of paddy at the end of the second crop. The GRDB believes that inclement weather might affect the crop to some extent. The total projected target for this year is almost one million tonnes of paddy, as 522,255 tonnes was the target for the first crop. It was reported that the performance of the rice industry continues to improve rapidly with earnings for the first quarter of the year reaching US$41.7 million,

about 2.15 times the US$19.3 million which was earned in the corresponding period last year. According to information presented by Hassan, Guyana exported 103,024 tonnes of rice from January-March 2019, more than twice the 49,629 tonnes exported during the same period last year. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, had lauded the efforts of Guyana’s rice farmers in ensuring the continued success of the industry, noting that they continue to express commitment to the sector’s growth and development. He also urged farmers to continue to apply the advice of the extension officers in executing the six-point practice to ensure maximum production and productivity are achieved.

GPSCCU wants swift resolution to impasse with Government THE Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GPSCCU) is hoping its disagreement with the Ministry of Social Protection on a $49M Audit and Supervision Fund be resolved as soon as possible. With its 23rd Biennial Delegates Conference to be held on Wednesday at State House which President David Granger will be attending, the union is hoping that the opportunity will be presented for it to deliberate further on a way forward. At a press conference hosted on Monday, GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, provided letters to show that the Union has been in communication with the President and the Social Protection Ministry on the matter. In recapping the play of events which led up to this, he stated that following a 2017 reconciliation on the Union’s status with regards to the Audit and Supervision Fund years 2002-2013, the Department of Cooperatives found that there was an outstanding balance of $49,691,618. However, the Union contends that audits were conducted on the years in question and these were cleared as former Minister of Labour, Dr Nanda Gopaul, authorised the GPSCCU to “retain the audit and supervision funds” to meet certain costs. These the GPSCCU listed as: “audit of its accounts by auditors approved by the Ministry; modernisation, including technological development; training and upgrading of staff; revision of organisational structure and improving membership services.” However, the Union stated that the Ministry nonetheless requests that the Union recover the Audit and Supervision Fund amounts retroactively. The Union remains adamant against doing such and has promised protests and possible legal action. Added to this, the GPSCCU has also accused the Interim Management Committee (IMC) --- established over concerns of poor performance by the now defunct management committee --- of “siphoning off” at least $52M. This, it noted, was through overpayment of salaries, dishonest overtime claimed for, contracts awarded to friends and affiliates bypassing the proper procurement process, unjustified payment of bonus and gratuity to members of staff and more. The Union is also displeased that no permits have been granted for them to hold an Annual General Meeting to discuss the issue and that correspondence on the matter of Fund came from the Ministry of Social Protection when the

President indicated that such would come from the Ministry of Public Service. “This is a matter for discussion at our Biennial Delegates Conference,” Yarde said. “Since our Biennial Delegates Conference is so close, we have decided to extend the courtesy and respect for our highest forum of meeting for their blessing that we proceed with legal action.” Speaking with the newspaper on Monday, both Ministers of Social Protection Amna Ally and Keith Scott stated that the Ministry is within its right to correspond with the Union. “We are the responsible body for the Credit Unions. We are the ones who are responsible for any letter that has been sent to us. We cannot determine what the President would want to do because that’s the President’s prerogative but what happens is that when something comes on our desk, within our ambit we have to respond,” Minister Scott said. Likewise, Ally reminded that Minister Scott acted rightly as he is the head of the Department of Labour. Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley also told the newspaper that, as the President has indicated, her Ministry will address the matter stating “we’re in the process of doing so”. For his part Minister Scott told the newspaper that the GPSCCU will see an Annual General Meeting being held soon as the audit report of 2018 has been received and soon the IMC and the Chief Co-operatives Development Officer (CCDO) will name a date. “The audits have been taking place, [there was] the last audit in 2017 and we’re finished with 2018 and the next step now is for the Management to come together and see what is the appropriate date for an Annual General Meeting,” he said. Regarding the accusations against the IMC, Minister Scott defended that the IMC was doing the job it was set up to do and has an “openbook” for anyone who wishes to question same. “We have installed an Interim Management Committee which is still in place and they have gone about managing the affairs of the [Union] and, so far, the opinion of the CCDO, she has expressed satisfaction with their performance,” Scott stated. Minister Ally added: “We have done what we supposed to do.” While the GPSCCU mulls protest, Ally stated, “anything can be solved by having talks”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

15 Lieutenants complete Junior and Command Staff Course Lieutenant (Lt) Dishon Harris gained top honours and finished as the Best Graduating Student of the Junior and Command Staff Course Number 28. Following closely was Lt Carlos Jordan who gained the runner-up award, while Lt (CG) Czerda Frank copped the Best Service Paper award. In total, 15 Lieutenants graduated from the course recently. During his congratulatory remarks to the graduates, Inspector General, Colonel Trevor Bowman charged them to be agents of change for the GDF and for Guyana. "This course has equipped you with the knowledge and tools required for you to function as Sub-Unit commanders and Staff Officers and the necessary discharge of your duties. You have to become agents of change in order for us to be able to address pertinent issues of the GDF and this nation," he observed. "Becoming agents of change is not simply a process meant to benefit the force, but, by extension,

(Seated) senior officers flanked by the 15 Lieutenants that graduated from the Junior and Command Staff Course

Guyana and yourselves as individuals, " he added. Colonel Bowman noted that, with the anticipated rapid national development which is likely to result from the exploitation of Guyana's

significant hydrocarbon deposits, new challenges to national security, environmental protection and social cohesion will arise. He exhorted the officers to look deeply at the region-

al and global geopolitical contexts in which the GDF will be advancing and urged that they engage in more documentation, and research writing. â€œYou have to broaden

and deepen your understanding of regional and global geopolitical contexts. You must be aware of and understand natural disaster trends, humanitarian needs, climate change occurrences, societal

upheavals, conflicts, emerging trade wars, and how they impact societies, particularly small developing nations like Guyana. As Guyana forges ahead, given the exploitation of its proven oil reserves, your development and progression must keep pace with all of this, in keeping with the constitutional responsibilities of the GDF.â€? Offering guidance and encouragement to the officers, Col Bowman reminded them of the GDF's Motto "Service" and urged that they apply it in their day-to-day lives in and out of uniform, as well as in their day-to-day duties. He encouraged them to fully embrace and inculcate a sense of duty and responsibility, and to make the necessary sacrifices in order to build a resilient force. "Be diligent. Approach your responsibilities with the highest degree of professionalism and take ownership of your appointments by being the best you can be," he said. The Chief-of-Staff, Officer and Ranks of the force congratulate the graduates of JCSC 28.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Son seeks justice, closure

––13 years after political activist/journalist Ronald Waddell assassinated By Wendella Davidson IT has been 13 years since political activist/journalist Ronald Waddell was assassinated just outside his Subryanville seaside home on the evening of January 30, 2006. Recent developments following the deportation of convicted drug baron Shaheed `Roger’ Khan, aka `Shortman’, Waddell’s only

son, Fahmi, says he would definitely love for him and his family to get closure and justice. Not only is Fahmi seeking justice and closure for himself, siblings and other relatives, but also for the families of the victims of over 400 unsolved murders, mostly Blacks, that occurred during the tenure of the then People’s Progressive Party

(PPP) administration. “I would definitely love to see closure; my family needs justice,” he said repeatedly during an Online interview from the United States where he now resides, with Mark Benschop on his `Straight Up’ radio programme on 107.1 FM. Noting that when at first he realised that the authorities had no intention of ever

taking action or bringing the perpetrators to justice, Waddell’s son said he was aggrieved and very upset for a very long time. But now, 13 years on, the situation continues to weigh heavily on his mind, just as it did when he learnt of his dad’s demise. LOOKING TO GOV’T Alluding to an aspect of the Constitution which he

Fahmi Waddell, left, only son of the late political activist/journalist Ronald Waddell, right

says states that every individual is equal before and under the law, Fahmi said it is one thing to proclaim a goal and not achieve it. “I am looking to this government to give some justice, the family deserves justice; that’s all! We’ve been waiting 13 long years,” he said, adding: “I know there are events that are unfolding in Guyana, and we are keenly watching it to see where it goes. We would like to see justice for his murder, as well as… I know there are probably hundreds of other people who suffered at that time, but as a family, we want justice for his untimely demise by evil forces.” Asked by Benschop whether he had a message for Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who was president at the time his dad was brutally gunned down but showed no interest in even at least having an inquest into the man’s death, Fahmi bluntly said no. He expressed the hope though that this will be done by government of the day, headed by President David Granger. According to Fahmi, Jagdeo and his PPP Government would not have investigated themselves for the death of his father, “We all know where the order came from,” he said. “We all know for a fact who carried it out, and how it was done. I wish not to address Mr. Jagdeo in any way, as he is not someone I would ever want to speak to or have a conversation with, or send a message to. I really don’t care about Mr. Jagdeo.” Noting that the current government has been in office for almost five years, Fahmi said his expectation was that there would have been some sort of inquiry in relation to all the killings.

“Maybe there was a plan and I didn’t see it,” he said, adding: “Maybe that plan is unfolding now, but I am hoping, and the family is hoping that justice can be done; we are hoping that with the opportunity that is before us, we don’t fail.” Shaheed ‘Roger’ Khan was deported from the United States to Guyana last Friday, and was immediately held and remains in custody as local law enforcement officers grill him about his involvement in the deaths of Waddell and boxing coach, Donald Allison. FOND MEMORIES Speaking of his late dad, Fahmi said that activism was in his father’s DNA, just as it is in his, and disclosed that his father’s biological father was E.M.G Wilson, known to the older folks as ‘CoCo’ Wilson, who in the 60s held the Minister of Works portfolio. A stalwart of the PPP, Fahmi said that his paternal grandfather, during a protest in 1965, had chained himself to the fence of the Public Buildings in protest of the release of some political detainees. He said that while his father probably did not do that, his activism and the way he fought against the regime at the time is synonymous to what his biological father did. Fahmi, during the interview, also spoke glowingly of the man who fathered four children, one of whom is also deceased. He remembers his father, who wore his hair in dreadlocks, as an individual who always ensured that his children were properly cared TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

MoE in novel push to enhance parent-teacher relationship --PM credits synergy for recent CSEC successes THE Ministry of Education on Monday facilitated a novel seminar in an effort to foster better parent-teacher relationships, thereby affording students the opportunity of benefitting from the most coordinated effort between the home and school, and in the process allowing them to achieve a higher level of

given the greatest chance to excel in their educational pursuits. “Today is the first time I have attended a forum such as this, and for me it is a unique experience that we can have a seminar where you bring all the partners in the education system to work together in delivering quality education to our chil-

Noting the significant shift in the level of CSEC passes of late, the prime minister said it was not just about the children pushing themselves more, but thanks to the better system for learning they now have at their disposal; a more holistic system where parents and teachers now work together, hand in hand, to

Attendees at Monday’s seminar at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School (Samuel Maughn photos)

academic achievement. The event, which was hosted at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, saw Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stating that the collaboration between parents and teachers is vital for ensuring that students are

dren,” the PM said, adding: “And these partners are the government, private sector, education sector, parents, teachers and the students. This is the first role that we see of PTAs: How to build and promote this partnership for a common objective.”

ensure they sustain an environment that would enable the students to have a better system for continued learning. “I remember this year when the CSEC results came out, nearly 80% passes overall were gained. It was the

At Monday’s parent-teacher caucus are, from left: Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ingrid Trotman; Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; and Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hudson

greatest credit, yes to the children, but it shows also a greater role of the parents in the education of their children,” PM said, adding: “I applaud you for that; to be able to show the world that your investment has a benefit: The investment of your time to ensure your children go to school, to ensure that the school and its environment is conducive to the learning of your children, to participate in a conjoined effort with teachers in fashioning the quality of education. And never forget that you have a role to constantly monitor the syllabuses of the schools and to see where you could make input into relevant education and where the focus should be.”

FEDUP fed up with PPP’s lawless protest The Federal United Party (FED UP) is the most recent political party to come out condemning the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for acts of “lawlessness” during a protest action at the Pegasus Hotel on September 19, 2019. The Party stated that it abhors the actions witnessed of senior members of the Opposition and is “deeply concerned” that such actions fail to advance Guyana’s standing in the international community. “We hereby call on all political parties to embrace a more matured and enlightened attitude, to respect the Constitution of Guyana, and to respect the office of the president. Undoubtedly, there is need for peaceful and respectable protests. But we urge that all political parties conduct proper protests at the right time(s), and at the proper place(s), in a proper manner, and that they no longer stir up the cesspool of lawlessness while they drape themselves in shouts of democracy,” FEDUP stated in a release on Monday The Party added that

should the party ever have need to protest, it would do so with a “high moral cloud of dignity and discipline” and then sternly urged the PPP to “Stop the lawlessness!!” Since the protest broke out on September 19, the Guyana Police Force has been on high alert for planned reoccurrence of what has been termed by the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) as “chaos and legal disobedience.” During the play of events, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings was restricted entry into the venue by PPP supporters, who were being encouraged by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP/C Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali to restrict entrance to the building and to ‘behave as they please’. They surrounded her vehicle threatening to turn it over while moments later, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson was tailed and heckled by other protesters using degrading slurs like “dog”. Protesters also sought to hinder President David Granger from speaking at a business

luncheon that day within the hotel. The Alliance For Change (AFC), the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) are other political parties which have noted their respect for the right to protest but condemned the actions of the PPP/C. “While the Police Force respects the rights of all citizens to protest and has no objection to persons conducting peaceful protest, such acts will not be condoned,” the Police Force has stated. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Presidency indicated: “Peaceful and civilised protest action is common in any democracy, but it becomes a sign of worry when a Presidential Candidate and a former President, who is a constitutional office holder, seek to incite violence against the sitting Head of State and Ministers of the Government, during the execution of their official duties.”

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry said that it is extremely important for parents and teachers to have healthy relationships, since they both have high levels of interaction with children from birth. She said, too, that it takes both parents and teachers playing their respective roles and providing a healthy model for children to follow. She said she is of the firm view that if parents are integrally involved in their children’s lives, there would be better outcomes. She made the point that seeing that children spend the majority of their time in school,

they have a lot of interactive time with their teachers, and maybe just as much as with their parents, and so both parents and teachers have a duty to ensure that they are all on the same page, as it relates to dealing with the students, and their varying needs. Chief Education Officer Marcel Hudson spoke on the importance of the programme at hand, explaining that as members of the education system, every person, including parents, have to work together, since by doing so will only increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the education system.

Commonwealth, PSC join call for elections date Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland has urged President David Granger and all relevant stakeholders and institutions to “restore constitutional rule in Guyana” without further delay. The call comes even as President David Granger maintains that he is acting within the confines of the Constitution and treating “urgent” the selection of a date for new General and Regional Elections. “…in accordance with the ruling of the CCJ, a general election in Guyana is now constitutionally overdue. A general election should be held in accordance with the unambiguous constitutional imperative to do so. The Secretary-General has spoken with the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and discussed Commonwealth support to GECOM,” Scotland stated. She added that the rule of law and constitutional governance are fundamental Commonwealth

values to which Guyana has subscribed. Scotland therefore advised the immediate setting of an early election date in consonance with the Constitution. Making similar calls on Monday was the Private Sector Commission (PSC) which stated that the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), having relayed a deliverable elections timeline by the end of February 2020, should see the President now naming a date. “The Private Sector Commission now calls upon President Granger to name a date for the holding of Regional and General Elections by the end of February as defined by GECOM without any further prevarication or delay,” the PSC stated on Monday. Meanwhile, just on Sunday, President David Granger stated that he intends to meet with his fuller Cabinet today with the hope of arriving at a consensus on an election date. While the President

convened a meeting with this Cabinet members of the date that he was informed by Singh, all ministers of Cabinet within the six-party coalition were not present at the time. The newspaper was able to confirm that at least two ministers were out of the jurisdiction at the time. “When I left Pegasus Hotel, I went straight into Cabinet meeting. Some Ministers were travelling, so we have had the first Cabinet meeting. Regardless of what other misinformed media outlets [are saying], we have had the first meeting and it will be coming up again,” the Head of State told the DemeraraWaves and Stabroek News on Sunday. “Prime Minister was there; Minister of Public Security was there; the two ministers who were affected by the hooliganism were there; but the fuller cabinet will meet again on Tuesday…this is urgent.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Two dozen nurses certified in Psychological Trauma, Mental Health training By Rabindra Rooplall IN strengthening the capacity of nurses to deliver psychological trauma and mental health services to affected individuals, while also maintaining their mental wellbeing, 24 medical practitioners were certified in an inaugural process that

is expected to expand to all ten administrative regions The five-day disaster related Psychological Trauma and Mental Health Training for Nurses concluded on Monday at the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Public Health, Quamina Street, Georgetown. Senior Psychologist at the Mental Health Unit, Ministry

of Public Health, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi, said the five-day course saw 24 persons being certified out of 25. “This will be an ongoing training, this is the inaugural programme; myself and registered nurse Jenella Trim went to the St Augustine Campus in April and we did the trainer of trainers course. We joined 29

other persons on the training from different countries and we are now mandated by our training to return and help train our health providers,” he said. He explained that the second batch of persons will be trained at the end of October, 2019 and, after that, training will be moved within various administrative regions. The psychologist explained that the idea is to create a pool of well-qualified nurses within the Caribbean with the requisite competencies to respond to psychological trauma in countries in the aftermath of a disaster. Further, he noted that the education of health workers is constantly evolving and

Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas

Chief Nursing Officer Linda Johnson

knowledge for the participants. “We are now more knowl-

requisite knowledge to render psychosocial support to persons affected by disasters.

Senior Psychologist at the Mental Health Unit Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi interact with participants during the final training session held on Monday. (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

the appropriate preparation of nurse practitioners in being first-aiders in disaster- related traumas is critical Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Public Health, Linda Johnson, said that the workshop prepared nurses for natural disasters and coping mechanisms. “Nurses go through many things, sometimes they may lose a patient, or a patient complication where they would have seen a positive and it doesn’t turn out that way, and, they process this daily and sometimes nurses are not being counselled themselves to overcome this, and sometimes another one comes on them and this causes nurses to go into depression or explode,” the Chief Nurse noted. She said that the workshop is directed towards helping nurses cue in on the need for help where initial help is sought and professional services are then advocated. Participant, Dr. Taishn Shanks, said the training focuses on the many stressors that are faced by persons in the medical profession while educating the participants on what to do if certain negative events arise. He said coping mechanisms, phases and trauma faced by medical professionals need attention and the training offered the requisite

edgeable and adequately charged in performing our responsibilities wherever they may be,” Dr. Shanks said. Probation officer attached to the Ministry of Social Protection, Ndibi Marcus, said that the training was timely and it is essential that more persons within certain fields are trained since upon completion of the course the lack of preparedness as professionals was highlighted in disaster management. “This is the first of such in the country and I think we need nationwide training of more professionals on how to handle certain situations,” she said. According to Director of UWI School of Nursing, Dr. Oscar Ocho, the Caribbean Region has been and continues to be affected by a number of human and natural disasters and the health sector plays a critical role in responding to the various needs of individuals, families and communities. “Nurses are usually at the forefront of these responses but little consideration is given to the potentially negative physical and emotional effects that they are likely to encounter during and after the response process,” he noted. Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, said the training was timely as nurses, and other healthcare professionals will be equipped with the

“Participants will be able to apply the principles they learn here in a multiplicity of situations in our dear land of Guyana. Those of you who are familiar with psychiatry and mental health will know medication plays a small part in the treatment of these disorders, and psychosocial interventions are major.” The specialised training comes after the University of the West Indies’ School of Nursing in Trinidad and Tobago, took the lead in developing and executing a project which seeks to broaden the capacity of nurses throughout the Caribbean in this regard. The countries identified to roll out this training include Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Marteen and Suriname. These countries were prioritised since it was determined that they are prone to disasters and in need of a comprehensive response to the effects of natural disasters. While the only natural disaster Guyana is susceptible to is flooding, it was noted that the information which will be disseminated over the training period has been deemed relevant and will be reserved as a focus area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Youths nationwide targeted in drug reduction outreaches FORTY percent of teenagers nationwide are not aware of the risks associated with any form of substance use, and a key factor in reducing the demand for drugs within the society is to target youths. This is according to Head of the Guyana Drug Information Network within the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) Tiffany Barry. She said the aim is to equip youths with the tools and skills needed to build resilience, self- confidence, and other life-skills to make informed decisions. Underscoring that substance use in society continues to increase with law enforcement agencies uncovering the sale of ecstasy to school children, Barry noted that this spans across several regions of Guyana, in both public and private schools. “In addition to the use of ecstasy, it was discovered that the use of alcohol among young children is a very prevalent occurrence despite

cotics Branch, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Ministry of Education’s Health Promotions Unit and NGO partners such as Social Life Issues to engage young people at various youth camps across Georgetown, including the Sophia Community. Additionally, Ms. Barry said that the messages on a drug-free and healthy lifestyle were taken to young-

One of the drug awareness sessions at the Malteenoes Sports Club Annual Cricket Camp.

laws governing the sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 years old,” she noted. Armed with this knowledge, Barry said that NANA has been collaborating with several key stakeholders to spread awareness to youths about the impact that substance use and early initiation into substance use can have on their bodies and lives.

Since its establishment and launch in 2017, she said the agency has been advancing initiatives set forth in the National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020, which outlines the need for drug prevention programmes targeting youth in schools and communities. Further, she said NANA has been collaborating with the Guyana Police Force Nar-

Son seeks justice ... for, and believed in giving them names that have meaning. He also contributed largely to nation building, loved everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, was very God-fearing, and of the belief that everyone should be equal. He said contrary to what some people thought of his father and labeled him as a racist, something that bothered he Fahmi to a certain extent, he was aware that his father had very close friends who were of a different ethnicity to him. One such friend of Waddell’s and who spoke at his funeral is Ravi Dev. He said his father was known for the love of his people whom he tried to empower and urged to do community work. “My father always wanted people to be self-sufficient. He used to encourage people to open their own business, and

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work as a group and establish businesses so that they can contribute back to the communities in which they lived.” The son who said he was surprised and also happy to see the unification of the people when his father died, adding that sadly, it had to take his demise for people to actually come together, even if it was just for a brief moment. “I never considered him a racist; I think the people misunderstood him,” Fahmi said, adding: “I saw him as a Black educated Rastafarian who empowered Black people.” Noting that he thought his dad was hurt because a lot of what he did was misunderstood, Fahmi Waddell said he and a team are in the process of rendering assistance to the people of the Bahamas in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

sters at the Malteenoes and Demerara Cricket Clubs annual cricket camps. Earlier this year, she said the agency also participated in the Health Expo organized by the Ministry of Public Health. “The agency is keen on focusing on the promotion of sports and other extra-curricular activities to positively engage our youth and to pro-

mote healthy communities,” she said. She explained that the agency aims to continue these types of drug awareness activities while it continues to engage key stakeholders on plans to integrate drug prevention messages into long term and structured school and community based programmes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Region One males needle Kako in Heritage Football final

-Paiwomak women defeat Kamarang in female final A blunder by the Kako Cobra Sports Club goalie gifted defender Anand Rodrigues the perfect opportu-

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Appealing Lalibela Race 2 Plenty Of Chrome Race 3 Storm Tales Race 4 Gemlover Race 5 Gupee Race 6 The Dr’s Slippers Race 7 Roll With My Posse Race 8 Won’t Be Missed South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:35 hrs Comaneci 09:10 hrs Sarah 09:35 hrs Strikeitlikeamatch 10:10 hrs March To Glory 10:45 hrs Bold Matador 11:20 hrs Colour Of Light English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:50 hrs Bombastic 09:20 hrs Total Perfection 09:55 hrs Airbrush 10:25 hrs Miss Gargar 11:00 hrs Giving Back 11:30 hrs Good Tidings 12:05 hrs Contrast Warwick 09:10 hrs Ferrobin 09:45 hrs Isaac Wonder 10:45 hrs Cotton End 10:50 hrs Dr Robin 11:20 hrs Primogeniture 11:55 hrs Redford Road Chelmsford City 11:50 hrs Raahy 12:25 hrs Belle Anglaise 13:00 hrs Lady Red Moon 13:30 hrs Red Cossack 14:00 hrs Sharp Operator 14:30 hrs Aljari 15:00 hrs Grisons 15:30 hrs Brittanic

nity in the 18-yard box and he ensured that he made no mistakes off his right boot in the 55th minute. Region One continued to attack, but as time expired, they settled into a more conservative approach, which they played with a 4-4-2 format. Kako kept attacking and even decided to change things up when they took off striker Artherley Elliman in the late second half, but they still could not equalised.

Prior to the male clash, the Paiwomak women were able to score twice in five minutes to win their game late in the second half. Kamarang had opened the scoring in the 50th minute of play via a Zulika McNaughton goal, but 20 minutes later, Paiwomak drew even off the boot of Jacklyn Williams, while in the 75th minute, Satuaka Sai sealed the victory. After the games, the winners of all five sports

(football, volleyball, tapeball, softball and archery) that were played over the three days at the Everest venue, received their trophies and cash prizes from Vice president and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Junior Minister at the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe. Both heads of the GFF and Archery Guyana and executive members of the GVF were also on hand. FROM BACK PAGE

Messi and Rapinoe win FIFA Player of the Year awards

…Sixth time for Argentina and Barcelona striker Lionel Messi BARCELONA’s Lionel Messi won the best men’s player at the Best FIFA Football Awards in Milan as Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk missed out on the top prize. It is the sixth time Messi has been voted the world’s best, after wins in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015. The 32-year-old Argentine helped Barcelona win La Liga and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. United States forward Megan Rapinoe won the best women’s player award. Rapinoe claimed the top award after helping her country to back-to-back World Cup titles this year. Team USA’s 34-yearold co-captain, who won the Golden Boot (best scorer) and Golden Ball (best player) at the World Cup, beat teammate Alex Morgan and England’s Lucy Bronze. Klopp gets coach prize ahead of Guardiola and Pochettino Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was named men’s coach of the year after a season in which they beat Tottenham 2-0 to lift the Champions League. The Reds also finished second in the Premier

League with 97 points - the third-highest tally recorded in the competition. Klopp was nominated for the award along with two other Premier League bosses - Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino. “It is great, nobody expected this 20, 10, five, four years ago that I would be standing here,” said Klopp, whose team have won all six league matches at the start of the 2019-20 season. “We know what an incredible job you [Mauricio Pochettino] did and what Pep did. I have to say thank you to my outstanding club Liverpool FC. “To the owners thank you, they gave me an incredible team. I have to thank my team - as a coach you can only be as good as your team is. I’m really proud of being manager of such an incredible bunch of players.” In accepting the award, Klopp announced that he is joining the Common Goal initiative set up by Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata. It means the Reds boss will donate 1% of his salary to the charity, which pledges to “generate social change and improve lives”.

Alisson and Bielsa are also winners Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was also a winner as he took the best goalkeeper prize ahead of Manchester City’s Ederson and Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa won the fair play award after he ordered his team to allow Aston Villa to score an uncontested equaliser during their 1-1 draw in their Championship match in April. Bielsa’s side had gone ahead controversially when the Villa players stopped as they expected the ball to be kicked out of play when Jonathan Kodjia was injured, before the Argentine intervened. Eighteen-year-old Daniel Zsori won the Puskas award for the best goal with his spectacular 93rd-minute overhead kick for Debrecen against Ferencvaros, just after he came on as a substitute for his Hungarian league debut in February. His strike beat Messi’s chip from the edge of the penalty area against Real Betis and Juan Quintero’s powerful 30-yard free-kick for River Plate against Racing Club.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Early blitz lifts six-try Wales to win over Georgia By Nick Said

TOYOTA CITY, Japan (Reuters) - Wales produced a tale of two halves as an electric start secured a deserved 43-14 bonus-point victory over Georgia in their Rugby World Cup Pool D clash on Monday, before they wilted in the energy-sapping humidity at the City of Toyota Stadium. The Welsh were rampant as tries from Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric, Josh Adams and Liam Williams effectively ended the contest, handing them a 29-0 advantage at halftime with the bonus-point in the bag. That endeavour and accuracy deserted them in a largely forgettable second 40 minutes, though, as scores from Tomos Williams and George North papered over gaping cracks in the Wales

performance. Georgia are hoping to use this World Cup as an audition for entry into the Six Nations, but there were few signs to suggest they are ready for that level apart from tries by props Shalva Mamukashvili and Levan Chilachava. Both teams are back in action on Sunday as Wales meet Australia in Tokyo in the potential decider for top spot in the pool, while Georgia clash with Uruguay in Kumagaya. “We ticked a lot of the boxes in the first half but we are probably a bit disappointed with the second half,” Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said. “We allowed a couple of tries and we did not continue in a similar fashion (to the first half). It’s a good result but there is plenty to work on.

Wales’ George North scores their sixth try REUTERS/Matthew Childs

“The overall feeling is that we took our foot off the gas a bit in the second half.” NO HANGOVER With the furore surrounding the return to Wales of attack coach Rob Howley for an alleged breach of betting rules, it was a far from ideal

build-up to the tournament for Warren Gatland’s side, but they showed no signs of a hangover. A simple skip-pass allowed Davies to dot down under the posts, before a break from scrumhalf Gareth Davies was finished off by Tipuric.

Georgia’s accuracy with their kicking out of hand was poor as they were pinned back in their own half. They were not quick enough in thought or action, and their ponderous possession was easy for their opponents to defend against. The pressure told as

Wales scored a third inside 20 minutes, a fine solo try from Adams after he was put through a big hole in the Georgian defence. Wales had to wait until the end of the first half to secure their bonus-point try as they shifted the ball quickly out wide for Liam Williams to score. The pre-game talk had been of the power of the Georgian forwards and the first sign of it came when they produced two excellent driving mauls and crossed the line through Mamukashvili. Tomos Williams chased down a kick to score Wales’s fifth try before Chilachava burrowed over after more powerful Georgian forward play. North finished the scoring when he stretched to dot down with four minutes remaining.

Bairstow left out of England test Russia facing potential squad for New Zealand tour Olympic ban after WADA cites ‘inconsistent’ data

Jonny Bairstow

LONDON (Reuters) - England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has been left out of the squad for the two-Test series in New Zealand but included in the Twenty20 squad for the tour that begins in November, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said on Monday. The 29-year-old Bairstow scored 214 runs in this year’s drawn Ashes series, averaging just below 24 in the five tests, with only one half-century to his name in 10 innings. Jos Buttler is expected to keep wicket while Ollie Pope, who last played a Test in August 2018, is set for a back-up role. Jason Roy, who struggled during the Ashes with 110 runs in eight innings, was not named in either squad, while all-rounder Ben Stokes, Buttler, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes will sit out the T20 series. Four uncapped players — Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Matthew Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood — have been called up to the Test squad. Sibley, who scored 1,324 runs in the County

Championship for Warwickshire, is expected to compete for an opening spot, while 21-year-old Crawley has earned his place after scoring 820 runs. Parkinson is set to be spinner Jack Leach’s understudy while Mahmood has been included as veteran fast bowler and England’s leading wicket taker James Anderson is still out of contention while he recovers from a calf injury. “James Anderson was unavailable for selection in the Test squad as he continues his rehabilitation from a calf injury,” the ECB said in a statement. “The Lancashire seamer will work towards being available for the South Africa tour later this winter.” Eoin Morgan, who led England to their maiden World Cup triumph with a win over New Zealand in July’s final, will return to take up the captaincy for the T20 matches as they step up their preparations for the World Cup in October next year. England begin the New Zealand tour with the first of five T20 matches to be played on Nov. 1, followed by two Tests that begin on Nov. 21 and Nov. 29 respectively. The tests will not be a part of the ICC World Test Championship. England Test squad: Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Dominic Sibley, Joe Root (captain), Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Sam Curran and Jack Leach England T20I squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Matt Parkinson, Adil Rashid, James Vince

TOKYO (Reuters) - Russia is once again in danger of being banned from next year’s Olympics after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed that historical data supplied by the country’s anti-doping authority contained “inconsistencies”. WADA said on Monday it had opened compliance proceedings against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) after examining the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January. The news means RUSADA is in danger of being declared non-compliant by WADA a year after a suspension was lifted, which could put increased pressure on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to exclude Russia from the Tokyo Games next year for failing to ensure that its athletes are clean. Russia will already miss the world athletics championships for the second time in a row after the sport’s governing IAAF extended the ban against the country’s federation RUSAF on Monday. The IAAF confirmed the decision four days before the start of the competition in Qatar after hearing a report from its Task Force (TF) overseeing Russia’s reinstatement efforts. “We are aware of the allegations of manipulation of the data and that an investigation is ongoing,” said Rune Andersen, head of the IAAF Task Force. “In the light of that the task force rec-

ommended that RUSAF not be reinstated and the IAAF council unanimously agreed.” COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE The WADA Executive Committee received a report from its Compliance Review Committee on Monday updating it on the analysis of data from the Moscow laboratory which contained the results of thousands of anti-doping tests undergone by Russian sportsmen and women. “The ExCo was informed that further investigation... of inconsistencies in Moscow Laboratory data had led WADA to open a formal compliance procedure against RUSADA on 17 September 2019,” WADA said in statement. Jonathan Taylor, chair of WADA’s Compliance Review Committee, presented the information to the executive committee in Tokyo on Monday. It also said that 47 potential rule violation cases that had been highlighted and were being acted on were not affected by the inconsistencies. Alexander Ivlev, chairman of RUSADA’s supervisory board, told Interfax news agency: “WADA has given the Russian side three weeks to give explanations regarding the alleged changes in the database from the Moscow laboratory. Such an answer will be presented.” RUSADA director Yuri Ganus could not immediately be reached for comment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

County Championship title decider…

Somerset slump to 75-4 against Essex before rain arrives SOMERSET struggled to 75-4 before rain curtailed the opening day of their County Championship title decider against leaders Essex at Taunton. The hosts, who must win to claim a first Championship crown in their 144-year history, elected to bat first. But seamer Sam Cook removed openers Murali Vijay caught behind and Steve Davies lbw inside four overs. James Hildreth (32) was lbw to Simon Harmer and Tom Banton fell in the same over before they went off at

12:15 BST. With rain falling throughout the afternoon, play was eventually called off at 16:45 BST. Harmer, fresh from leading Essex to their maiden T20 Blast title on Saturday, now has 80 wickets in Division One this season and is likely to be the key on a turning pitch. However, with more rain forecast on Tuesday, enough time may be taken out of the game for Essex to get at least the draw they need to claim a second County Championship trophy in three years.

Somerset captain Tom Abell, who is not out on 24, knows the pitch is likely to offer its most turn in the fourth innings when Essex are likely to be batting. But his decision to bat first at a toss which took place in sunshine appeared to be a brave one, with the weather set to deteriorate throughout the day. India opener Vijay’s struggles for the county continued as he nicked Cook’s first ball behind and Adam Wheater took a superb, low, one-handed catch. The righthander has scored just 42

Somerset’s bid to overturn a 12-point deficit against leaders Essex was not helped by the weather

runs in five innings since linking up with Somerset earlier this month. Davies followed in Cook’s next over, when a full ball from around the wicket pinned him plumb in

front. Hildreth looked in good touch in a stand of 47 with Abell, before Harmer produced a big turner which trapped him on the back foot. Youngster Banton went

in the same fashion two balls later without scoring, but by then there was already rain in the air and the players went off 15 minutes before lunch - never to return.(BBC Sport).

Deonarine and Toolsie set up Austin’s half-century guides Relaince Bacchus Bulls win against Hustlers into Central Essequibo T20 Anna Regina Secondary lition. In reply, Bacchus Bulls also found themselves in early trouble, losing Rajindra Ramballi in the first over, attempting to hook a short delivery from the hostile Dreshawn Phillips. Runs were difficult to accumulate in the process until Govinda Toolsie took centre stage. He beKeshav Deonarine (L) took 5 for 28 and gan hitting the ball sweetly Govinda Toolsie stroked an unbeaten and looked the part. 72 for Bacchus Bulls. Batting at number 3, A fine spell of leg-spin bowling he was there to the end from Keshav Deonarine and with an impressive unbeaten 72, a solid unbeaten half-century laced with 8x4s and 2x6s. Their from Govinda Toolsie propelled eventual win though was also Bacchus Bulls to an exciting indebted to Nazeer Mohamed’s three-wicket victory against aggressive 35 (2x4s and 2x6s) as Anna Regina Secondary on his partnership with Toolsie was Saturday at the Imam Bacchus worth 55 in just 24 deliveries to ground in Affiance. steer the Bulls to 190-7 in the final The specially arranged 30- over. Dreshawn Phillips 2-24 from over fixture saw Anna Regina Sec- 6 overs and Avik Ramdial 2-14 ondary winning the toss and bat- from 4 overs bowled accurately ting on a placid surface. Despite but were unable to tame the Bulls losing early wickets, the innings in the end. was held together by an explosive Another match is slated for half-century from national Under this weekend according to Coor-17 captain, Sheldon Charles. He dinator, Harrischan Ramballi, blasted 10x4s and 3x6s in his flu- who disclosed that his priority ent 78. is to provide quality exposure When he departed, only Ma- to the next generation of young hindra Partab 20 (2x4s) provid- cricketers from the Essequibo ed further impetus to the score as Coast. He also expressed thanks Anna Regina were all-out for 189 to Imam Bacchus for providing in the 28th over. Essequibo Under- free access to the ground and 15 leg-spinner, Keshav Deonarine, also balls and refreshments for with his flight, bounce and spin, the players whenever matches claimed superb figures of 5-21 are played there. (Elroy Stephfrom 6 overs to trigger the demo- ney)

OPENER Mark Austin was in sublime touch as he led the way with a classy half-century to steer Reliance Hustlers into the final against Cotton Field Strikers in the Central Essequibo-sponsored T20 Finals. Played on Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Reliance Hustlers offered to take first strike and posted a challenging 174-4 from their 20 overs. Austin’s majestic 77 contained 8x4s and 2x6s. He was also supported by unbeaten knocks of 25 (3x4s) from Ramesh Narine and 20 (3x4s) from Anthony Ifill at the end. There was one wicket each for Asif Salim, Lance Roberts and Rajiv Kissoon. In reply, the Strikers

Mark Austin stroked 77 for Reliance Hustlers.

kept themselves in the hunt as Carlos Yapp 40 (3x4s and 2x6s), Rajiv Kissoon 39 (4x4s) and Parmanand Persaud 31 (5x4s) batted enterprisingly. However, they fell at crucial

stages of the innings as the Hustlers kept their composure in the field. Off-Spinner Ramesh Narine with 2-35 from 4 overs and Rovindra Parasram 2-36 from his 4 overs, built some pressure to eventually restrict the Strikers to 163-7 when their overs expired, to claim a narrow 11-run victory. Meanwhile, Bacchus Bulls gained a ‘walk-over’ from Ravens of Richmond in the second semi-final and will now meet Reliance Hustlers in the final, scheduled for Sunday from 11:00 am at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance. Cash incentives and trophies are at stake. The officiating umpires will be Deva Dass and Wazeer Dhanraj. (Elroy Stephney)

GISE/Star Party Rental 1st division cricket....

GCC claim third outright win

THE Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) continued their winning ways with a nine-wicket victory over Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) in the GISE, Star Party Rental, first-division, two-day tournament on Sunday at the GCC ground, Bourda. The result is the third consecutive win for the GCC lads, after they convincingly whipped the University of Guyana and GDF in the two other games upon the resumption of the tournament. The hosts, who resumed day two on 157-7 in response to GYO’s first innings total of 101, were dismissed for 202, with Bernard Bayley contributing an unbeaten 35 towards the end as they secured

Trevon France grabbed 7-57 in a losing effort.

a 101-run lead. Left-arm spinner Trevon France, who had five wick-

ets on Saturday, added the wickets of Darious Andrews (3) and Stephon Wilson (2) to finish with figures of 7-57. Batting a second time, GYO top and middle-order batsmen failed to apply themselves, and were reduced to 44-6 at one stage. However, left-handed pair of France, who hit two fours and three sixes in 55, and Leland Cadogan, whose 62 included four sixes and three fours, took GYO to 167. For the hosts, Stephon Wilson had (336), Bernard Bailey (2-24) and Carlos LaRose (2-13). Set 67 to win, the home team lost early wickets but Jeetendra Sookdeo (28) and Timothy McCalmont (30) saw GCC to victory.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Narine’s heroics earn Mercenary playoffs title …Rems stutter in another last-over meltdown

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada While Mercenary were celebrating their third championship success of the 2019 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) season, Rems were once again made to lick their wounds after another lastover meltdown in their Division One regular season (20 overs) playoffs championship clash at the Ashtonbee Number One ground here last Saturday. Seemingly well set to cart off the Paul & Sons 15over title on the adjacent Number Two ground two Saturdays ago, Rems suffered a heart-breaking last ball defeat to the same opponents. This time around, Mercenary needed 11 runs in the final over of the tense encounter with the last pair of Daryl Narine and Bolanauth “Bunty” Sukhu at the wicket. Narendra Madholall was entrusted to bowl the last

The victorious Mercenary squad.

Daryl Narine receives his award from Adam Ramadhar on behalf of the sponsor.

over, one that’s probably still lingering in his mind as it turned out to be disastrous. After sending down a wide in the first delivery, the next two were clobbered for sixes by Narine, much to the delight of his teammates and supporters who stormed the field to celebrate their win. The victory earned them the Oil Changers Trophy, sponsored by Anil Beharrylall Sarwan. Earlier, the game was

evenly contested throughout with Mercenary being set 116 for victory after restricting Rems to 115 for six in their allotted 30 overs. Former Guyana and West Indies opener, Rajendra Chandrika, was the mainstay at the top of the order with a top score of 35 (one four) as wickets fell regularly around him. Narine, who batted at number seven and was later named his team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP),

JCA boss wants stronger developmental role from CPL, Tallawahs

JCA president Wilford “Billy” Heaven

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president, Wilford “Billy” Heaven, wants the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and national franchise, Jamaica Tallawahs, to play a larger role in the development of local youth cricket. Also a Cricket West Indies director, Heaven said they were specific initiatives which the league and the franchise could undertake, which would help to ensure the further growth of the sport across the country.

“The Tallawahs/CPL should include the country’s best under-19 talent in their training camps with a view to signing them,” the JCA chief told the Gleaner newspaper here. “In the future, these players could be transferred on the international senior markets for a fee, which would go directly to the club or parish association from which they originated.” The CPL, a private venture, was inaugurated in 2013, replacing the flagship domestic Caribbean T20 which was organised by CWI. Tallawahs are one of six franchises which make up the league, along with Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks. The CPL has since grown to become one of the most popular T20 leagues around the world, and Heav-

en believes organisers could place their considerable clout in helping to stage the local T20 tournament here. “[They should] support the executing of a local T20 championship, which culminates just before the CPL training camps commence,” Heaven pointed out. “The best players from this local championship should be invited to benefit from the training camps and be seen by CPL scouts.” However, Heaven acknowledged that CPL had already contributed significantly to the regional cricket landscape. “Some of the proceeds from this commercial arrangement [with CWI] are disbursed across the territorial boards and used to strengthen the respective franchises in the CPL,” he noted. “Professionalising regional first-class cricket will improve the quality of talent at the senior level.”

was undefeated on 24 (3x6s) when victory was achieved. Chien Gittens was Rems best bowler with four for 26 from his four overs while Surujpaul Deosaran and Madholall claimed two for 20 and 22 respectively. The consistent Gittens, who has been a welcome addition to Rems side, was once again among the runs, smashing two sixes in his 29. Skipper Richard Dias supported with 21 (2x4s); the two sharing an important 53-run third-wicket partnership. There was one wicket each for Aftab Shamsudeen, Satrohan “Bade” Balkar-

ran and Avinash Sookdeo for 14, 16 and 27 runs respectively. Gittens copped the MVP award for the losing team. Mercenary’s victory ensured they finished the 2019 season with three championships – topping the Division One regular season, winning the playoffs championship and the Paul & Sons 15-over title. Rems, on the other hand, carted off the Caribbean Sensation 10/10 crown and had to settle for the runners-up spot in both the playoffs championships and the 15-over. Sookdeo and Narine

were presented with cash incentives on behalf of their club. Sookdeo got his for his all-round performance during the season while Narine for his heroics in the final. Meanwhile, at the presentation ceremony which followed, long-standing president of the OSCL, Albert Ramcharran, announced that he won’t be seeking re-election at the association’s next annual general meetlng scheduled for early in the new year. Ramcharran expressed thanks to the several sponsors and to the participating teams.

Four teams win in EBFA Under-11 League

VURLON Mills Academy, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Diamond United and defending champions Timehri Panthers all recorded wins when the 4th edition of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League, sponsored by USA-based Guyanese Ralph Green continued on Saturday last at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Vurlon Mills Academy recorded their second 2-0 victory which ensured that they kept their lead at the top of the points table on goal difference ahead of the Linden Soesdyke Highway-based Kuru Kururu Warriors. Blake Edwards and Malcolm Hendricks were the players who scored for Mills Academy. The young Warriors recorded another positive result which meant they have matched their winning record of two wins from 10 matches in last year’s tournament and seem deter-

Jahson Maddison (right) and Levi Sampson of Kuru Kururu Warriors FC

mined to make it to the top this year. Led by a Levi Sampson double (5th, 20th), they defeated Friendship All Stars 3-1. Jahson Maddison netted the other in the 10th minute, his second of the tournament. Friendship pulled one back through Jermaine Haynes’ 13th minute strike. The tournament’s leading goalscorer Rick Ramotar led Diamond United to their first win, playing in his third tournament at this level. He scored this year’s first goal - his team’s lone goal - in their draw against Samatta Point/Kaneville. Ramotar netted in the 7th and 20th minutes and that

was all his side needed to take full points from Eagles FC of Stewartville. Defending champions Timehri Panthers, after going down to Vurlon Mills Academy in their opening match one week ago, rebounded in grand style when they defeated Fruta Conquerors 2-0, with goals either side of play thanks to goals off the boot of Jadon Tasher (14th) from the penalty spot and Shaquan Caleb in the 20th minute. Saturday’s other match ended 0-0 between Riddim Squad and Agricola Red Triangle. Matches will continue this Saturday at the same venue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Bermuda beat Guadeloupe to lift Caribbean crown HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Bermuda have been crowned Caribbean champions for the first time in seven years after beating Guadeloupe 3310 in the Rugby Americas North Championship final at the National Sports Centre’s North Field here on Saturday. Bermuda led 14-0 at the break but then came under pressure as Guadeloupe reduced the deficit to four points with a penalty and a converted try before the home side forged clear again. Alex Brown, who opened the scoring in the first minute, and Jamie Baum each scored two tries for Bermuda, who were also awarded a secondhalf penalty try. Dan Cole converted four of the tries as Bermuda

regained the title they last won when they beat Guyana 18-0 here in 2012. Yann Guenec opened Guadeloupe’s account with a 52nd minute penalty and Alexandre Dagorn scored a try after stealing the ball on the halfway line, Guenec converting to reduce Bermuda’s lead to a slender four points. But the pressure was lifted when Bermuda were awarded a 64th-minute penalty try. Bermuda’s head coach Jamie Barnwell, who took over the post in January, was delighted with the victory. “We set ourselves this goal in January and to get across the line is fantastic. The boys have done a great job and so obviously we’re all very happy with that,” he

Some of the Bermuda men’s squad pose with the trophy after being crowned Caribbean champions, beating Guadeloupe 33-10 in the Rugby Americas North Championship final at North Field, National Sports Centre (photograph by Akil Simmons). Photo extracted from the Royal Gazette.

Rising Stars and Victoria Kings dominate EDFA weekend matches

(L-R) Monedderlust FC’s firing squad! Emanuel Moore, Michael Jordon and Raul Semple.

KEEN rivalry continued in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) and the Berbice Football Association (BFA) as the GFF-NAMILCO U-17

Intra-Association Tournament continued on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The EDFA had matches

on Sunday at the Victoria Community Centre ground where the Mahaica Determinators FC edged Ann’s Grove FC by a 1 – 0 margin with a goal from Trevon Porter in the 42nd minute. In the second match, Rising Stars got the better of Victoria Kings by a 5 – 1 margin, with a brace each from Diago Britton in the 32nd and 53rd minutes and Shamar George in the 61st and 65th minutes respectively. The final goal was compliments of a kick from the penalty mark made by Rahyeem Mc Gregor in the 68th minute. The lone goal for Victoria Kings was scored by Kevin Maxwell in the 51st minute. In the BFA leg, played at the Esplanade ground in New Amsterdam in bright sunny conditions, Monedderlust FC inflicted a 4 – 0 drubbing on Arsenal FC. Monedderlust took early command in the first half to lead by 3 – 0 through goals scored by Raul Semple in the 9th minute, Michael Jordan in the 20th minute and Emanuel Moore in the 22nd minute respectively. Upon resumption, Arsenal FC defended staunchly until the 70th minute when

Raul Semple again breached Arsenal’s defence to complete his double and seal the victory. On Sunday at the same venue and in similar conditions as the previous day, a keenly-contested match ended in a two 2 – 0 victory for New Amsterdam United FC over Cougars FC in the

said. “This is a really important milestone for the team. There wasn’t any space for us not to win, we had to get a result to continue the trajectory we’ve been on and the boys did just that, it’s been a great team effort. Bermuda began their campaign with a 43-14 win over Jamaica in their opener here in March. Barnwell’s side had expected a daunting trip to Guyana, who were highly fancied to overcome Guadeloupe in their respective regional encounter. However, with Guyana suffering a shock 19-5 defeat, Bermuda were handed the major boost of home advantage for Saturday’s final.

– Monedderlust FC top Arsenal FC 4 – 0 latter stage of the match. Cougars fought valiantly to hold NA United to a goal-less first half, which remained so until the 58th minute when the ever-attacking Timothy Sommercell found the back of the Cougars net. Then two minutes later, in the 60th minute, Tyrick

Ogleton took advantage of a visibly-deflated Cougars defence, which was too slow in their reaction to prevent their net from being rocked a second time by the NA United. The League continues this Saturday and Sunday at the same venue from 13:00hrs each day.

Ministers Sydney Allicock (second from left) and Valerie Garrido-Lowe (right) with president of the GFF, Wayne Forde (left) and the Paiwomak Warriors female team at the trophy presentation ceremony.

Region One males needle Kako in Heritage Football final

-Paiwomak women defeat Kamarang in female final

By Faizool Deo REGION ONE, represented by Moruca, iced the cake of a dominant 2019 Heritage Games by winning the male football title in the feature clash on Sunday night in front of thousands of onlookers from various parts of Guyana. Prior to the 1-0 win, Region Nine’s Paiwomak Warriors were able to register a 2-1 comefrom-behind victory against Kamarang to claim their title as best indigenous female football team. Although the spectators, who flocked to the Everest Cricket Club ground, were from various regions and ethnicities, the majority were supportive of Region One. On the field, the game proved a competitive battle with both teams having their fair share of possessions in the first half. The attacks happened in waves and although there were a few half chances, the two keepers were too good. It was not until a heavy shower wet the ground in the second half that the pendulum swung.

Turn to page 27

Region One male footballers stormed their way to the title.

Messi and Rapinoe win FIFA Player of the Year awards Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi reacts after winning the trophy for the Best FIFA Men’s Player of

…Sixth time for Argentina and Barcelona striker Lionel Messi

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See Page 27 Monday’s award caps an extraordinary summer for Team USA’s co-captain Megan Rapinoe. Flavio Lo Scalzo(Reuters) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019