Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_10_09_2019...

TUESDAY 10th SEPTEMBER, 2019

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Empowering Guyanese No.105756

…Local content policy vows aggressive push to build capacity in oil sector …stresses fair, adequate access to employment for locals

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

100 Guyanese in Bahamas seeking help …CDC says info to be shared with ministries of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

Nandlall ‘wasting the court’s time’ …AG says as case calling for 09 cabinet to resign adjourned PAGE

Father of three ends life 13 PAGE

…allegedly attempted to poison wife, daughter

Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe on Monday toured Guyana’s first Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Destiny. In this Ministry of the Presidency photo the Government of Guyana officials getting a brief from an official on-board the vessel

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

100 Guyanese in Bahamas seeking help …CDC says info to be shared with ministries of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship

By Svetlana Marshall AFFECTED by Hurricane Dorian, approximately 100 Guyanese, living in The Bahamas, have directly and indirectly reached out to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for assistance, the CDC’s Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, has disclosed. The CDC has joined its Regional partners through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to provide relief and support to the Bahamians and Guyanese who have been affected as a result of Dorian, a Category 5 Hurricane that struck the Bahamas. Here in Guyana, the CDC has established a Whatsapp contact – 592-662-0671 – for affected Guyanese to reach out for assistance. “So far we have about 100 persons on a list to be

verified,” Captain October facilitating those persons,” told Guyana Chronicle while the Senior Response Officer explaining that Guyanese explained. would have directly and inLast Friday, Finance directly reached out to the Minister Winston Jordan CDC. The Senior Response said Guyana stands ready to Officer indicated that all of welcome home all victims of the persons on the list are Hurricane Dorian. “Guyana in need of some form of will welcome everybody with assistance open arms. We have such a “There were a few cases big land so we can accommowhere persons indicated their date everybody. We have a desire to return home,” he couple of small islands in the added. The information, Cap- Essequibo, so we will want tain October said, will be sent to do something about it,” he to the Ministries of Foreign said at a recent forum. Affairs and Citizenship for While systems are being appropriate action. “At the moment we ‘Guyana will welcome everybody are compiling the with open arms. We have such a list, then the next big land, so we can accommodate stage, which is quite everybody. We have a couple of soon, we will prosmall islands in the Essequibo, vide that information so we will want to do something to Citizenship and about it’ Foreign Affairs, who will investigate the – Finance Minister, appropriate means Winston Jordan and mechanisms for

put in place to facilitate the return of Guyanese who have

the commercial banks are leading those processes,” he detailed. The CDC has established two bank accounts for persons to make their contribution. Those accounts are: Republic Bank Account #651-993-8 and GBTI Account #011802963011. GBTI

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

indicated that they no longer wish to remain in The Bahamas due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, other systems are being activated to help both Guyanese and Bahamians through the provision of critical items. Here in Guyana, the Private Sector, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have thrown their support behind the CDC as it ramps up efforts to provide much needed assistance to those affected. Captain October said the public and private sectors have been provided with a ‘General Needs List,’ however, they were cautioned that these lists tend to change as contributions and donations are made. “These lists tend to change quite rapidly, particularly because international organisations and bilateral partners that the country will have access to, that will step in and provide those resources on demand. Sometimes those lists are not adequately updated in a timely manner, so by the time you get it, some of those gaps may have been closed,” Captain October explained. He said in the medium term of recovery, the Private Sector has indicated its willingness to support the move to bring relief to those living in The Bahamas. “Once we indicated to them specifically what the needs are in terms of actually physical resources, they will be willing to mobilise resources within their entity. At the moment, the Private Sector has committed financial resources and

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Captain Gerry Gouveia

has led by example, pledging $3M in hurricane relief. Edward B Beharry & Co Ltd, which has a majority control of GBTI, and the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc. (NAMILCO) have renewed their commitment to support the relief efforts. In addition to finance, pumps, reverse osmosis plants, generators, tents, hygiene kits, potable water, non-perishable food items and water containers are among the items on the needs list. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Captain Gerry Gouveia, during a recent meeting with the CDC, said the Private Sector stands ready to offer its support to the CDC to bring relief to Bahamians as was done in 2017 when Category Five Hurricane Irma and Maria struck the U.S Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. “We certainly will be working with you now as much as we could,” the PSC Chairman told Minister Hastings-Williams and the CDC Director-General. “This is about a piece of humanity that we need to keep, digging deeper and deeper because this is really beyond the control of human beings, what is happening on the face of the earth, and whatever we can do, we have dig deeper to keep showing that face and hand of humanity because

we never know when we are going to be on the other end of this,” Captain Gouveia added. On Sunday, September 1, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category Five storm, made landfall on The Bahamas at Elbow Cay, Abacos Islands, at approximately 12:40 pm with 185 mph winds. The Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama, which collectively have a population of approximately 76,000 people, have been severely affected. During the recent meeting with the Private Sector, Captain October provided a synopsis of the situation while confirming the date, time and magnitude of Hurricane Dorian. “Interestingly enough, its maximum sustained winds was the highest recorded on the Islands of The Bahamas to date in its history,” Captain October said while noting that it was a slow moving hurricane that sustained its 185 mph winds for one and a half days – travelling 30 miles in the northern Bahamas. He confirmed too that the Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama have been severely affected. “We anticipate that while there are seven confirmed deaths, there can be reports of much more as the assessment progresses. The assessment is only in its second day so far, search and rescue efforts are still highly afoot, and parts of the Abacos have been totally decimated,” he reported. The CDC Senior Response Officer pointed out too that a shanty town called ‘The Mud,’ which was owned by Haitian immigrants, was completed decimated. Additionally, approximately 60 per cent of the homes in March Habour are damaged. “Water and sanitation are currently compromised on those two islands,” he further reported while explaining that “a large per cent of water that is consumed on the island has to be treated through reverse osmosis plants and therefore if the water system is contaminated those plants will not function properly.” A number of the reverse osmosis plants have also been destroyed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Empowering Guyanese …Local content policy vows aggressive push to build capacity in oil sector …stresses fair, adequate access to employment for locals

WHILE there has been recent criticism against the final draft of Guyana’s Local Content Policy Framework as lacking “key provisions that put Guyanese first”, the document, as seen by this newspaper, contains strong language and intentions to follow through with “investment in our people” The policy framework is meant to outline the guidelines by which local content will be understood, developed, measured, secured and implemented in Guyana’s petroleum. It takes into consideration the urgent need for the optimisation of the revenues received from oil to benefit the Guyanese economy and citizens present and future. The document states: “This policy recognises that the petroleum resources of Guyana belong to all its people and represent an asset of significant intrinsic value, which, once removed, diminishes the wealth of the nation, unless there is transformation in value from resources below the ground to improved quality of life above it, for current and future generations of Guyanese persons.” According to the policy framework, it also recognises the need to project Guyana as a “viable destination for inward investment” and a worthwhile competitor. It provides details on imple-

mentation which includes the contents and timing of annual local content plans; templates to estimate and report local employment and contracting opportunities; minimum tender procedures to give full and adequate opportunity to local suppliers; the roles of government, operators and contractors and the expectations for local capacity building and supplier feedback. It was drafted from constructive consultations with stakeholders in both public and private sectors including education institutions; civil society and oil and service companies. FOR THE PEOPLE The policy framework vows to “aggressively pursue strategies” for Guyanese to participate and build capacity in the petroleum sector for “maximum possible benefit now and in the future”. “To maximise the benefits of the petroleum sector for local employment and local businesses, investors, operators and their primary contractors shall participate in a manner that gives Guyanese persons and Guyanese suppliers fair and adequate opportunity and first consideration where capable and competitive to provide labour, goods and services and improve and enhance their capabilities, and in so doing become internationally

competitive and progressively provide a greater share of future labour and services to the sector,” the policy document states. It intends to see this through ensuring that there is effective government oversight; stakeholders are held accountable and instruments and administrative institutions are in place. Given the size of discoveries declared thus far, it acknowledged that further field discoveries are likely; a series of multiple capital projects over a sustained period is projected and this increase in investor interest will likely increase the demand for local labour, goods and services. In keeping with the expectations, policy indicated stated: “We are nevertheless mindful that the sector requires a significant input of highly-specialised skills and services as well as materials, products and equipment, many of which are unlikely to be competitively-sourced or manufactured in Guyana until these capabilities have been developed. The petroleum sector also requires high standards of quality, efficiency, reliability, ethics, care and attention to the environment, communities and property and the well-being of its labour force. By supporting and participating in the sector, those who develop and provide labour, goods,

infrastructure, equipment, facilities, networks, systems and other services will need to demonstrate these high standards in order to be competitive and win work.” It notes that presence of international service providers and manufacturers provide the opportunity for Guyanese suppliers and government to learn as Guyanese persons and suppliers grow to be competitive by accessing international supply chains within the sector. Guyanese persons and Guyanese suppliers will also be afforded “fair and adequate access to employment and supplier opportunities” on the principle of being competitive against industry standards. LEARNING FROM MISTAKES While criticism has also come against the policy as it refrained to mandate joint-ventures between foreign and local businesses, the document also provides an explanation for such. It explains: “Various partnering models may overcome the challenges of local suppliers winning work directly, including consortia, sub-contracting, licensing and joint ventures. Mindful of the experience of other countries where mandated joint ventures have encouraged the creation of fronting

companies or acted as a disincentive to inward investment, it is the policy of the Government of Guyana to not mandate local-foreign joint ventures as a requirement for market access in the upstream petroleum sector, but instead to encourage such alliances as one among a range of partnering options, and ensure these are market-competitive ventures and effective in supporting competitive local supplier participation and development,” the document states. The framework sets out to learn from both the successes and mistakes of other countries. The policy has been designed to be “fit-for-purpose” which means that there will be continuous review to keep up-to-date the Government’s position in all aspects of managing the country’s petroleum resources for national development. ACCOUNTABILITY Meanwhile, operators will be held accountable for ensuring that their Local Content Plans are updated annually; informed by recent performance and current market information. Operators will be held accountable to deliver their Local Content Plans --at a minimum ---half-year and end-year being able to utilize these reports to improve their

local content performance The Local Content Plans are to be handed over to the Minister, as the document states: “Within 60 days prior to the beginning of each year, or part thereof as applicable for the first year, the operator shall submit to the Minster a yearly Local Content Plan. Within 21 days from receipt of the operator’s Local Content Plan the Minister shall issue an invitation and shall meet with the operator to discuss the effectiveness of the Local Content Plan and agree to the information in the Local Content Plan and to any modifications to ensure the Plan’s consistency with this policy and with the Operator’s contractual obligations under the applicable Petroleum Agreement/s.” They will also be judged on capacity development initiatives such as support for local education and training institutions, local research and development and investments in productive assets in Guyana that support the Government’s local content policy. After the completion of this the final draft of the Local Content Policy, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe stated that the document would be presented to the Private Sector and other stakeholders for their scrutiny.

Modern primary school for Paruima Education Ministry continues to create improved learning environments ANOTHER Upper Mazaruni Village now has access to improved educational infrastructure following the commissioning of Paruima Primary School over the weekend. The school was commissioned as part of this year’s Education Month, celebrated under the theme “Education: Key to National Development.” Paruima Village, with a population of about 800, is said to be the only Arecuna-speaking community in Guyana.

Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry remarked that improved school buildings encourage better school attendance which will, in turn, create better student performance. “As a government, we have been committed to improving education across Guyana. This [puts us] one step closer to the fulfilment of delivering quality service to all of our people irrespective of where they are,” Minister Henry said. Also at the school’s commissioning, Minister of State,

Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams encouraged teachers to maintain the standard of education the school has been exposed to over the last few years. She noted that the commissioning of the school is in keeping with the government’s demonstration of its commitment to education. The school is equipped with an ICT lab and a library. Following the destructive Hinterland flood of 2017, which affected several Region 7 and 8 communities, the decision was made for the construction of a new school

Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford along with REdO Akbar Chindu and Headmistress of Paruima Primary School unveiling the commissioning plaque

building. “That building – as the flood showed us – was very vulnerable had we suffered another flood. So, we took that decision to build a new Primary School,” Regional Chairman, Region 7, Gordon Bradford explained.

In the past two decades, only two schools were constructed in the entire Region 7 - the Philippai and Jawalla Primary Schools. A direct comparison can be made to demonstrate this administration’s seriousness of creating an

‘education nation’. Several schools have been commissioned across the coast and hinterland, and plans are on stream to open schools in Region 7 in Imbaimadai and Kako shortly. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Brexit: Parliament suspension to go ahead later (BBC) The five-week suspension of Parliament will begin later, after MPs are expected to again reject government calls for a snap election. Opposition MPs confirmed they would not back the push for a 15 October poll, insisting a law blocking a no-deal Brexit must be implemented first. Ministers have called the law “lousy” and said they would “test to the limit” what it required of them. Boris Johnson has been warned he could face legal action for flouting it. At present, UK law states that the country will leave the EU on 31 October, regardless of whether a withdrawal deal

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has been agreed with Brussels or not. But the new legislation, which was granted royal assent on Monday, changes that, and will force the PM to seek a delay to 31 January 2020 unless a deal - or a no-deal exit - is approved by MPs by 19 October. BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said although No 10 insisted it was not looking to break the new law, efforts were under way to examine ways of getting around it. Meanwhile, John Bercow has said he will stand down as Commons Speaker and MP at the next election, or on 31 October, whichever comes first, after 10 years in the role.

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And ahead of the vote on an early general election, the prime minister suffered another defeat in the House of Commons. MPs backed calls, by 311 votes to 302, for the publication of government communications relating to the suspension of Parliament and the release of all documents relating to Operation Yellowhammer, the government’s nodeal contingency plan, shared with ministers since 23 July. Former Conservative Dominic Grieve, the newly independent MP who tabled the motion, told MPs it was “entirely reasonable” to ask for the disclosure “so the House can

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understand the risks involved and this can be communicated more widely to the public”. Rule of law But minister Michael Gove, who is in charge of no-deal preparations, said he had given evidence to the EU select committee on Yellowhammer and he hoped “those assurances were sufficient”. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, meanwhile, questioned the legal right of the government to require employees - including the PM’s top aide Dominic Cummings - to open up their private email accounts and personal mobiles to scrutiny. After the vote, a govern-

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ment spokesman said the extent of disclosure demanded was “unprecedented and disproportionate”, adding that it would “consider the implications and respond in due course”. MPs are currently taking part in a second emergency debate on the rule of law and ministers’ obligation to uphold it. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the PM’s unwillingness to state categorically that he would comply with the Brexit extension legislation was dangerous and represented an “assault on the rule of law”. The prorogation - or suspension - of Parliament until

14 October will begin at the end of Monday’s sitting. It means MPs will not get another chance to vote for an early election until after then, meaning a poll would not be possible until late November at the earliest. Mr Johnson argues he has been forced into seeking an election because the no-deal delay bill makes further negotiation with the EU pointless - but he needs the support of two-thirds of MPs to hold a snap poll.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

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Brazil worker who protected indigenous tribes killed in Amazon

(BBC) Police in Brazil are investigating the murder of an official who had worked to protect indigenous people from farmers and loggers attempting to seize land. Maxciel Pereira dos Santos was reportedly shot twice in the head in the city of Tabatinga, near Brazil’s borders with Colombia and Peru. Union officials said Mr Santos was shot in front of members of his family. The killing comes amid international outrage over the rate of destruction of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. At least 80,000 fires were recorded there between January and August this year - more than double the number in the same pe-

Activists say Brazil’s government is failing to protect those who defend the rainforest

riod last year. Brazil’s populist President Jair Bolsonaro has drawn intense domestic and international criticism for failing to protect the region. He has often stated support for farmers and loggers

working in the region, while criticising environmental campaigners and slashing the budget of the country’s environmental agency. Murder on a busy street The union which represents staff at Brazil’s in-

digenous protection agency, Funai, said Mr Santos had been shot twice in the head as he drove his motorcycle down a busy street. INA officials said he was killed in retaliation for his work at the Vale do Javari reserve, where for years he helped prevent hunters, farmers and loggers illegally entering the area. The reserve is said to be home to the world’s highest concentration of uncontacted indigenous tribes. Mr Santos served more than 12 years at Funai, including five as chief of environment services at the Vale do Javari reservation, INA said. The union called on the Brazilian government to demonstrate Brazil “no

longer condones violence against those who engage, under the rule of law, in the protection and promotion of indigenous rights”. Brazil’s land and environmental activists have long been a target for the mining and logging industry. According to the environmental watchdog Global Witness, Brazil was the deadliest country in 2017, with a record 57 such activists killed, of 201 deaths worldwide. Brazil was eclipsed last year by the Philippines, where 30 activists were killed, of 164 worldwide, Global Witness said. Hundreds of government environment workers in Brazil last month signed an open letter warning that their work had been hampered by Presi-

dent Bolsonaro. Since Mr Bolsonaro took office on 1 January, the government body charged with protecting the rainforest has seen its budget cut by 25%, while funding for the prevention of forest fires has been cut 23%, according to data collected by the Reuters news agency. In the same period, the number of fines issued to environmental criminals fell 29% and the collective value of the fines fell 43%, according to the Reuters data. At a summit in Colombia on Friday, seven South American countries agreed measures to protect the Amazon river basin.

Hurricane Dorian: Bahamas defends response amid criticism (BBC) Bahamian officials have defended their response to Hurricane Dorian after it devastated parts of the island chain last week, killing at least 45 people. Residents on the Abaco Islands have accused the government of failing to provide assistance and prevent looting. Officials have denied covering up the number of deaths. The toll is likely to rise as hundreds, possibly thousands, of people are still missing. Some 70,000 people were in need of food and shelter, the United Nations said. Thousands of residents from the hardest-hit areas in

the Abacos have been sent to the country’s capital, Nassau, where authorities say they may have to use tents or containers to house the victims. Health Minister Duane Sands dismissed allegations that the government was covering up the number of victims, saying the priority was not to count the dead but to search for the missing and provide assistance to those in need, according to the Miami Herald newspaper. HARDLY ANYONE HERE Locals here warn us that there are more bodies buried beneath the rubble in Marsh

Harbour, especially in the shanty towns known as the Mudd and Pigeon Peas. They wonder why officials haven’t come to retrieve all those who perished during Hurricane Dorian. As you walk around the town, there is very little in terms of any official presence. In fact, there’s hardly anyone at all - just a scattering of locals looking through what once was their homes, or rummaging for food or supplies. On the hood of a car in one of the worst-hit areas lies the corpse of a large dog, untouched since the storm. Its presence speaks to the lack of

Some 70,000 people are in need of food and shelter, according to the UN

attention this area has received in the week since Dorian hit this island. ‘No food, no medicine, no water’ In Marsh Harbour, where 90% of infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, residents complained that aid

had been too slow to arrive. “We’ve had to funnel gasoline out of destroyed cars to get injured people back and forth. There’s no food, no medicine and no water,” said 37-year-old Tepeto Davis. “We’re suffering

out here and no-one cares about us.” Carl Smith, spokesperson for the Bahamas’ National Emergency Management Agency (Nema), said: “[We’re] doing everything [we] can to move as effectively and as efficiently as [we] can, given the circumstances. We’re dealing with a disaster.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Credible elections and opposition demands IT makes no sense for opposition elements to demand that the President find a date for elections. The Elections Commission has set elections to be held the soonest in March 2020. It would be inadvisable for the Government to intervene and dictate for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) a date that is before this time-frame. The Coalition Government deserves to be commended for waiting on the Courts to interpret the Constitution, and to set guidelines for the governance process since the passage of a no-confidence motion last December. The Coalition cannot be at fault for elections not being held by March 2019, since the courts were engaged in interpreting the laws as to whether the motion was validly carried by a single vote. Elections were on pause or pushed back while the

matter was before the Guyana Court of Appeal, and later the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). With the CCJ guidelines issued, the Coalition accepted its interim status, pending new elections. But by then the process was guided solely by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which has the responsibility for conducting elections under constitutional provisions. There was a necessary period for a new GECOM Chairman to be in place, and since then, progress has been made to compile data for a new voters register. This is a democratic process that fully accords with the Rule of Law and the doctrine of the Separation of Powers, which form part of our Westminster inheritance. It is clear that the opposition and some other detractors had wanted the government to fall, as

they were demanding elections at the earliest, before ‘first oil’ in Guyana. The stakes are very high, and these elements want a second chance at securing power within the normal, electoral cycle of five years. In other words, they want two elections within one term. Neither President Granger nor the Coalition Government could be blamed for the workings of the Judiciary and the Guyana Elections Commission. The power-hungry and the power-brokers want the President, not GECOM, to hold elections. This is an invitation to violate the Constitution. Democracy, like justice, may be slow. But it is the better option than to invite a bungled process by denying time that is adequate to prepare for credible elections. While time is of the essence, the protection of democratic processes is worth the wait on GECOM to

tell us when it is prepared for fresh polls. It has said March 2020. If we can go around this time-frame and shorten it by a few weeks, then so be it, but this is a decision only GECOM can make. As we have said in our editorial on Sunday, the PPP wants a strict constitutional solution to a political problem. It created a constitutional crisis and then yells at the court to solve the fictitious problem. It then hollers at the government for not going along with the hoax. The PPP and its allies take a very narrow view of constitutional supremacy. As far as they are concerned, the only aspect of the Constitution that matters is Article 106-6. They silence the other relevant aspects of the Constitution in favour of their narrow pursuit of power. But Article 6-6 is not meant to be a stand-alone article; it must be read along with

Article 6-7. The PPP wants to push crooked elections down the country’s throat to satisfy its narrow and autonomous reading of Article 6-6. This must not be allowed; credible elections are also a sacrosanct constitutional right. This is the very PPP, as Elder Eusi Kwayana and others have pointed out, that has a history of disdain for the Constitution. As recent as 2015, the PPP defied settled constitutional norms when faced with a NCM; it did not even allow a debate of the Motion. We urge citizens across the political divide to ignore this rhetoric of constitutional disobedience from the PPP. The government is constitutionally in place. Guyana is not a Pariah State.

Xenophobic fearmongering of Haitians Dear Editor, IN the Sept 09, 2019 edition of the Kaieteur News, a letter contributor penned a piece accusing Haitians of spreading a “deforestation culture”. I find this to be outrageous, because the Haitians do not own those companies who are involved in deforestation. The companies are located and headquartered in countries where many Guyanese “flee” to; in countries

where it’s becoming acceptable to spread hate and fear against non-White people; countries where police politely arrest mass shooters who just shot up a synagogue, mosque or a Walmart frequented by Mexicans, while unemployed Black men are riddled with bullets for idling on the streets of middle-class “White America”, or suffocated to death for selling cigarettes on the street to feed their families. In my eyes, Haitians are the victims of deforesta-

tion and corporate pillage of their homeland by racism, post-colonialism and corporate greed. It is not their fault that their island has been pillaged due to corporate greed. Instead, we should reflect that Haitians are victims of greed due to their naivety in welcoming the corporate European invaders who wished to exploit them. Haitians welcomed European “refugees” during the fascist European reign of Hitler, but today, Franco-African peoples, including

Haitians, are getting harassed and violently beaten up when they visit those European countries. What a way to thank the Haitians for welcoming Europeans to Haiti during WWII! Furthermore, those Europeans formed their own “enclaves” and live like royalty, even in Haiti. YouTube videos reveal that the European enclaves are mainly landowners who own large mansions with swimming pools as large as that found in Castellani House.

Additionally, even when Venezuela is collapsing, due to numerous factors, a European enclave is unaffected by the economy, and a YouTube video shows how they are living wealthy lifestyles, while the poorer-class ‘brown-complexioned’ people, like the writer, live in squalor, and are encouraged to support the corporate party which supports First World imperialism. The point is that global corporate greed has displaced many populations

from their homelands, and Guyana is becoming a transit hub and a desired place for those fleeing the effects of corporate greed, due to the oil-and-gas discoveries. Therefore, we should not generalise those who are affected by the post-colonial corporate greed. Regards, R. Hamid, 500 Dawes Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

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Wrong again, Freddie! Dr. Richard Lee informed his party before he crossed the floor Dear Editor,

Please allow me to correct Freddie Kissoon on a column he wrote titled, “Philip Lee and Charrandass” Mr. Editor, I have lost count as to the number of times Freddie Kissoon would have used his column to defend his friend Charrandass. In my opinion, a column writer needs to strike a balance between their opinions and the responsibility to inform the reading public stating facts. Unfortunately, Freddie Kissoon is finding it difficult to strike that balance. Unfortunately, the pendulum is heavily titled in the direction of personal opinion. To be honest, I am not surprised. While Freddie Kissoon was a lecturer at UG, research was foreign to him. No academic research or publication in 26 years! Shocking!!! Had he done research, he would have understood why personal opinion is at the lowest rung of the academic hierarchy. Freddie Kissoon, in the column I have alluded to, demonstrated shocking ignorance of the British electoral system. Probably if he had completed his PHD at University of Toronto, he would have had a deeper insight into it. Firstly, in Britain, The MPs are elected. In essence, that means that the electorate elects their MP. I live in Rushcliffe, and we would have elected Ken Clarke as our MP. He is answerable to us. In Guyana, the MPs are selected. That means at the completion of elections, the party selects their MPs, based on the number of votes they would have received. So what does that mean? In Britain, the MPs are accountable to the constituent electorate, while in Guyana, the MPs are accountable to their party. Got that Freddie? So, clearly, any attempt at comparing the two is asinine and foolish, to use Freddie’s favourite words. Shall I continue Freddie? Many of your columns are full of garbage. One time I politely corrected you and you became disrespectful. That’s when you lost my respect. No quasi-academic and academic doctor wannabe would speak

to me anyhow. I would just deal with them accordingly, and that is exactly what I did to both Freddie Kissoon and Glen Lall, the latest edition of honorary doctor from bottom-house universities. Take out your note pad and jot this down Freddie. Charanndass is no Dr. Richard Lee. Got that? Now go sit quietly in a corner and write that 100 times. Do not belittle Dr. Lee. Secondly, Dr. Richard Lee had written to his party and informed them of his resignation before he entered the House of Commons, where he dramatically crossed the floor. Whether that was communicated to Boris Johnson is not an issue. They were informed, and it was their responsibility to communicate that to the Prime Minister. I am quite sure you did not expect the Right and Honourable Dr. Lee to be searching the House of Commons high and low to find Boris Johnson to place his resignation letter in his hands. Also, Mr. Political Scientist, Dr. Richard Lee and the 21 MPs informed their parties how they would have voted. Their parties tried to convince them to do otherwise, but that failed, hence they were threatened with deselection and removal of the whip. We all know how that turned out. My point is that Charandass cannot be compared to Dr. Richard Lee or any of those 21 MPs. Charanndass stabbed his party in the back. He reassured them that he will vote for them, then did the total opposite. In the CJ’s word, it was immoral but not illegal. He wore the party colours and misled them. He is no hero. He is deceptive, and should be treated as such. No amount of column space by you will convince any of us otherwise. Charanndass had loyalty to party, as I explained earlier. The party selected him. He never resigned from his party before he crossed the floor. Dr. Richard Lee did. To repeat, so you get my drift, Charrandass reassured his party that he is with them and will vote for them. He then stabbed them in the back and ran away and be spewing racist diatribe from his safe haven. Is that your hero?

So Freddie, next time you choose to write your garbage, please ensure you do your research. Failing that, and your limitations would be publicly and painfully highlighted. Freddie you may have read that the work and pensions Secretary, Amber Rudd MP has recently resigned. If it is not accessible to you, I would be more than happy to send you her resignation letter. I can’t have you comparing her to Charrandass. Finally, I will end this letter, using a snippet of Freddie’s column, “Nuff people in Guyana are not only dangerous but comical. Their clownish acrobatics keep the circus alive.” Freddie, I have information for you. People in Guyana are not stupid; you are. It is your attempts at clownish acrobatics that is ensuring the Clownish Charrandass maintains his position in your political circus. Listen to me and listen to me carefully, if you are running out of writing materials, then please inform Glenn. Guyana is tired of this one-man Charrandass crusade. Enough is enough! In closing, I am sure as consistent with their policy of silencing me, Glenn Lall would not publish my letter. Sorry mate, your publishing my letter wouldn’t pay my mortgage. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc Med. Ed MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

Bahamas we stand with you! #OneCaribbean The Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC) extends sincerest condolences to the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as they mourn the loss of their loved ones due to Hurricane Dorian. We also stand with them as they come to grips with the tragic loss of personal property and significant devastation occurring in those islands hardest hit by Dorian. Your losses are immeasurable and priceless. We are especially grateful for the safe keeping of our Chairperson, Mr. Shaquille Knowles and his family; our Vice-Chair for Resource Mobilisation, Mr. Marcos Ambrister and his family; and Member of our Extended Committee for Information and Communi-

cations, Mr. De’Angelo Collie and his family. To the countless others who we regularly connect with through Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and even those unconnected to us, please know that you are in our thoughts, and we pray for your safety and that of your family. We express our gratitude and admiration to the First Responders and emergency services of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and by extension that of the Caribbean Community that has poured out their personnel to aid in the search, rescue and evacuation operations. To the nurses and doctors working around-the-clock to save and preserve lives, your work is appreciated. We encourage all youth-serving organisations, especially Youth Councils,

to contact your local Foreign Affairs Ministries and Disaster Emergency Response arms to enquire of their response. mobilize the young people in your country and to be a part of the collection and rebuilding process. No donation is too small, and all basic amenities are needed. Every dollar counts, and can save a life.#YouthHelpingYouth Our team will continue to publicize donation locations around the world as we receive them. We encourage you to share this information with us so that we can continue to drive donations to those most in need.Bahamas we stand with you! #OneCaribbean Regards, The Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC)

Isn’t it about time that we have our own airline? Dear Sir,

A FIVE-hour flight aboard a JET BLUE aircraft from Kennedy International Airport in New York to Piarco Airport in Trinidad on a one-way ticket, including

baggage fees and taxes cost US$214. 70. A 55-minute flight on a one-way ticket travelling from Piarco in Trinidad to Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana aboard Caribbean Airlines, costs US$171.93.

Go Figure. Back in 2001, some intelligent people who were stewards of this country disbanded our national airline, leaving us the travelling public to the whims and fancies; read that as “exploitation” by

whichever name is written on the aircraft doing business in Guyana. Isn’t it about time that we have our own airline? Yours Faithfully, Milton Bruce

10 September, 2019 - 02:30hrs ~ 04:00hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Liza Destiny hailed as precursor of ‘unimaginable development’ --at reception in celebration of vessel’s arrival here well ahead of schedule

By Lisa Hamilton

THE Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, will pave the way for unimaginable development for Guyana, and the journey towards her arrival in Guyana was celebrated at a commemorative reception at the Marriott Hotel on Monday. The event was hosted by ExxonMobil and the Stabroek Block Co-ventures, and was attended by several Ministers of Government; members of the public and private sectors; members of the diplomatic corps and other specially invited guests. Some of the noted officials in attendance included First Lady Sandra Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Speaker of National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland; Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. In his welcome address to those in attendance, Exxon Mobil Country Manager Rod Henson stated that the celebration of the arrival of the Liza Destiny also makes way for the celebration of the strong relations shared between the Company and Guyana since the 1940s. During the period, the company was active in the downstream business in Guyana, proving service stations, and selling fuel and lubricants. “Our shared vision of a bright future for Guyana is built on a solid foundation. It’s been an interesting journey since our exploration activities initially began in 1999. There have been some challenges and many uncertainties but the perseverance and dedication have paid off,” Henson said. As Guyana gets closer to ‘first oil’, he vowed that ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block along with its Guyanese workforce will continue to work as “one team”

towards a prosperous future that all Guyanese can be proud of. Thus far, over 1,300 Guyanese, including 300 women and over 500 local companies, have contributed to the project. Henson said: “The arrival of Liza Destiny is a historic event, and ‘first oil’ will mark a turning point in Guyana’s history, ushering in a future of enormous potential. This will mean something different for every person in Guyana, just as each person’s destiny is different.” LIZA’S JOURNEY The Liza Destiny arrived in Guyana from Singapore on August 29, 2019 after being converted from a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) tanker ‘Tina’ to its present state. The vessel is twice the length of the Providence Stadium; half the width of the Georgetown Cricket Ground;

First Lady, Sandra Granger making a toast to the arrival of the Liza Destiny here, thereby signaling a new beginning for all Guyanese

broek Block, with estimates of more than 6 billion barrels of oil equivalent in the block. THE WORLD WATCH-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (right) mingles with EPA Director, Dr. Vincent Adams and other guests after the formalities

has the depth of the Kingston Lighthouse and the capacity to store some 1.6 million barrels of oil. It is presently in the ‘hookup and commissioning’ period, which includes the installing of moorings to the ocean floor; the connecting of flowlines and risers, and continuous testing in preparation for ‘first oil’. Already, ExxonMobil has made 13 discoveries in the Sta-

ING ON, Back in June 2019, Guyana was named the fastest-growing economy in the world by the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, with a projected growth rate of 16.3 per cent during the four-year period (2018-2021). This was only some of the positive developments highlighted by Director of Energy at the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

Dancers wow the audience with their performance on cultural unity (Carl Croker photos)

Director of Energy at the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (Carl Croker photo)

When he spoke, he told the gathering that the arrival of the Liza Destiny in the Stabroek Block some three weeks ahead of schedule suggests that the Department of Energy must also advance its timetable to prepare for ‘first oil’. He further pointed out that being aware of its role of ensuring paved a path for Guyana’s transition into the petroleum sector, the Department is pur-

Exxon Mobil Country Manager, Rod Henson makes remarks to the gathering

suing the most effective marketing strategy for Guyana’s crude; creating a fit-for-purpose regulatory body and expanding the physical and technological capacity of the sector. “Guyana is about to experience a tectonic shift,” Dr. Bynoe stated. “The future of Guyana is bright and thoroughly pregnant with potential and possibilities.

It is time for all Guyanese to turn their attention towards a few critical questions of our time, such as: “Now that we have found oil, what are we going to do?” Even as the country sets its sights on economic development through oil, he highlighted the country’s intention of eventually transitioning to a post-carbon economy, one which can provide access to clean, stable and reliable energy to all its people. Delivering a toast at the end of the evening was First Lady Sandra Granger, who referred to the Liza Destiny as the vessel which will now lead the way towards “Guyana’s hope and aspiration”. Throughout the proceedings, the attendees were entertained with musical renditions from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Steel Band; the Region Four Children’s Choir; the National Dance Company; the Kunjaz Steel Ensemble and spoken word poetry from Ms. Carlene Gill Kerr.

'Literacy, the greatest enabler of the -Dr. Roopnaraine delivery of education' DIRECTOR of Public Service Training within the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has reiterated a call he has made many times over, for the re-doubling of efforts to combat illiteracy and place our society on a trajectory of development and `The Good Life’, noting that literacy is the key to the enhancement of the state of all humanity,

production and productivity. He was at the time addressing a Literacy and Human Rights Workshop, hosted by the Rights of the Child Commission(ROC), attended by students from various secondary schools, members of the Rights of the Child Commission (ROC) and other stakeholders; at the Grand Coastal Hotel at Plantation Le Ressouvenir, East Coast, Demerara, on Monday,

in observance of World Literacy Day, which is observed on September 08, annually. Dr. Roopnaraine, who once served as this country’s Minister of Education, reminded the audience of mainly youths who had participated in the Youth Ambassadorship Programme, that Guyana once boasted of its high level of literacy, and its decline has seen the government spending a large portion

of its national budget on trying to sustain the highest level of literacy and seeking to eradicate illiteracy completely. He said too, that illiteracy continues to pose a challenge here in Guyana and beyond, and suggested that the causes, factors or the programmes for its prevention and eradication are still to be determined and respected respectively. “Eradication of illiteracy

is at the centre of creating an educated nation and is also the centre of alleviating problems relating to crime, abuse and suicide among other ills,” he pointed out. It will therefore require an inter-sectorial or a demographic approach to the problem and statistics must be used to identify the magnitude and concentration of the problem and a holistic approach to the

resolution applied, he said. Noting that 50 years ago the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) spearheaded the celebration of World Literacy Day, Dr. Roopnaraine made reference to the definition of literacy, adding that it is the greatest enabler of the delivery of education and is therefore viewed as the Turn to PAGE 15

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Nandlall ‘wasting the court’s time’ …AG says as case calling for cabinet to resign adjourned

By Clestine Juan ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has said that the application filed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, for an order, compelling Cabinet, including the President, to resign, is a waste of the court’s time and resources. Nandlall, who had filed a Fixed Date Application (FDA) seeking the order compelling the Cabinet to resign, said such ought to be the consequence of the no-confidence motion passed against the government last December in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution. He is also seeking a Conservatory Order restraining the Cabinet, inclusive of the President, from meeting, making decisions as, or performing the functions of the Cabinet. The Attorney General, had moved to the court and filed Notice of Application (NOA) and laid down more than 10 grounds why Nandlall’s FDA should be quashed since it is an abuse of the court process. He pointed out that Nandlall represented the

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Appeal case Bharrat Jagdeo v. AG & Others and had actively participated in the proposals for consequential orders to that court – the country’s final appellate court. For that reason, the Attorney General argued that Nandlall is fully aware of the orders the CCJ made in the ‘no-confidence appeals.’ On Monday, September 9, the matter was called before the Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire at the High Court where the FDA filed by Nandlall and the NOA filed by the Attorney General were heard. Williams, was accompanied by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke and Deputy Solicitor General, Debra Kumar. Nandlall was accompanied by attorneys-at-law, Kamal Ramkarran and Rajendra Jaigobin. The Chief Justice has set September 30, 2019, for the commencement of the hearing in the matters. Meanwhile, Nandlall was given until September 16, 2019, to file his submission in the FDA, and the Attorney General was given until September 23, 2019, to file his. Vexatious “Mr. Nandlall is fast be-

this “simple issue” since ruled upon in June 2019 by the highest court- the CCJ. “It’s a disrespect to the CCJ,” the AG said as he ex-

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

coming a vexatious litigant. He has come today, for the last nine months I am hearing the same argument that the cabinet and the president must resign,” the AG told reporters outside of the court. “This learned CJ dealt with that issue, it went to the CCJ. The CCJ rejected it clearly and said that the government remains in a different mode,” he explained as he said the application filed by Nandlall is a “waste of the court’s time and the court’s resources.” According to the Attorney General, there is nothing left to be “fleshed out” from

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

plained that Nandlall and his party (PPP) keep litigating the same matter. Strenuous efforts Meanwhile, Nandlall told reporters: “It is unfortunate that we have to resort to this kind of strenuous effort in the court to get a government to obey the clear language of the constitution”. When questioned about his litigation being an abuse to the court, Nandlall said:

“It is an atrocious contention. He should be coming here asking the court apology and going back to get his cabinet to resign in compliance with the constitution.” The attorney explained that he is trying to get “constitutional- compliance which is the law of the land.” Already ventilated Nandlall’s FDA has already been ventilated by the CCJ when it handed down several consequential orders. The CCJ, in arriving at its decision, had said that the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards in citing Hogg, the Canadian constitutional expert, was right to note that, “By convention, the government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority. It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the three-month deadline, in the first instance that the article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections.” Minister Williams said the CCJ made it clear that Article 106 (7) also creates an avenue for the constitutional players to extend the time for the holding of elections.

“The Article goes on to state, among other things, that, notwithstanding such resignation, the government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held ‘within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine …’,” he said while quoting the CCJ. As such, he argued that the claim is an abuse of the process of the court, an affront to the doctrine of stare decisis or rule of precedent. The court, he submitted, should not grant the orders prayed for because such an action would require the High Court to make orders which the CCJ, the country’s highest court, has already ruled on. “The court is being asked to adjudicate on an issue that the final Court, the CCJ, has pronounced upon, and, as a consequence, the point is moot and clearly academic and a wanton abuse of the process of this Honourable Court,” the attorney general told the acting chief justice.

Guyana People’s Militia assists in rebuilding Mahdia home ...town’s primary school operable following storm

Mahdia Primary School pupils during Monday morning’s session at the school.

THE Guyana People's Militia is among several entities which responded and has been assisting the residents of Mahdia in their rebuilding efforts following the passage of Friday’s storm which caused substantial damage to several homes as well as the roof of the primary school in the mining

town. The ranks were deployed over the weekend to the town, and were busy rebuilding the roofs and, in at least one case, the walls of a home which fell down during the storm. At the same time, the Regional Disaster Risk Management arm of the Civil Defence Commission

(CDC) was successful in bringing relief to the residents of Mahdia, CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said on Monday. Writing on his Facebook page, DG Craig said that the response system was activated over the weekend after heavy winds passed through the town on Friday afternoon. The

Members of the Guyana People’s Militia during their rebuilding efforts at Mahdia (Photo courtesy GDF)

following day, a team of officials, which included Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, visited the town to assess the damage. The CDC provided cleaning supplies, zinc sheets and other construction materials to repair the damaged structures. Craig said the CDC extends its gratitude to the Regional officials,

the Guyana People’s Militia, and to the citizens of Mahdia for their cooperation. Friday’s storm was said to be the first of its kind to hit the town, with many noting that the winds were sudden, as sunny conditions persisted throughout most of the day on Friday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Guyana to face fourth evaluation shortly --so as to help safeguard its anti-money laundering integrity

GUYANA is preparing for the fourth round of mutual evaluation in 2022, as the effective implementation of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) must be addressed. This was disclosed by Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams as he addressed a training seminar of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AMLCFT&PF) assessors at the Bank of Guyana on Monday morning. The AG said it is important that “we have in place adequate and effective measures to protect this country's financial systems, because the country's reputation depends on it.” He continued: “We must have effective investigations, prosecutions, exchange and sharing of information among law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities at both national and international levels.” The Attorney-General said the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) assessors are integral to the country's success during the evaluation round, and as such the formulation of suggestions from the representing agencies is therefore crucial. “Because of our past experience, we must resolve not to return to that list, but take every step necessary to ensure our systems are effective. This can only be done through cooperation and coordination,” Williams said.

Director of Bank Supervision Department BoG, Ramnarine Lal

Attorney-General Basil Williams

Participants at the training seminar at the BoG (Delano Williams Photos)

He said adequate measures are important to protect Guyana’s financial systems from abuse by money launderers. The AG said suggestions and recommendations should be made to enhance enforcement systems, since the seminar gives participants the opportunity to reflect on additional work that needs to be done to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. “All of us and those who are not here must work to-

gether to ensure that efforts bear fruit; this is a tremendous opportunity for us to coordinate and collaborate to implement the measures needed to see our success at the evaluations. We have invited two registrars, the commercial registrar and the land registrar to the session, and their importance will be highlighted in the session,” the Minister of Legal Affairs said. Meanwhile, Bank of Guyana (BOG)’s Director of Bank Supervision Department, Ramnarine Lal reiterated the

Bank’s commitment and fight against the scourge of money laundering. He said the economic and social ills of money laundering only have a negative impact on the country, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s statistics has indicated that the proceeds from money laundering accounts for approximately five per cent of global GDP. Lal said the BoG, along with supervisory authorities, should aim to strengthen all laws, since money laundering

crimes pose a critical challenge to the integrity and public confidence in the financial systems. He said that it is against such a background that all entities under the BoG supervision are AML/CFT compliant.

CONTINUED COMMITMENT “Over the years the government has demonstrated continued commitment and support to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by embarking on a path of passing and amending legislations to counter financial crimes,” he said. Lal noted that the authorities have strengthened the technical capabilities of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and various supervisory authorities under the AML/CFT Act of 2009, as well as investigative agencies involved in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. “We are well aware that these efforts have yielded successful results, since we were able to exit the list of countries with significant deficiencies, and consequently exiting the third round of mutual evaluation during 2016, which meant we were removed from the blacklist,” Lal said. He said that although there have been significant gains, there is still a lot to be accomplished, as Guyana will be subjected to another round of evaluation by the CFATF. He explained that this fourth round will involve two inter-related components; the technical compliance assessment, which will assess whether Guyana has the nec-

essary laws and regulations in place, and if the measures are in effect and enforced. The second component is the effectiveness assessment, which will determine whether the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) systems are working, and the extent to which the country is achieving a defined set of immediate outcomes, which represent key goals of an effective AML/CFT system. Ahead of the assessment, scheduled for 2022, Lal said Guyana has already commenced preparations for the fourth round, and that with technical assistance from the World Bank, the country will be embarking on the second national risk assessment, which is expected to commence shortly. “This assessment will enable us to identify, assess and understand money laundering, terrorist financing faced in Guyana, and prioritise actions according to the level of risks identified in each sector and to guide our national AML/ CFT strategy to ensure that systems are implemented to protect our financial systems from money launderers,” the director said. He explained that the major focus on the fourth round if effectiveness so there is need for us to provide adequate data to underpin what we as a country represent in terms of how effectively out regime is functioning in AML/CFT regime. Lal said money laundering affects the prosperity of every country and proactive steps are needed to strengthen the requisite systems.

Mahdia airstrip road upgrades to commence shortly ROADWORKS designed to improve the connectivity within the Potaro-Siparuni Region are set to commence shortly as the prolonged rainy season has ended. This is according to Hinterland Engineer within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jeffrey Walcott. Phase 1 of the rigid pavement works from the Mahdia township towards the airstrip will begin soon. This follows $827M that was invested in the township in 2018 that saw the upgrade of several internal roads; moving from a laterite surface to a concrete long-lasting rigid pavement road. Rehabilitation to Eagle Mountain road is also set to commence in September. During a one-on-one in-

One of the new roads in Mahdia, Region 8

terview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Walcott explained that the unpredictability of the rainy season has resulted in an extension of the projected timeline for roadworks in Region 8. As part of the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s work plan, road upgrades are usually slated to begin at specific intervals; around the dry season. With the shifting of weather patterns, some hinterland projects have taken longer than planned. The procurement for the maintenance of Brian Sucre Junction to 3 Mile Junction, from 3 Mile Junction to Micobe Check Point and from 3 Mile Junction to El Paso (River Front) is underway. With regard to the maintenance programme, which is in

place for hinterland roads, Walcott said that while a stringent programme was not in place in past years, the ministry has placed routine maintenance as top priority. To achieve this, a joint approach with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is in effect. Local contractors are executing these works which take place on an annual cycle during the dry season. Penalties are also in place, should the maintenance works not meet the required standard. To further enhance access between the coast and the hinterland, $913M has been expended within the first half of this year, under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Benn urges political support for UNCCD COMMISSIONER and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn has called for regional political support for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Benn, who chairs the Committee of the Whole (COW) for the fourteenth Session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Conference of Parties, (UNCCD- COP14), made the call during a meeting with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, several ministers from across the Caribbean region and UNCCD focal points from Guyana and several CARICOM countries. According to a press statement from the GLSC, Benn said of the three RIO Conventions, the UNCCD continues to receive the least political and financial support. This he said cannot continue since the work of the convention is affected and CARICOM states feel the effect of this lack of support. Despite this, Benn pointed out that the reliance on

Benn and other delegates share a light moment with Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (seated in the centre)

the convention is overwhelming given its importance in fulfilling the everyday needs of society. “For me it is a no-brainer that we must pay more attention to land and I hope that your presence here Mr. Prime Minister, results in a change in the attitudes of our leaders especially those in the Caribbean. Your work is going to be extremely important Mr. Prime Minister, in ensuring that this convention gets the respect it deserves going forward,” said Benn.

Benn pointed out that some of the issues, which the convention is facing, were addressed by CARICOM almost two decades ago. He reminded the Prime minister that in 2002, CARICOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UNCCD. Since the signing of that MOU not much has been done to honour the spirit of the MOU. “So we are asking honorable Prime Minister, that you use your good office to put this convention back on

the agenda for CARCOM to renew this MOU which was signed in 2002 to give it the kind of political weight it requires,” said Benn. He said at the level of technicians, their call to CARICOM seems to be falling on deaf ears and, therefore, he believes that only political intervention can result in the actions that are needed. Benn’s sentiments were supported by Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Ambassador, David Pollard and Director of Multilateral

& Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Troy Torrington. Also making an intervention was Haiti’s Minister of Environment, Joseph Jouthe, who called for urgent support from politicians around the region. “It is about time that politicians across the region recognize the importance of this convention and what it stands for, land issues are no joke. “Perhaps the reason the support is hard to come by for this convention is because

we have persons benefitting from what we are fighting against” he stressed the problem lies with those having vested interest in land and maybe that is why we are having limited support from some sections of our political elite,” the minister asserted. After listened keenly to all the presentations, Prime Minister Gonsalves promised to raise the issues with his fellow Heads of State from the region. “I hear all the issues raised, and I can give you some assurance that this matter will be raised at the level of CARICOM,” said the Prime Minister. Gonsalves is likely to chair the next session of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting where he has given the assurance to place the matter on the agenda. A large number of Caribbean delegates are currently in India for the fourteenth session of the Conference of Parties, (COP 14). Benn and the delegation from Guyana will be meeting next with Minister of State for Environment Forest and Climate Change of India, Shri Baul Supriyo,

India’s first Mars satellite enters fifth year – High Commissioner

THE government of India will, on September 24, 2019, celebrate the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM) probe which has been orbiting the Red Planet for exactly five years; 10 times its original designed mission life of six months This is according to the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa. The India Mars orbiter is named Mangalyaan (Hindi for “Mars Craft”). In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the envoy explained that the Mars Orbiter Mission (MoM), the truly maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO, launched on November 5, 2013, successfully got inserted into Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, in its first attempt.

Dr. Srinivasa said MoM is credited with many laurels like cost-effectiveness, short period of realization, economical weight-budget, and miniaturization of five heterogeneous science payloads amongst other benefits. Noting that the satellite is in good health and continues to work as expected, the Indian envoy related that the MoM is also hailed as an example of frugal engineering. The envoy said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is offering capacity building programme on nano satellite development for the participants from other developing countries who are interested in developing their space programme. In reflecting on the background of India's first interplanetary mission, Dr. Srinivasa noted that the mission

High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr. K.J. Srinivasa

was the fourth space agency to reach Mars, after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency. “It made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first nation in the world to do so on its maiden attempt. The Mars Orbiter Mission probe lifted-off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre

(Sriharikota Range SHAR), Andhra Pradesh, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket C25 at 09:08 on 5 November 2013,” he reflected. The launch window, he said was approximately 20 days long and started on 28 October 2013. Further, the envoy explained that MoM probe spent about a month in Earth orbit, where it made a series of seven apogee-raising (farthest point to earth) orbital manoeuvres before trans-Mars injection on 30 November 2013. After a 298-day transit to Mars, the Indian envoy noted that it was inserted into Mars orbit on 24 September 2014. The mission is a “technology demonstrator” project to develop the technologies for designing, planning, management, and operations of an interplanetary mission. “It carries five scientific

A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) boosts Mangalyaan out of the Earth’s gravity well in November 2013. (Image credit: ISRO)

instruments. The spacecraft is currently being monitored from the Spacecraft Control Centre at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network

(ISTRAC) in Bengaluru with support from the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN) antennae at Byalalu, Karnataka,” he noted.

Accused drug trafficker to know fate September 13

Denish Nunes

COME September 13, 2019, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court is expected to rule in a drug

trafficking case against a 39-year-old labourer. Denish Nunes, of D’Urban Street, Lodge, was busted with 3.65 kilogrammes of can-

nabis on June 7, 2019, at this home, by ranks of the police narcotics branch. He is currently on remand. On Monday, Sep-

tember 09, 2019, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers laid over his closing submission to the court. The Chief Magis-

trate set September 13, 2019, for her decision in the matter. According to reports, on the day in question, a party of

police officers went to Nunes’ Durban Street, Lodge apartment and conducted a search. The cannabis was found in a barrel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Private sector backs GPL in power purchase move …says ready to cooperate, encourages members to take advantage By Navendra Seoraj THE private sector is ready to fuel the needs of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) by supplying power to the grid. In order to remedy the shortfalls in power generation, GPL through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is moving to amend a section of the power company’s licence, to allow the purchasing of power from external sources. In local newspapers on Sunday, a notice signed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, stated that GPL’s licence restricts the company from purchasing power from any person other than an Independent Power Producer (IPP) which produces power from renewable energy sources. The IPP also does not in-

clude businesses whose main business is not the generation of power and which supply no more than 10 megawatts (MW). While the legal and regulatory modalities are being completed, the board also authorised GPL to commence inviting Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from other potential power providers with immediately available generation capacity. GPL’s decision has so far been welcomed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA). President of the GMSA, Clinton Williams, said the association is interested and ready to get its members on board with GPL’s initiative. “Even if they (businesses) do not have the capacity, we will go out and get it,” said

Williams, adding that the association is prepared to do whatever it can to either make energy more efficient or provide reliable energy. Power generation has always been an issue of concern for the GMSA, since the cost profile and energy costs rank high for manufacturing and engineering “We are prepared to do whatever we can to either make energy more efficient or provide reliable energy because it will ensure that we have development in our work programmes,” said Williams. He said the benefits of companies supplying GPL with power, will be immense. It will ensure that there is a sufficient supply of power to meet the demand of businesses and it will also result in a reduction in the cost of production. In addition to forming part-

Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia

nerships for the provision of power, Williams believes that GPL should explore the idea of getting businesses involved in product support and maintenance. Williams’ idea was also supported by the PSC. Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia, said the GPL’s decision to seek power providers, is something which the commission welcomes with open arms. “We have always advocated for this so we welcome it…power is always reliable and reliable power is always a plus… so we will be encouraging our members to express their interest and also cooperate with GPL,” said Gouveia. With businesses ready to step up to the task, GPL has

President of GMSA, Clinton Williams

moved closer to finalising a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with MCG Investments Inc (Giftland Mall). In line with the government’s vision to enhance the generating and reserve capacity of GPL and to meet the needs of its customers, the new Board of Directors of GPL has considered the proposal from Giftland Mall to enter into a PPA. “In furtherance of its consideration, the Board authorised GPL to move forward efforts to finalise a PPA Agreement with MCG Investments Inc. that met the needs and interests of the company. The Board also instructed GPL Inc. to ensure all of the legal and regulatory modalities were satisfied,” said GPL.

A concerned citizen, Jennifer Persaud, sees GPL’s solution to its shortfalls as a “band-aid,” solution, but she is happy that Giftland’s management can assist and that GPL is trying to alleviate the issue. “I foresee it might open a can of worms. It is a 50/50 feeling for me…I think we should invest in renewable energy. Yes, it is expensive, but in the long term, it will be beneficial to both man and our planet,” said Persaud, adding that like other Guyanese, she hopes for the best in dealing with GPL. When asked if other businesses have signaled their interest, Chairman of GPL Rawle Lucas said he has not been updated as yet.

Thieves target traffic light units

IN Georgetown, some twenty-eight Traffic Lights Battery Units were stolen and the cabinets have been vandalized. This is according to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which said, on Monday, that its electrical engineer has estimated these battery units to amount to approximately $2.5M. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is pleading with cit-

izens to refrain from destroying much needed infrastructure within the capital city, noting that the Guyana Police Force has been notified about the situation. Persons are asked to report any act of theft or vandalism to the nearest police station or the Ministry’s Public Relations Department on 227-0799 or on Facebook at: Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

One of the traffic light units which has been vandalized.

CRYC working to support those affected by Dorian in Bahamas

THE Caribbean Regional Youth Council (CRYC), through a press release, extended sincerest condolences to the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas as they mourn the loss of their loved ones due to Hurricane Dorian. The CRYC also stands with them as they come to grips with the tragic loss of personal property and significant devastation occurring in those islands hardest hit by Dorian. “The CRYC expresses gratitude to first responders and all medical personnel who have worked valiantly to ensure they bring relief and comfort to all of those

persons who were affected. “We are especially grateful for the safe keeping of our Chairperson Mr. Shaquille Knowles and his family; our Vice-Chair for Resource Mobilization, Mr. Marcos Ambrister and his family; and Member of our Extended Committee for Information and Communications, Mr. De’Angelo Collie and his family,” the press release said. It said that to the countless others “who we regularly connect with through Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and even those unconnected to us, please know that you are in our thoughts and we pray for

your safety and that of your family.” CRYC also called on all other youth-serving organizations to mobilize the young people in their country and to be a part of the collection and rebuilding process. “No donation is too small and all basic amenities are needed. Every dollar counts and can save a life. #YouthHelpingYouth.” The group said that it will continue to publicize donation locations around the world as they receive them, and encouraged others to share this information with them so that donations would be able to get to those most in need.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Father of three ends life - poisons wife, daughter

A TAXI driver and father of three ended his life, and, allegedly, poisoned his wife and youngest daughter with a toxic substance, over constant domestic disputes at his lot 59 second street Marty's Ville, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Monday morning. Dead is 57 year old Balkaran Persaud. The tragedy was known after neighbours were alerted through the screams of ‘help’ emanating from his 35-year-old wife, Kavita Persaud. When a neighbour rushed over, the man, woman and their child showed signs of suspected poisoning. The woman was in the yard while the three-year-old Saraswattie Persaud, was lying on the bed, and the man was in the house. Neighbours subsequently contacted the police and the three were rushed to the hospital. Persaud was pronounced dead while the mother and baby are receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Reports indicated that, at the time of the act, two of Balkaran’s daughters from a previous marriage were staying at a relative, after visiting over the weekend. His first wife died, seven years ago, after kidney failure and other medical complications. He subsequently moved on with Kavita and had another daughter. In an interview with this publication, his sister, Brenda Persaud, said no one knew exactly what happened but he had a very troubled relationship with his current wife. “They wasn’t living together for about six months now, because she left him and go away, and she would come back when she feel like and just jump the gate and come into the yard because

Dead: Balkaran Persaud

…WHO urges stepped-up efforts to address scourge

Balkaran Persaud and Kavita in happier times

The house the family shared.

she left her daughter here,” she said. She explained that one of the major problems the couple had was over one of the daughters from the previous marriage who was psychically challenged. “She does catch fits and she is not well and the step mother would just put a cup and plate outside and lock the door on her when the father gone to work, this was a major problem,” the sister said. She questioned who really served the poison since her brother was the first to die and insinuated that his wife

might have been responsible. “She does go out and drink and sleep out and do her own things, obviously my brother who does not drink anymore could not understand her actions, he worked hard to care for his family,” the sister noted. His brother, Ramnaresh Persaud said his brother faced many challenges during his relationship and he would sometimes advise him not to get depressed since he worked most of the day and would hardly ever have time for himself. “He wife does come all

about the place and buse he, when he come to check me out in Good Hope, he does complain about how she treats the daughter who is handicapped,” he said. Neighbours said the woman had separated from Persaud and lived a short distance away. However, she would show up at the house in the morning to get the child ready for school and would leave the child at a neighbour’s house. The father would then take the child to school.

Man accused of assault to compensate victim A 35-year-old man appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 9, 2019, to answer to the charge of assault. Leon Murray of Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and admitted that, on September 5, 2019, he maliciously destroyed a spectacle valued at $30,000, property of Shawn Solomon.

Leon Murray

Murray also admitted that, on the same day in ques-

Global suicide rates still staggering

tion, he assaulted Solomon causing him actual bodily harm. “I did shai the brick” he said. Reports stated that, the two men lived together, and, on the day question, they had an argument which resulted in the accused arming himself with a brick and pelting the virtual complainant to the face, fracturing his nose and breaking his spectacles. The matter was reported

to the police and Murray was arrested and charged. However, the virtual complainant explained to the court that he would no longer proceed with the matter if he can be compensated for his spectacles and medical bills. Magistrate McGusty gave the defendant 24 hours to pay the sum of $60,000 to the virtual complaint for the damages done.

DESPITE a growth in the number of countries with suicide prevention strategies, the World Health Organisation/Pan American Health Organisation (WHO/PAHO) reports that, in 2019, one person still dies every 40 seconds from suicide. Guyana, a developing country with less than a million people at its last census, is still faced with a high suicide rate. However, in the last few years, more persons have been accessing mental health treatment and, coupled with other factors, the country’s rate dropped from 44.2 per cent per 100,000 people in 2012 to 24.6 per cent per 100,000 persons. Although such progress is recognised, the WHO/ PAHO stated in a release on Monday, that much more effort is needed globally to reduce the world’s high suicide rate. It stated that, to date, the total number of countries with strategies stands only at 38 and more governments need to commit to establishing such. “Despite progress, one person still dies every 40 seconds from suicide,” WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated. “Every death is a tragedy for family, friends and colleagues. Yet suicides are preventable. We call on all countries to incorporate proven suicide prevention strategies into national health and education programmes in a sustainable way.” Suicide has been named a public health problem in the Americas as it stands as the 21st leading cause of death and, every year, over 81,000 people take their lives in the region with 56 per cent from the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, nearly three times as many men as women die by suicide in high-income countries, in contrast to low- and middle-income countries, where the rate is more equal. Added to this, it was the second leading cause of

death among young people aged 15-29 years, after road injury. REGULATION FOR REDUCTION A WHO publication released on Monday, ‘Preventing Suicide: A Resource for Pesticide Registrars and Regulators’, shows that regulations to prohibit the use of highly hazardous pesticides can lead to reductions in national suicide rates. The best-studied country, Sri Lanka, saw a series of bans leading to a 70 per cent fall in suicides and an estimated 93 000 lives saved between 1995 and 2015. In the Republic of Korea – where the herbicide paraquat accounted for the majority of pesticide suicide deaths in the 2000s – a ban on paraquat in 20112012 was followed by a halving of suicide deaths from pesticide poisoning between 2011 and 2013. The use of pesticides for suicide is not uncommon in Guyana with calls from some for national policies to regulate and ban paraquat. However, Regional Advisor on suicide at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Claudina Cayetano, reminds: "Suicide is a complex issue, with a multitude of intervening factors; therefore there is no single answer to this problem. Today [September 10, 2019], WHO, in collaboration with global partners, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and United for Global Mental Health, will be launching the 40 seconds of action campaign. The culmination of the campaign will be on World Mental Health Day on 10 October with the focus on suicide prevention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

Pharmacists urged to root out fake drugs

MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has urged newly qualified pharmacists to join in the effort to root out fake drugs from the local market. Speaking at the 18th Annual Pharmacy Convention held Sunday at the Pegasus Hotel, Minister Lawrence reminded the audience that phoney drugs, medicines and pharmaceuticals comprise some 10 per cent of exports to the sub-sector in low and middle-income countries. With the bourgeoning of counterfeit drugs globally, Lawrence reiterated the need for greater ‘pharmacovigilance’ among local healthcare practitioners to help spot and remove the bogus items from the supply chain of the local market. “Failure to do so will compromise your integrity and defeat your purpose as

medicine experts. Keep your ears attuned to complaints of medication not working effectively, presentation of adverse effects, investigate and help monitor the performance of drugs. Verify if the certificates of authorisation are in place. Give support to the GA-FDD (Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department),” she said. The 18th Annual Pharmacy Convention was held under the theme “Pharmacist: Your Medicines Experts, Bridging the Gap for Quality Health Care” and was organised by the Guyana Pharmacists’ Association. It drew some 200 participants representing the private and public sector pharmacies, University of Guyana (UG) students and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). During her keynote address, Minister Lawrence ex-

amined the rationale behind the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2013 launch of the Global Surveillance and Monitoring system, reminding listeners it was to encourage countries to report falsified medical products in order to help develop a more accurate and validated assessment of the emerging and troubling problem. “You as medicine experts are cognisant of the risks and dangers to health with the use of substandard and falsified drugs which continue to find their way into the local markets. You know how detrimental to health these are and the threat it poses to healthcare delivery. “Use your expertise to impact positively, so that the abuse of medicines and drugs can be kept at a minimum and our citizens can

be protected from the use of falsified medication. The whole question of fake medicines is not only a global/ regional issue but one that is right in our backyard,” Lawrence said. As a consequence, the GA-FDD in collaboration with the Regional Medi c i n e S u r v e i l l a n c e D epartment in Jamaica will conduct an assessment on Guyana’s medical industry in a bid to crackdown on pharmaceutical fraud in the local market and to help bolster patients’ safety. “The patients’ expectation of you as a pharmacist expands far beyond the product-oriented functions of distributing and dispensing medicines and health supplies. You are considered and seen as the main care-provider, as a counsellor, as an adviser, depending on the scenario,” Lawrence reminded the pharmacists. In the health sector’s pecking order, pharmacists usually play second fiddle to physicians being lost sometimes in the shadows of anonymity. But Lawrence challenged them to find creative ways to overcome these challenges. “You have earned the right to be recognised as qualified practitioners as you now possess the requisite expertise and knowledge to influence the way pharmaceutical care evolves in our country. You are the trustees of the array of safe and effective medicines that would allow our citizens to derive optimum benefits from their use. I urge you therefore to use this responsibility with dignity, professionalism and ethical fortitude,” Minister Lawrence said. Meanwhile, GPA’s President, Ms. Rosana Narine, reminded participants of their key role in providing health and pharmaceutical care to the Guyanese public. “Pharmacist are experts in medicines and use their clinical expertise, together with formulation, quality-control, practical knowledge, to ensure the safe supply and use of medicines by public”, Narine said. Meanwhile, Dr. Karishma Jeeboo, who recently graduated as a doctor of

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

Dr. Karishma Jeeboo receiving her award from GPA’s President- Ms. Rosana Narine.

pharmacy from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada, received the GPA Special Recognition Award

while Mr Carl Bacchus was, bestowed the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists Life Membership Award.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

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'Literacy, the greatest enabler of the ...-Dr. Roopnaraine From PAGE 8

kernel of a civilised society. Since then, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of its importance as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society Dr. Vindhya Persaud, PPP/C Member of Parliament, said literacy means much more than the ability to read and write, as it allows for a person to envisage competence in various skills, honing of abilities to be able to function and grasp and assimilate, so that one day, they will be able to lead lives where they are confident in themselves. Promoting literacy, is also about promoting confidence, as to be literate and be able to read and write and to express, absorb and open the minds to so many things around the world, one has to open their minds to be their best self, to be purposeful and meaningful by opening the mind to attributes and everything that is necessary. A highlight of the event was the announcement of Eion Henry and Jeremy Fraser, as the Youth Ambassador Award 2019 and the Best Camper Youth Award 2019, resulting from a camp which was held at Baganara, in the Essequibo River. Omar Panday, Chief Ex-

Director of Public Service Training within the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

ecutive Officer and ROC Leadership Advocate and Motivational Speaker, in announcing the winners explained that the Youth Ambassadorship Programme is premised on Article 12 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, which states that children are young people, they are not mere objects for indoctrination but that they should be participants in the process of youth empowerment and education. Participants were drawn from all the 10 administrative regions and comprised youths from all walks of life. The youth ambassadors are then trained in the areas of personal, community and national development. The first camp was held at Santa Mission. In particular, the announcement of Henry as the Youth

although the justice system had found no evidence against him. Henry, since gaining his freedom, and whose desire is to be educated has since completed a course in welding and fabrication as well as a course in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at the Sophia Training Centre, where he was the Best Graduating Student. He is now attending the Government Technical Institute where he is studying Metal Work and Engineering

Ambassador 2019, was met with resounding applause from the audience, when it was disclosed that prior to being on the programme, he at age 13, found himself on the wrong side of the law and spent seven years in incarceration. Initially he was Youth Ambassador 2019 –Youth held at the Sophia Ambassador 2019, Eion Henry Holding Centre bereceives his award from fore being transferred to the Camp Street jail and subsequently to the and hopes upon completion to Timehri Prison. Panday who move on to the University of first came into contact with Guyana. Henry in 2015, said he along Henry was presented with with the ROC and a lawyer a trophy by Dr. Roopnaraine, for the Legal Aid Centre, was instrumental in helping Henry, while Fraser received his who continued to be detained from Dr. Persaud.

Conspiracy to commit murder PI continues September 11 THE preliminary inquiry (PI) involving the owner of Mark Interior Communication Inc. and an alleged hit-man, who are charged for conspiring to execute a Lethem businessman, continued on Monday, September 9, 2019. The PI is presided over by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and a total of eight witnesses are still to testify. Mark Grimmond, 57, the owner of the communication service and Mark’s Pool Side and Fun Park located at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was charged along with Chatterpaul Singh called Kevin, 36. The men are currently on remand for the charge which alleged that, between April 1, 2018, and June 7, 2019, at Georgetown, they conspired with persons known and unknown to murder Dwayne Grant. On Monday, Police Officer Selwyn Fernandes, who is stationed at the Lethem Police Station testified. The PI is adjourned until September 11, 2019. According to reports, Grant, is a businessman who lives in Lethem and had received a ‘tip-off’ that Grimmond had hired someone to execute him. The businessman became

Mark Grimmond

Chatterpaul Singh called ‘Kevin’

fearful for his life and reported the matter to the police, who went to a Hotel in Lethem and found Singh with an illegal firearm in his possession. The police is contending that Singh, while in custody, told the investigator that he was hired by Grimmond to kill Grant. Grimmond was arrested and the police found telephone records between the men.

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Middle-aged woman sentenced for attempting to bribe police officer MAGISTRATE Dylon Bess on Monday, September 9, 2019, sentenced a 40-yearold woman to 28 days’ imprisonment and fined her $50,000, for attempting to bribe a police officer. Bibi Azimulla of New Area, East Berbice, was on trial at the Georgetown Mag-

istrates’ Court and was found guilty of the charge. She was out on $50,000 bail during her trial. The charge read that, on November 19, 2018, at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Azimulla tried to corrupt an

agent of the State by offering her $20,000, as a reward or inducement to omit a previous conviction on the certificate of character of her brother, Azaad Azimulla. Magistrate Bess sentenced Azimulla to serve 28 days’ imprisonment and fined her $50,000.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

No nominees, Parliament can delay oil spending –Min. Jordan TO date, both the Opposition and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have not put forward their nominees for the Committees of Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) set to manage the use of Guyana’s pending oil revenues. Added to this, even as the Government continues to provide public services in its ‘interim’ mode until new elections, full implementation of the NRF will remain out of reach until Parliament is reconvened. Speaking to the media on Monday evening, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan stated that this means that should revenue flow begin from production in 2020 and these necessities be absent, all revenues collected will remained untouched in an account governed by the law in place. The Public Accountability and Oversight 22-member Committee, is made up of a broad cross-section of society and is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the compliance of the Government and others with the provisions of this NRF Act. It will also provide independent assessment of the management of the Fund and utilisation of withdrawals from the Fund; ensure that the Fund is managed in accordance with the principles of transparency, good governance and international best practices and facilitate public consultations on the management of the Fund and utilisation of withdrawals.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (Carl Croker photo)

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition is also expected to name a nominee for the six-member Investment Committee of the NRF. “Going forward, what will happen, if we can’t get the Committee set up, we will open the account; the account will be governed by the law that is in place; it will receive the monies so to speak and it will be parked there until we can get a Parliament going because Parliament is heavily involved in the withdrawal process from the Natural Resource Fund,” Jordan said on the sidelines of the commemorative reception of the Liza Destiny’s arrival. Jordan reminded that the government, even as it awaits new elections, has sought to move the process forward as far as possible ahead of 2020. The Ministry of Finance has contacted the Opposition and PSC regarding their nominees but has thus far only received an apology from the latter. “They [the Private Sector Commission] have merely written me a letter saying that they’re sorry they didn’t respond earlier but they haven’t

come forward with their nominees…all they said is that they’re sorry they didn’t reply earlier; that they were transitioning management team and will reply to me when they work on it,” Jordan said. Jordan stated that the government has carried the NRF as far as it possibly can and is now at the point whereby a seminar with all relevant stakeholders will be held in a few weeks to ensure the Oversight Committee is functional before ‘first oil’. He also noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is in Guyana providing technical support with additional help to come from Ghana. However, he acknowledged: “We have to gauge the climate for this and we also have to consider the reactions of some of the people who are supposed to be appointed to the Committee.” “In the meanwhile, what we have to be doing is putting together the various ideas in the budget and then to see when we can get the budget out based on when it is elections and how much funding [from the NRF] can actually take place during next year because… don’t forget, monies will accumulate very slowly in the NRF,” he said. “Post 2020, especially when its racked up to Liza 2 and the other discoveries and we start extracting that is when we’ll really be talking serious money and that is when we can really think about all the major projects that we have.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

World Bank appoints new representative for Guyana

THE World Bank has appointed German national, Ozan Sevimli, as its new Resident Representative for Guyana and Jamaica. The announcement, made on Monday, stated that Sevimli will be stationed in Kingston, Jamaica, and will focus on leading the World Bank policy dialogue and managing the country programs and teams to support development. He holds a master degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas and a master degree in

New World Bank Representative to Guyana, Ozan Sevimli

Labour Economics from the University of Applied Sciences of Mannheim. Since joining the Bank in 2004, he has held several positions which include his service at the Bank’s Africa Region and Europe and Central Asia Region. Most recently, Sevimli served as the World Bank’s Program Coordinator for the South Caucasus based in Tbilisi, Georgia. During his tenure in Guyana and Jamaica, he will work closely with the government, private sector and

Security guard accused of stealing granted bail MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Monday, September 9, 2019, released, on bail, a 28-year-old security guard, attached to the Amalgamated Security Service (AGM), accused of simple larceny. Lennon Alexander of 317 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied that, on September 7, 2019, at Regent Street, he stole twelve dresses valued at $60,000, property of Sunil Teota. Reports stated that, on

Lennon Alexander

the day in question, the defendant was stationed at the store of the virtual complainant, when he was seen acting in a suspicious man-

ner while he was leaving. A search was conducted and the items were found in the defendant’s bag. According to sources, a porter at the store admitted to putting the dresses in the defendant’s bag. However no evidence of such was presented. The matter was reported to the police and Alexander was later arrested and charged. Magistrate McGusty placed Alexander on $40,000 bail and adjourned the matter until September 23, 2019.

civil society. He now replaces Galina Sotirova, a Bulgarian national, who held the position for the past four years. “I feel honored by this opportunity to help further expand and strengthen our excellent partnerships with both Guyana and Jamaica,” Sevimli said

in a release from the Bank. “I look forward to supporting both countries on their development priorities for boosting growth and prosperity and reducing poverty.” The World Bank has taken note of Guyana as a middle-income country well-endowed with natural

resources, fertile agricultural lands, bauxite, gold and tropical forests that cover over 80 per cent of the country. It notes that the country’s economy is expected to grow some 4.6 per cent in 2019 and over 30 percent in 2020 due to oil production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

PAHO issues US $3.5M donor appeal for health response in the Bahamas THE Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is requesting an initial US $3.5 million from donors to cover short-term health care and other needs for the population in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. The devastating category 5 storm made landfall exactly one week ago in northwest Bahamas, and severely affected the health sector, with significant destruction of equipment and medical supplies and electrical and water supplies in Abaco and Grand Bahama. Some 73,000 persons were affected by the storm, and there are hundreds of people in shelters in the disaster zone. While 43 deaths have been officially reported thus far, mass casualty numbers are expected to rise significantly as more areas become accessible and search and rescue operations continue. Dr. Ciro Ugarte, PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies, said, “Our priority concerns are to restore access to essential health services and continued medical care delivery, to ensure water quality in affected communities and health facilities, and to restore proper hygiene and sanitation.” He said adequate waste management and control of disease-causing vectors such as mosquitoes is key, along with increasing epidemiological surveillance to support early detection and timely management of disease outbreaks. The US$3.5 million being requested by PAHO is a preliminary estimate to cover short- term healthcare, water

and sanitation, epidemiological surveillance and vector-control needs in the Bahamian Islands most affected by Hurricane Dorian for the next six months, Dr. Ugarte said, adding that needs will likely increase as damage assessments are completed. PAHO/WHO activated its emergency teams for surge capacity and had predeployed Rapid Response Team experts to the Bahamas before Hurricane Dorian struck to support health authorities and humanitarian response as needs were identified. So far, 14 PAHO experts are in the disaster zone to provide surge capacity in logistics, civil and military coordination, information management, epidemiological surveillance, communications, and coordination. Dr. Ugarte said PAHO is acting quickly to support the Bahamas Ministry of Health in the response, setting up an Incident Management system and co-leading the health cluster with the national health authorities to coordinate health and humanitarian support to the affected population. The funding requests includes US$1.3 million to restore healthcare delivery in affected areas, US$500,000 for surveillance to detect and manage disease outbreaks, US$800,000 for safe access to water, emergency sanitation and control of disease vectors, and US$671,000 to coordinate humanitarian assistance and manage information to address the most urgent humanitarian needs.

Woman accused of stealing granted bail MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty on Monday, September 9, 2019, granted bail to a 46-yearold caregiver who was accused of stealing. Carla Agard appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty. It is alleged that, on September 3, 2019, at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, she stole, from the dwelling house of Ayabo Watson, $1,500,000 cash along with other items valued at $430,000. Police prosecutor An-

nalisa Brummell made no objection to bail being granted to Agard and asked that conditions be attached. Brummell asked that Agard report to the East La Penitence police station every Friday until the matter is completed and also lodge her travel documents at the police station. Magistrate McGusty agreed with the conditions and granted Agard $250,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until September 23, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday September 10, 2019

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FROM BACK PAGE

Kieron Pollard

named West Indies ODI,... PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies have sacked both Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite as oneday and Twenty20 captain respectively, and have appointed experienced batting all-rounder Kieron Pollard to lead the Caribbean side in the white-ball formats. In a media conference here Monday, CWI said they had accepted the recommendation of the selection task force headed by its vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow and including director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, to implement specific red-ball and white-ball captains, and had subsequently ratified the choice of the 32-year-old Pollard. “Kieron Pollard, with immediate effect, has agreed to take up the position of captain of both our T20 and ODI white-ball teams,” CWI president, Ricky Skerritt told media here. “This appointment directly results from the recommended restructuring in leadership by the same task force in its quest to produce better selection and performance results. “I want to publicly congratulate Mr Pollard on his appointment and to thank the task force for the excellent work they have achieved and for the very important transformational recommendation they have made in Mr Pollard’s appointment.” Largely a T20 specialist, Pollard has not played a single One-Day International in the last three years, his last appearance coming on the ill-fated series against Pakistan in the United Arab

Emirates when West Indies suffered a humiliating whitewash. His record has also been unflattering, averaging 25 with the bat from 101 ODIs with three hundreds, and taking 50 wickets with his slow medium at nearly 40 runs apiece. In T20s, the Trinidadian has played 62 matches with a batting average of 21 with three fifties. His 58 against India last month was his first half-century in seven years. However, he brings massive leadership experience in the shortest format, having led Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League for five years and then also taking over at St Lucia Stars last season. This year, he is leading his native Trinbago Knight Riders in the absence of regular skipper Dwayne Bravo who has been ruled out of the tournament with injury. “I’m truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies and I would like to thank Cricket West Indies’ Board of Directors for placing their faith and confidence in me,” Pollard said. “I can’t wait to work with the coaching staff and players as we start building towards future World Cups and give the fans more reasons to get behind the team.” Both Holder and Brathwaite enjoyed modest success in their roles, leaving Pollard with teams ranked ninth in both formats, only above the likes of minnows Afghanistan and Nepal. The 27-year-old Holder, appointed ODI captain in December 2014 after just

a handful of international games, won just 24 of his 86 games in charge. Instructively, West Indies never won a series under the world-rated Barbadian all-rounder. More, the Windies suffered an abysmal World Cup campaign in England earlier this year when they managed just two wins in 10 matches – in their opener against Pakistan and in their finale against Afghanistan – to finish ninth of 10 teams and produce their worst ever performance at the showpiece. Brathwaite, meanwhile, fared little better after taking over from two-time T20 World Cup-winning skipper, Darren Sammy, in August, 2016, just five months after the Caribbean side’s capture of the T20 World Cup in India. The Windies won just 11 of 28 matches and three of 11 multi-match series under Brathwaite, and have lost 12 of their last 15 T20 Internationals. Adams said the shifting of the captaincy was an opportunity for both Holder and Brathwaite to further develop their own game. “I would like to place on record the significant contributions and leadership that both Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite have provided the West Indies ‘white ball’ teams,” said the former Windies Test captain. “And we look forward to both players focusing on their own games and enjoy the freedom of playing with the reduced responsibility.” Holder, however, will remain in charge of the Test side.

Allicock competing... GUYANA and Caribbean bantamweight champion ‘Lightning’ Keevin Allicock is currently in Yekaterinburg, Russia to participate in his first World Boxing Championship. Allicock departed Guyana on Saturday and has moved up to the featherweight division as the bantamweight category has been left out of the World

Championships. He will have his first bout tomorrow (Wednesday) against Finland’s Arsian Khataev. Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle said that his association worked tirelessly in order to get the talented boxer to the championships. “The World Championship is only second to the Olympics and it is my

FROM BACK PAGE

commitment to keep exposing not only Mr. Allicock but all of our boxers to the highest level of training and competition,” Ninvalle said. Guyana’s last appeared at the World Championship in 2013 in Kazakhstan with Dennis Thomas and Imran Khan. Allicock’s trip cost in excess of $1.3 million.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Rashid bags 11 to lead Afghanistan to famous Test win over Bangladesh (REUTERS) - Rashid Khan picked up six second innings wickets to lead Afghanistan to a famous 224run win over Bangladesh in the maiden Test match between the two sides at Chattogram on Monday. Racing against time to complete a win with less than four overs left in the weather-hit match, the longest-format rookies bundled out the hosts for 173 in their second innings amid a drizzle and fading light. The 20-year-old Rashid, who became the youngest Test captain ever during the one-off match, took six for 49 in the second innings to finish with 11 wickets in the match to go with his knock of 51 with the bat in the first innings. Rashid was adjudged the player of the match, which he dedicated to fellow spinner and former captain Mohammad Nabi who retired from tests but will continue to play whiteball cricket. Playing only their third Test match after being inducted as a test-playing na-

Rashid Khan sets off on a celebratory run, with Afsar Zazai in pursuit, after the last wicket (BCB)

tion two years back, it was the second victory for the strife-torn country. “We are new in this format, total credit goes to the coaching staff and the players for this victory,” Rashid said at the presentation ceremony. “We had the best

preparation for this game. The only thing (I said) from my side was enjoy your bowling and enjoy your batting, that’s what matters in test cricket. Everyone applied themselves, it was a total team effort.” Rahmat Shah’s 102 - the

first century in the format by an Afghanistan batsman - and a 92 from Asghar Afghan allowed the touring side to post 342 in the first innings. Rashid and Nabi, who took 3-56 in the first innings, then combined to skittle Bangladesh for 205 for a handy first innings lead. Afghanistan then made 260 in their second innings to set Bangladesh a steep target to chase on a spinning track. Once Afghanistan reduced Bangladesh to 136-6 in the second innings, the fate of the match was almost decided but for the intervention of bad weather. Heavy showers allowed little play through the final day leaving Afghanistan with about 18.3 overs in the final session to take the remaining four wickets and force a result. Rashid took three out of those with just 3.2 overs remaining. It was a disappointing result for Bangladesh, who made their debut in the format way back in 2000. “It’s combination of both, (lack of) application of

SCOREBOARD AFGHANISTAN first innings 342 Bangladesh first innings 205 Afghanistan second innings 260 BANGLADESH second innings (overnight 136 for 6) Liton Das lbw Zahir Khan 9 Shadman Islam lbw Mohammad Nabi 41 Mosaddek Hossain c Asghar Afghan b Zahir Khan 12 Mushfiqur Rahim lbw Rashid Khan 23 Mominul Haque lbw Rashid Khan 3 Shakib Al Hasan c Afsar Zazai b Zahir Khan 44 Mahmudullah c Ibrahim Zadran b Rashid Khan 7 Soumya Sarkar c Ibrahim Zadran b Rashid Khan 15 Mehedi Hasan lbw Rashid Khan 12 Taijul Islam lbw Rashid Khan 0 Nayeem Hasan Not Out 1 Extras: 4b 2lb 0nb 0pen 0w 6 Total: (61.4 overs) 173 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-30 Das, 2-52 Saikat, 3-78 Rahim, 4-82 Haque, 5-106 Anik, 6-125 Mahmudullah, 7-143 Al Hasan, 8-166 Miraz, 9-166 Islam, 10-173 Sarkar Bowling: Yamin Ahmadzai 4-1-14-0, Mohammad Nabi 20-5-39-1, Rashid Khan 21.4-6-49-6, Zahir Khan 15-0-59-3, Qais Ahmad 1-0-6-0.

our batsmen and Afghanistan also bowled really well,” skipper and batting mainstay Shakib Al Hasan said. “All credit goes to Afghanistan but at the same time we also have to do

a lot of work hard. After playing for 20 years, we cannot say it’s a build-up process. We need to forget this match as soon as possible and focus on the T20 series.”

Root lacks feel for captaincy, says Boycott England captain Joe Root

LONDON (Reuters) - Joe Root came out fighting after Australia retained the Ashes with a thrilling victory in the fourth test at Old Trafford on Sunday but questions remain about his effectiveness as captain. The 28-year-old cut a rather forlorn figure as Australia celebrated moving 2-1 ahead in the series but insists he is still the right man to lead England forward. This week’s Oval Test offers Root the chance of at least avoiding becoming the first England captain to lose a home series against Australia since Mike Atherton suffered that fate in 2001 - a result that prompted his international retirement. While Root remains England’s best batsman and is

still in his prime, not all are convinced that he is getting the best out of his team mates with his decision-making during the four tests so far against Australia being questioned. “Joe Root is such a likeable lad, a quality batsman and nobody wants to hurt or humiliate him but I’m afraid he lacks any feel for captaincy,” former opening batsman and respected pundit Geoffery Boycott, who had a short spell as captain in 1977-78, told the Daily Telegraph on Monday. “His captaincy has been very disappointing and he has to seriously think about whether he is suited for the job and whether it is affecting his batting.” Root’s record since taking over as captain from Alastair Cook two years ago has seen series wins at home against India and South Africa and away in Sri Lanka.

But England were thrashed by Australia in 2017 and this year lost a series to West Indies for the first time since 2009. There is also a concern that his batting is being undermined by the responsibility of captaincy. He has failed to score a century in the ongoing Ashes series, made three ducks and averages only 30. Boycott, however, is more concerned with Root’s failure to seize on crucial moments during the current series — pointing to Saturday’s afternoon session when Australia were wobbling on 63 for four to leave the door slightly ajar. Australia went on to declare on 186 for six to leave England fighting in vain for a draw. “Jofra Archer bowled fast and Stuart Broad with great skill and intensity, the atmosphere was electric with the crowd urging England on

to bowl them out cheaply,” Boycott said. “But after tea Joe opened the bowling with Craig Overton and Jack Leach and his field settings beggared belief. “All the intensity, aggression dissipated. Joe just stood at slip watching (Steve) Smith take the match away from us. “As much as we all love Joe it seems he does not have a feel for the nuances of the game.” Boycott believes the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will be wary of taking the captaincy away from Root but his criticism is echoed by another former captain Nasser Hussain. “It’s been clear in this game that Root has felt let down by some of his bowlers, especially on the first day,” Hussain told the Daily Mail. “But he knows the buck stops with him. It’s up to the captain to get the best out of his team.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 10, 2019

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Smith says retaining Ashes in England is bucket list moment MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Batsman Steve Smith said retaining the Ashes in England was one to tick off his bucket list after Australia beat their traditional rivals by 185 runs to win the fourth test at Old Trafford on Sunday. England battled tenaciously to try and force an unlikely draw on the final day but Australia eventually bowled them out for 197 to take a 2-1 lead to the Oval and ensure that even a series draw would mean they retain the urn. Former captain Smith, who has endured boos from the home crowds for his role in last year’s ball-tampering scandal but has responded by piling up 671 runs in five innings, said it was incredibly

special to retain the Ashes in England, something Australia have not done for 18 years. “It feels amazing to know the urn is coming home,” he told Sky Sports as the celebrations continued around him. “I’ve been here a few times where things haven’t quite gone our way. We haven’t performed to the best of our ability in ‘13 and ‘15 but it was always one I wanted to tick off my bucket list to get the urn over here.” Australia’s attack toiled long and hard all day after England had begun the day 18-2 chasing an unlikely 383 to win. A stubborn ninth-wicket stand between Jack Leach and Craig Overton offered England faint hopes of surviving but part-

time spinner Marnus Labuschagne removed Leach before Overton was trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood. “The boys were getting a bit tired out there but at the start of the day we thought we would have our eight chances and it proved to be the way. England fought incredibly hard and Overton was exceptional and showed great courage,” Smith said. Hazlewood said there had been some anxious moments as England dug in. “The heart was definitely beating fast in that last couple of hours,” he said. “When we got Jos (Buttler) I think we felt we had the time but it was a hell of a last couple of hours.” Australia captain Tim Paine said it had been an

emotional triumph, especially after England had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the third test at Headingley. “The amount of work to retain the Ashes has been enormous and I’m really proud of this group and how we bounced back from Headingley,” he said. “The atmosphere at every ground has been unbelievable. The noise they make here and the passion they have for cricket makes this moment all the more special. We’re thrilled. This is what we came here to do. “We’ll have a bloody good night tonight together and celebrate but we’ll be back on deck next week. We want to win the Ashes 3-1.” England skipper Joe

Williams legacy assured even if number 24 remains out of reach By Steve Keating NEW YORK (Reuters) - Already regarded as the greatest women’s player ever to pick up a tennis racquet, Serena Williams’s legacy is already assured but the record equalling 24th Grand Slam that would help build statistical proof remains frustratingly out of reach. Twenty years ago a 17-year-old Williams walked away from the U.S. Open with what would be the first of her 23 Grand Slam titles. On Saturday she had the chance to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record but instead it was Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu grabbing the trophy with a 6-3 7-5 win. That victory not only raised questions about whether Williams would ever get beyond 23 Grand Slam titles, many also viewed 19-year-old Andreescu’s win as a changing of the guard in women’s tennis. Since giving birth to her daughter in 2017, Williams has not won a tournament. Four times now, twice at Wimbledon (2018, 2019)

Serena Williams once again finished runner-up and was unable to make history in New York

and at the U.S. Open (2018, 2019) Williams has come agonizingly close to that 24th Grand Slam only to fall at the final hurdle. She did not just lose all four finals — she failed to win a single set. The next time Williams can attempt to equal Court’s record at the Australian Open in January she would be 38, the climb to the summit ever steeper. But a defiant Williams refused to accept there would not be

another Grand Slam in her future. “All of it honestly, truly is super frustrating,” said Williams. “I’m, like, so close, so close, so close, yet so far away. “I don’t know what to say. I guess I got to keep going if I want to be a professional tennis player. “And I just got to just keep fighting through it. “I’m not necessarily chasing a record. I’m just trying to win Grand Slams. “It’s definitely frustrating. I’m

still doing what I can do.” MOVING THE NEEDLE Like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, Williams is an athlete who moves the needle. What she wears, eats and says matters. In the Big Apple, where there is no shortage of distractions for A-listers on a Saturday afternoon, it was the Serena Williams show that was the hot ticket. When the Queen of

Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - Australia’s Steve Smith celebrates wining the match and retaining the Ashes Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

Root said he was proud of his team despite now not being unable to win back the Ashes. “Another great Test match, but it’s bitterly disappointing,” he said. “From today’s point of view, I am really proud. “You learn

a lot about your team. Everyone stood up and played bravely. We have seen some wonderful Test cricket and I expect the same at The Oval. “We want to level the series. We have to pick ourselves up and turn up at The Oval.”

Tennis holds court in New York it attracts sporting royalty and on occasion the real thing. Williams’s good friend Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was cheering her on from the players box. But no amount of support, royal or otherwise, could lift Williams to the level she needed on Saturday, Andreescu breaking the former world number one to open the final and never letting her opponent get her nose in front. Williams’s power game has never been in question. Her serve and crushing forehands can still strike fear into opponents. But the rest of Williams’s game has begun to show signs of wear of time. She can no longer command the court the way she once did, and her coach Patrick Mouratoglou suggested Williams’s greatest weapon — her unshakable confidence — had faltered under the weight of her own high expectations. Before the U.S. Open the air of invincibility that once surrounded Williams had all but vanished. Then she arrived at the doors to Flushing Meadows and looked unbeatable, steamrolling her way into her 10th U.S. Open final. This was not an old Williams. This was the Williams of old.

Any concerns over the back spasms that forced her to quit the Toronto final and pull out of Cincinnati were eased when Williams opened her Flushing Meadows account with a 6-1 6-1 demolition of old rival Maria Sharapova. That was followed by routine wins over Karolina Muchova, Petra Martica and Cat McNally before blasting her way into the last four with a jaw dropping 6-1 6-0 rout of China’s Wang Qiang to register her 100th U.S. Open victory. An even more ruthless 6-3 6-1 semi-final win over fifth seed Elina Svitolina seemed to indicate that the title was there for the taking. But on Saturday she was looking across the net at a mirror image of her younger self. A player with a big serve, thundering forehand, all court game, intensity and a cat burglar’s cool. Down a set and 5-1 the stress and frustration was written all over Williams’s face. Then the spirit of a champion took over, Williams fighting off match point and sweeping through four games to level the set and sending a jolt of electricity through a seething Arthur Ashe Stadium. But in the end youth was served, Andreescu living up to expectations and Williams unable to live up to her own.

VINTAGE WILLIAMS.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 10, 2019

BCB 80th Anniversary Celebration.

Twelve youths to benefit from Minister Ramjattan donation to BCB

TWELVE outstanding Under-13 Cricketers drawn from across Berbice will benefit from donation of cricket gear as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continued its celebration of its 80th Anniversary. President Hilbert Foster and former BCB president Malcolm Peters on Thursday last visited the Office of the VicePresident and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan who handed over $250 000.00 worth of cricket gear to Guyana’s most vibrant cricket organisation. The donation includ-

ed bats, batting pads, helmets, wicket- keeping pads, stumps and wicket keeping gloves. Foster, who is spearheading the month long celebration of the 80th Anniversary expressed the BCB’s gratitude to Minister Ramjattan and praised the Minister for remembering his home county of Berbice. Foster stated that the celebration is being done in four ways “Honouring of Heroes, Investing in Promising Players, Educational events and Upgrading of the BCB Office/Operations”. Foster stated that the twelve cricketers would

each receive a piece of cricket gear while two Clubs in the Upper Corentyne area would each get a complete set of stumps. The players would be drawn from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Rose Hall Canje, Albion Community Centre, Blairmont Community Centre, Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne and West Berbice. The BCB in the last nineteen months has assisted dozens of young cricketers with over $2M worth of bicycles, educational materials, school bags, cricket bats, batting pads, batting gloves, helmets, bowling

boots and wicket keeping equipment. Foster stated that the BCB would also shortly assist another fifteen Under-15 players with their own batting pads or gloves. The BCB Office is also undergoing a major upgrade as the Board seeks to improve its services to the general public. Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu stated that among the programmes for the 80th Anniversary are “Tribute to Heroes, Unveiling of Berbice Greatest Players, 80th Anniversary Book, Youth Information Booklet, Educational Competitions in Schools,

Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan hands over cricket gear to BCB president Hilbert Foster as Malcolm Peters looks on.

dstribution of School bags, Induction into Hall of Fame for Cricketers and Administrators, Newspapers pull out, Religious

Service, Feeding the Inmates of Senior Citizens and Pensioners Breakfast Programmes at the Rose Hall Town Post Office”.

Central Essequibo congratulates Ramballi Nadal motivated by love of game, not Grand Slam record on receiving National Youth Award

THIRTEEN-year-old Rajindra Ramballi of Bacchus Bulls Sports Club was recently the recipient of the coveted National Youth Award following the convocation ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel recently. Ramballi who hails from Affiance on the Essequibo Coast boast of being one of the more promising young cricketer from the cinderella county, as he had a credible season including making his debut at the Under- 15 level for Essequibo. The wily leg-spinner and compact left-hander also represented the Anna Regina Secondary and was instrumental in his al-mater winning the inter-secondary school one-day tournament earlier in the year. When contacted, the softly spoken cricketer expressed delight at the award, disclosing that ‘I was surprised by the award, but I knew that I had worked hard on my cricket and I’m thankful for the recognition’. Ravindra Ramballi proudly He further added that ‘I honoured to be so showcasing his award. highly bestowed with this award and I hope that other young cricketers will be inspired to achieve CRICKET QUIZ CORNER same’. While the young aspiring international (Tuesday September 10, 2019) cricketer is set on achieving his goals, he also COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda reminded that balancing his academics with Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & sports is also at the top of his priority list. He is the first sports personality to gain CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: the award from Central Essequibo and in 225-6158) a release the Committee on behalf of the members extended their congratulations while Answers to yesterday’s quiz: acknowledging that it is a firm stepping stone for 1. Warriors defeated Zouks by 13 runs the highly acclaimed cricketer to achieve many more accolades in his career. 2. Chris Green (Warriors) The presentation of the award through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry Today’s Quiz: of the Presidency was delivered in the presence 1. Which two teams contested the first ever CPL of the Minister with responsibility for Sports Dr. game? George Norton. Youths from other administrative regions 2. Who has played most CPL matches for the were also recognized for their outstanding Warriors to date? ability including in other disciplines as well. Answers in tomorrow’s issue (Elroy Stephney).

Flushing, NY, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the championship trophy during the ceremony after his match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the menÕs singles final on Sunday of 2019 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

By Rory Carroll NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal moved within one Grand Slam title of tying Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 20 on Sunday but even after adding a fourth U.S. Open to his collection the Spaniard said it was his love of the game, not records, that motivates him. Nadal fended off a late comeback from Daniil Medvedev to win a five-set classic at Flushing Meadows, winning a 19th slam that also took him three clear of Novak Djokovic’s 16 titles. “I am playing tennis because I love to play tennis,” Nadal told reporters. “I can’t just think about Grand Slams. Tennis is more than Grand Slams. I need to think about the rest of the things. “I play to be happy. Of course, the victory of today makes me super happy.” It is anyone’s guess who among the ‘Big Three’ will finish their career with the most slams. At 33, Nadal may have the edge on Federer, the 38-year-old Swiss crashing

out of the U.S. Open in the quarter-finals and failing to add to his Grand Slam titles since winning the 2018 Australian Open. If nowhere else, Nadal will be a hot favourite at the French Open, where he has won a record 12 titles including the last three. He said that while he was honoured to be part of the battle to be crowned the greatest of all time, and thrilled if it attracted more fans to the game, he would still sleep well if he comes up short. “You can’t be all day looking next to you about if one having more or one having little bit less because you will be frustrated,” he said. “All the things that I achieved in my career are much more than what I ever thought and what I ever dream. “I would love to be the one who have more. But I really believe that I will not be happier or less happy if that happens or not happen,” he said. “What gives you the happiness is the personal satisfaction that you gave your best. “In that way I am very, very calm, very pleased with myself.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, September 10, 2019

27

Reggae Boyz hammer Golden Jaguars 4-0 in CONCACAF Nations League

Guyana’s Neil Danns on the defensive end against Jamaica at the National Track and Field Centre. (Delano Williams photo)

CWI to appoint permanent head coach before Afghanistan tour

CWI president Ricky Skerritt

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has officially launched the search for a permanent head coach for the regional side in time for their upcoming away tour against Afghanistan that begins in November. This follows a comprehensive review by CWI’s Selection Task Force into the selection process and system for all West Indies cricket, with all the recommendations approved by the CWI Board of Directors at the quarterly meeting, held for the first time in Tobago on September 7 and 8. The Selection Task Force’s four-month review benchmarked cricket selection systems around the world and incorporated feedback and contributions from current and former players, coaches, administrators, franchise CEOs and nearly 2,700 fans across the

Caribbean. As a result, CWI announced that they will be advertising the men’s head coach role with immediate effect inviting applications before the September 20 with the aim of having a permanent head coach in place for the forthcoming away tour against Afghanistan. The new CWI selection system will introduce new team-specific selection panels for the West Indies men’s and women’s and Youth teams. This will comprise an Executive Selector (lead selector), a selector and head coach. The full-time selectors will be supported by a selection analyst who will provide performance data to support selection considerations plus a minimum of three scouts to ensure cricketers throughout the region are closely watched and evaluated. A modernised, transparent selection policy will see players selected against six criteria: form and performance, fitness (based on a new approved fitness and conditioning policy), team balance, mental capacity, technical ability and commitment. The playing XIs will then be selected by the executive selector, head coach and captain. (Sportsmax)

DEVER Orgill and Alvis Powell netted a double each as the Reggae Boyz ran riot on the Golden Jaguars, hammering them 4-0 in a one-sided affair at the National Track and Fiekd Centre ,last night. Powell scored his double in the 14th and 26th minute, while Orgill scored in the 44th and 54th minute. It was Guyana’s first home game in the CONCACAF Nations League, having placed in Group G of League B alongside Jamaica, Aruba and Antigua and Barbuda.

Guyana had opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win against Aruba in Curacao, while Jamaica was impressive in their 6-0 thumping of Antigua. The Golden Jaguars head coach Marcio Maximo went with the same starting 11 that faced Aruba, but after some good exchanges and one good attempt in the early stages, Jamaica dominated the entire 90 minutes of play. More details to follow in tomorrow’s edition of Chronicle Sport. (Rawle Toney)

Tahir and Qais Ahmad join Amazon Warriors THE Guyana Amazon Warriors have announced that Shadab Khan, the Pakistan international leg-spinner, will only be available for the first three games of their Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season due to domestic commitments. He will be replaced by South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir. Tahir played for the Amazon Warriors in 2018 where he claimed 16 wickets at 17.75 as the team made it to the final where they were beaten by the Trinbago Knight Riders. Tahir was part of the

South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir

South African squad at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup where he claimed 11

wickets in his nine matches in the tournament. The Amazon Warriors

have also announced a replacement for USA player Saurabh Netravalkar who will be unavailable due to international commitments. Netravalkar was drafted as the Amazon Warriors ICC Americas player, but draft rules allow for him to be replaced by a Caribbean or overseas player. Netravalkar will be replaced by Afghan legspinner Qais Ahmad who played for the St Lucia franchise in the 2018 Hero CPL. Qais has 35 wickets in T20 cricket at the very impressive average of 18 from his 27 matches in the format.

Wells brace sinks Panama in famous Bermuda victory

UK-based striker Nahki Wells … netted a brace for Bermuda.

PANAMA CITY, Panama, (CMC) – National coach Kyle Lightbourne hailed his team’s performance after Nahki Wells scored in each half for Bermuda, who produced a major shock by beating Panama 2-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League here Sunday night. The stunning victory – against a team ranked 100 places above them in the

world – avenged a 4-1 defeat at Bermuda’s National Stadium three days earlier and kept alive their hopes of survival in the tournament’s top tier ahead of meetings against Mexico. “The team put in a good shift tonight,” Lightbourne, who made four changes to Thursday’s starting lineup, said after the League A, Group B game at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium. “We worked hard. We kept ourselves very compact and made it difficult for them to pass us. “We had to give them the possession so tonight was about playing without the ball and hitting when we had the opportunities, so we’re very pleased. “We had two

opportunities tonight, and we scored both of the them, which puts ourselves back in the competition and we see where we go from here.” Captain Danté Leverock, who plays for Irish side Sligo Rovers, said he and his teammates backed themselves to bounce back from their lacklustre display at home. “We were so disappointed the last match but we know our potential and that we could get a result,” he said. “We knew what was at stake and we went in with the mindset we had to leave it all out on the field. A great performance from the team and I’m so proud of the positive reaction.” UK-based striker Wells,

29, who is on loan from English Premier League club Burnley at Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, was happy to convert the chances that came his way in the 22nd and 61st minutes. The first was a tap-in after Reggie Lambe and Zeiko Lewis exchanged passes and the second was a shot from just inside the box after Lambe, who plays for English League Two side Cambridge United, slid the ball through to him. “It was a well-drilled, hard-fought all-round performance to get the win,” Wells said. “We dug deep. We defended first, attacked second and that was enough to grind out the result we got.”

Dexter Marques

Kieron Pollard named West Indies ODI, T20I captain

See Page 23

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard … appointd captain for white-ball formats.

to headline ‘Not in My House’ boxing card at D’Urban Park

Dexter Marques sings his contract for the September 28 flyweight clash against Colombian Jose Antonio Jimenez at Durban Park.

(L-R) Keevin Allicock, GABA president Steve Ninvalle and another GABA official prior to departure.

Allicock competing at World Boxing Championship See Page 23

DURBAN Park will be transformed into a battle ground on September 28, when Guyana Boxing Board of Control host ‘Not in My House’ – a pro/am card that will see six bouts, headlined by Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques. The fighters, including Marques, inked their contracts yesterday at the headquarters of the GBBC on Avenue of the Republic, with the boxers all expressing excitement to showcase and let loose their fistic fury in Durban Park. Marques, a flyweight whose is yet to step into the ring since his unanimous decision win over Dionis Martinez on January 20, 2018, will put his 17 wins and two losses record on the line against Colombian Jose Antonio Jimenez in a 10-round encounter. The James Moore and James Walcott six-round light heavyweight clash will serve as the main undercard, while the other bouts will see Edmond ‘Wonder Boy’ DeClou squaring off with Kwesi Jones (catchweight), and Joel Williamson battling Keeve Allicock in a fourround super lightweight clash. Welterweight, Anson Green is expected to come up against Raymond Wilburg of the USA (four rounds) and debutant, Pearline Lochan and Sharon Warde (four rounds) against each other. The boxers on the amateur segment is yet to be finalised.Admission for the event which will include a concert with surprise artists, is set at $2000. Bell time is 19:00hrs.

Reggae Boyz hammer Golden Jaguars 4-0 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See Page 27

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2019