Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_10_30_2019

WEDNESDAY 30th October, 2019

‘Show Yourselves’ No.105806

… GECOM gives 21-day ultimatum to persons who have not collected ID cards since 2008

… failure to do so will see 25,000 persons removed from voters’ list

‘QC is more than a school’ …President says college must lead way in science, technology 03 PAGE

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Four charged for murdering gold miner 19 PAGE

… another four, including doctor, for allegedly aiding bandits

GECOM records over 17,000 transactions 12 during C&O period PAGE

85 road deaths so far this year 05 PAGE

President David Granger presents a cheque of $2.5M to the Principal of Queen’s College, Jackie Ralph (right) in the presence of Chairman of the Queen’s College Board of Governors (QCBOG), Alfred Granger (Adrian Narine photo)

--- Road Safety Council calls for end to reckless driving

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

‘QC is more than a school’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

… President says college must lead way in science, technology … donates $2M to advance science at institution

By Lisa Hamilton

PRESIDENT David Granger donated over $2M to Queen’s College, on Tuesday, for the advancement of science education as he underscored that Guyana, now more than ever, needs professionals who can serve in the areas of the environment, petroleum and technology.

He made the donation and remarks during his address to the school’s General Assembly as it hosts its 175th anniversary this week. In attendance at the school’s auditorium was former Prime Minister and former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green; Members of the National Assembly, members of the Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) and International Chapters and Alumni Groups of Queens College.

The school was established in 1844 as the Queen’s College Grammar School for boys by Bishop William Piercy Austin, with the first class being held in August of that year.

Beginning with an enrollment of just 15 students and two tutors, the school now has over 600 students.

Addressing the audience, the

President said the school has nurtured four Executive Presidents, three Prime Ministers, three Chancellors of the Judiciary, several Chief Justices and High Court Judges, numerous ministers and public servants, and thousands of academics, bureaucrats, businessmen, diplomats, scientists and other professionals.

Likewise, he encouraged that if Guyana is to eliminate extreme poverty and inequality and create a better life for all, students at Queen’s College and elsewhere must shift their focus to the future and continue on the legacies left behind. He said that while Guyana, as well as other small states, are challenged with the realisation of the third industrial revolution of reducing the digital divide, it must not be discouraged but realise that it must move ahead or be left behind.

“We need you all if you’re going to transform this country…Guyana will need new skills to populate occupations in the ‘green’ environment, petroleum-producing and digital emerging economic sectors in the evolving State. It will need an ‘A-to-Z’ corps of scientists – from agronomists, architects, biologists, botanists,

President David Granger unveils the plaques for the Dr. Laurence Clarke Memorial Library and the Ms. Lynette De Weever Dolphin Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts (Adrian Narine photo)

Principal of Queen’s College, Jackie Ralph, presents Clive ‘farmer’ Brown, the first Guyanese to receive a University Scholarship for playing football, with his award [colours] (Adrian Narine photo)

chemists, doctors, engineers, environmentalists, geneticists, geologists, hydrologists, information systems specialists, and physicists to zoologists – for transformational national development,” the President stated.

President Granger is also a product of Queen’s College, having attended the institution some 63 years ago in 1956 back when it was a private institution grammar school for boys.

Speaking to the college’s unique mark on Guyana, he said education excellence was encouraged through a system of honours and awards, while sport activities, debating clubs and more, fostered fraternity and friendly rivalry.

SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP In a written message, the President also stated that Queen’s College has always been more than a high school but a “monument to Guyanese scholarship and leadership”.

For over 136 years, the college has maintained its self as Guyana’s longest surviving College and the country’s premier secondary school through its ability to adapt to change and improve.

He noted that the College’s code of conduct has nurtured generations of disciplined students and the introduction of its system of ‘prefects’ in 1915 and ‘monitors’ in 1924 has helped to instill values of

leadership and order.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that the College’s rich academic and extra-curricular activities have helped to broaden the ambitions and interests of students. Some of the awards won by the College, which he highlighted, were the Dennis Irvine Award – the symbol of academic excellence in the Caribbean [three times in five years] and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations premier science award [six times in seven years], while he stated that students consistently dominate the top regional awards for CSEC. Moving forward, he urged that provision be See page 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Guyana urges NAM to unambiguously embrace respect for territorial sovereignty

IF Non-Aligned Movement is to truly succeed in addressing contemporary challenges, it must unambiguously embrace and reinforce its commitment to principled action, particularly with respect to the rule of law at all levels, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings said.

Speaking during the 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Foreign Affairs Minister said all countries big or small, rich or poor, within or outside of the movement must be held to account.

“There can be no double - standards. We cannot be critical of those without and look askance at violations by members. Nothing but

a principled approach will suffice - whether in relation to the defence of the legitimate rights and expectations of the Palestinian people, the reform of the United Nations Security Council, efforts to counter terrorism, the fight against climate change, irregular migration, unilateral measures or the defence of the territorial integrity of Guyana,” Minister Cummings told the world leaders.

Singling out Palestine, the Foreign Minister said the Movement cannot but be disappointed at the limited progress and some reversals towards the objective of securing a two-state solution that would allow the people of Palestine to live in dignity in their own State, free from the burden of foreign occupation.

“The Non-Aligned Movement has a key role to assure the defence of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. It is a matter of principle and conscience – verily the anti-Apartheid fight of our times. We must not be found wanting in this duty,” Minister Cummings said.

Added to that, the Foreign Minister said the United Nations Security Council, which has been accorded a pivotal role in the maintenance of international peace and security globally in accordance with the UN Charter, must be urgently reformed. She said reformation is necessary to keep pace with a vastly changed security situation, actors and security challenges. “A continued responsibility devolves on

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings the NAM to contribute to the successful conclusion of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform in order to ensure greater effectiveness, representation and legitimacy,” she posited.

On that note, Minister Cummings pointed to the

repeated violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana by Venezuela as well as its flagrant disregard of the authority of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice in adjudicating its spurious claim to Guyana’s territory.

She posited that such actions disparage the Movement and continuously undermine its effectiveness.

The Foreign Minister also used the platform to reaffirm Guyana’s commitment to advancing the historical objectives, values and high ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement as a credible, viable and relevant force for good in the world based on the Bandung Principles. “Historically, the Bandung Principles provided the platform for the NAM to successfully counter imperialism, colonialism, foreign occupation and domination, interference and hegemony as well as great power politics.

Today, the NAM is called upon to renew, revitalize and reinvent itself to adequately and effectively address the complex developments and issues of our day that constrain global peace, security and development,” Minister Cummings explained.

She noted that the creation of peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies is an imperative for the NonAligned Movement. “For Guyana, this imperative has

been pursued through efforts to deepen democratic norms and to strengthen the realisation of sustainable development. These commitments have been encapsulated within the framework of a Green State Development Strategy that aligns with the SDGs and provides a blueprint for cohesive and inclusive national growth and green development in the medium term,” she explained.

The Foreign Minister also used the platform to bring further attention to the issue of nuclear proliferation which, she said, represents a clear and present danger. While disarmament and arms control have long engaged the interest of the Non-Aligned Movement, Minister Cummings said the Movement must rise to the occasion and raise a strong, unanimous and credible voice in opposition to the worrying trend. “At the same time, the NAM must also address the often seemingly subtler impacts of the increasing prevalence of small arms and light weapons, the illicit trade in arms and illicit drugs and the culture of violence of all types that are no less detrimental, especially to small vulnerable states, such those of the Caribbean,” she added.

The 18th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Baku, Azerbaijan was held from October 25-26, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

85 road deaths so far this year –– Road Safety Council calls for end to reckless driving

By Svetlana Marshall EIGHTY-FIVE persons, among them six children, have been killed in road accidents already for 2019 – an increase, when compared to the deaths recorded in 2018, Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Ramona Doorgen, disclosed as

double line, and those things are telling us not to overtake because it is dangerous to do so,” she said.

It was speeding that led to the tragic Friendship, EBD crash that claimed the lives of five persons on October 15, 2019, when a police vehicle slammed into a private car. Days later, on Saturday,

proposal.

“Even though you are a driver, you are still not qualified to drive an emergency vehicle because there are things that emergency drivers must look for,” Doorgen said as she underscored the importance of training. Added to that, the Road Safety Council Coordinator said the proposal

Public Security, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, along with organisations such as ‘Mothers in Black’, to curb the reckless use of the country’s roads. With a number of studies done and recommendations made, Doorgen said it is time for implementation.

“Consultants, in the past,

the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Persons speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and engaging in the reckless use of the road should feel the full force of the law.

Recalling the case of 7-year-old Ciara Benjamin, Doorgen said parents or guardians who fail to protect their children from harm resulting

drivers, and better pedestrians.

Pedestrians also need to use the five Cs. Pedestrians need to know that the white line there is not your right away to cross. That white line is governed by a rule, and the rule is: look right, look left, and look right again if the road is clear then you walk quickly across the road. We even tell the children, listen, and if you don’t

Dead: Ronel Barker

Dead: Leon Tucker

Dead: Lovern Stoby

Dead: Eon Reddock

Dead: Tristan Clarke

Ciara Benjamin

recommended training for drivers, fits management training, education, public awareness, mass media campaigns, (and) road safety curriculum in a big way in the schools,” Doorgen pointed out while explaining that while some recommendations, such as training and public awareness, were implemented, there are other recommendations that must be acted upon.

The government’s decision to construct overpasses and expand some of the country’s main access roads ought to be applauded she said, given the increasing number of vehicles on the roads. However, she believes that there are need for alternative routes, and strict implementation of

in death as a result of road accidents, should also be held responsible. “I am not being a beast here but those children’s bloods are crying out from the road,” Doorgen said, while submitting that irresponsible parents must also be held responsible. However, as an alternative to jail time, Doorgen suggested community service.

As the council prepares to observe National Road Safety Month in November and World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims, it is cautioning road users to demonstrate care and consideration. “Use the five C’s – Care, Caution, Consideration, Common Sense and Courtesy, and once we use those five C’s definitely we will have better

hear anything coming then you walk, quickly across the road,” the coordinator said.

The Friendship accident claimed the lives of Policeman Ronel Barker; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Leon Tucker; Lovern Stoby, a member of the Special Constabulary and Herbert Josiah and his wife, Denise Josiah.

In Linden, last Saturday’s accident claimed the lives of Nurse Eon Reddock and 20-year-old Tristan Clarke.

The Guyana Police Force has not released statistics on vehicular accidents in the country of recent but President Granger had noted that over the last 15 years, more than 2,000 Guyanese have been killed on the roadways.

she called for an end to the reckless use of the country’s roads.

In an interview on Guyana Chronicle’s online programme – Vantage Point on Monday, Doorgen explained that in 2018 a total of 92 road fatalities were recorded from 79 accidents. Already for 2019, 85 deaths were recorded from a total of 75 accidents.

The number of children killed in these vehicular accidents has also increased. Doorgen pointed out that in 2018 three children were killed in road accidents while noting that the figure has since doubled.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the leading causes of traffic mishaps in the country, are speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Other major causes are driving while distracted by use of a cellphone, pedestrian inattentiveness, and failure to heed traffic signs and warnings.

Though there are established ‘Speed Limits’ across the country – 50 km/h in the towns and along sections of the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor – Doorgen said some drivers are in the habit of surpassing the ‘Speed Limits,’ thereby putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. Speaking directly to drivers, through the online platform, Doorgen pleaded with them to drive within the speed limits.

“We at the Road Safety Council always say that the onus is on us, the individual, because we don’t have to wait on the police to say slow down, we have the…speed limit signs, the markings, the

Dead: Herbert Josiah and his wife, Denise Josiah October 26, 2019 another smash-up, this time in Linden, Region 10, claimed the lives of two persons. That accident involved an ambulance and a private car.

To prevent accidents, especially those involving emergency vehicles – be it a police car, ambulance, fire engine or prison van – the National Road Safety Council is working with Clarke’s Productions and the National Road Safety Council of Trinidad to develop a training programme proposal for submission to the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Police Force. On Monday, Doorgen met with Adrian Clarke of Clark’s Production and JARIC Defensive Driving expert, Eric Kipps to streamline the

will include recommendations for the use of ambulances by health personnel as she expressed concern that while patients are “strapped down” to stretchers, nurses and doctors may be at risk if they do not have access to seat belts.

President David Granger, in ordering the inquiry into the Friendship accident, had said that steps will be taken to ensure that regulations and Standing Operating Procedures are upheld when emergency vehicles are in use. He said too that emphasis will be placed on inspections and the careful selection and training of drivers.

Aside from the proposal that is being crafted, the National Road Safety Council, for the past 14 years, has been working with the Ministry of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The Post of Prime Minister

JUDGING from the headline reports in all the media on talks between coalition parties, APNU-AFC, it is clear that there is great significance being placed on not only the role of the Prime Minister, but also on who occupies that position.

After the 2015 elections, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo was appointed Prime Minister.

He had joined the Coalition after resigning from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with which he was associated for some 50 years.

Naturally the focus was on him, and the opposition was quick to peddle that the Prime Ministerial post was just a “rubber stamp” position. Now that the AFC wants to field a new candidate for the post, and there have not been agreement among the Coalition parties on the issue as yet, a new buzz has started that seems to elevate the post as Prime Minister to one of the highest importance.

It is clear that the opposition welcomes the controversies as to who becomes the government PM as a diversion from its own inability to choose a running mate for their presidential candidate who is caught in the midst of a storm over his assumed academic qualifications, proof of which he has kept hidden from public scrutiny. To add insult to injury, the candidate revealed that he has acquired a Phd in Philosophy from the University of the West Indies.

But the diversion about, the opposition sees an opportunity to play on what appears to be a major disagreement between the Coalition parties and would exploit this to show that the Coalition is divided.

This is also a distraction from the potential challenge that the PPP faces from new political parties, especially the ANUG which is headed by Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, a former long-standing leader of the PPP. The influence of Mr. Ramkarran, whose

father was a founder of the PPP and one of the closest comrades of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, cannot be underestimated. He is known to have political reach within the ranks of both the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the Rice Producers Association and also to the women arm of the party. It is to be seen whether disenchantment in the PPP over its presidential candidate would either force his replacement or result in a search for a Prime Ministerial candidate from among the mushrooming mini-parties. For now, we have been assured that the discussions within the Coalition are still ongoing. Any celebration at this time over a collapse of the Coalition is pre-mature, and perhaps illusionary.

As we stated in our leader on Tuesday having looked at the areas of disagreements between the APNU and AFC, we are convinced that these hurdles could be overcome,

if both sides are guided by the spirit of conciliation and consensus which has been the hallmark of their tenure in office. Our leaders are too mature to not see the bigger picture; they overcame these very hurdles in 2015, and we are confident that they would do the same again. As one party leader correctly observed, the ‘Coalition’ is a winning brand that must be preserved for the sake of Guyana.

The leaders must be conscious that there are those interests that are only too eager to exaggerate the situation for their own political benefits. Even as the ‘Coalition’ partners negotiate, they should not heed the loose talk of who brings what to the table.

While the democratic distribution of offices is paramount, it is not the sum total of the Accord. The two sides must engage in giveand-take that is grounded in reason.

The majority of Guyanese want a functional ‘Coalition’; there are no ifs and buts about that.

Article 13 confuses two significantly different types of democracy Dear Editor, ONE of the most quoted articles in our constitution is Article 13. It reads: “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State,…”

Achievement of the “principle [sic] objective” is considered vital in resolving our country’s worsening political conflict; all references to Article 13 therefore bemoan its non-fulfilment.

The wording of the article, however, confuses two significantly different types of democracy. Clarification is necessary because the two types implicate separate goals and strategies to solve political problems. The article speaks in the same sentence of “inclusionary democracy” and “participation of citizens,” thereby discounting the fact that the latter phrase is the essence of another model of democracy, known as participatory democracy (PD).

What’s the difference? Inclusionary democracy (ID) typically refers to the idea and practice of including stake-

holders across political, racial, and other divides in the forums of debate and decision-making. Citizens, however, are still represented by and entrust their elected officials in these forums. In distinct contrast, in a participatory democracy, citizens themselves sit in the forums of power. They speak and/or vote for themselves. So while inclusionary democracy (ID) aims for social cohesion and political reconciliation through multi-stakeholder representation, participatory democracy (PD) strives for more direct citizen-involvement, for a shift in policymaking power away from politicians to John and Jenny Public, irrespective of their race, class and other such attributes.

If, as likely, the framers of the constitution in 1999/2000 had only ID in mind, a more suitable wording of Article 13 would be: “… to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities in national decision-making for the participation of groups and stakeholders who represent different values, preferences and interests.”

In diversified societies such as ours, with inflamed political conflict, the model of choice is inclusionary democracy of which a formalised power-sharing government is the highest

form. Participatory democracy instead is preferred for local government. As Article 71 of our constitution states, local government “shall be organised to involve as many people as possible in the task of developing and managing the communities in which they live.”

Are there means and opportunities for citizens to exercise this right in Guyana? PD is also the response to situations where the ills of representative government (such as out-of-touch elected officials) lead to widespread public displeasure. PD strives to solve the problem by encouraging more citizens in policymaking through, for example, co-governance schemes. As is often stated in the literature, PD attempts to solve the problems of democracy through more democracy.

In any event, Guyana needs more of both forms of democracy. Enriching our democracy first requires an appreciation that it is almost purely representative (we elect people to represent us both locally and nationally, then return to our daily business of living) and purely majoritarian (the opposition has its say, but the winner has its way).

If we aim for more PD, then we should encourage use of public hearings and sur-

veys of citizens (two recommendations in the Ministry of Communities 2017 guidebook for local councils) and petitions and referenda. As with all types of democracy, PD is not without its challenges, such as ill-informed citizens (thus advantaging those with higher interest and education) and the difficulty of organising mass public participation. Modern electronic and Internet technology, however, can revolutionise participatory democracy by providing easier opportunities for citizens to access information, share ideas, participate in discussions, and vote.

If inclusionary democracy is our aspiration, then proposals such as the oft-cited supermajority requirement to pass key legislation qualify, as the mechanism will force the governing party to include opposition parties in joint decision-making.

Mandated broad-based composition of various forums of decision-making also fits the bill. And, of course, ditto for executive power-sharing arrangements. All told, PD and ID are topics of two separate conversations.

Article 13 should be reworded to capture both in full.

Regards Sherwood Lowe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

How can we trust Irfaan Ali when he makes the laughable promise to create 50,000 jobs?

Dear Editor, THERE has been much public speculation and discussion about the veracity of the claims made by Mr Irfaan Ali regarding his academic qualifications.

Editor, it is my belief that many Guyanese are missing the point, and focusing entirely on the wrong issue.

The real question is, whether or not Irfaan Ali is honest and trustworthy enough to manage Guyana’s affairs; his qualifications are of far less importance than his integrity and credibility.

Editor, there have been many heads-of-state around the world who have had little formal education. For example, former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, had no formal education; he borrowed books from friends and taught himself. The legendary Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Great Britain, leading that country through World War Two and he never went to a college or university. George Washington, the first President of the United States of America did not complete his school education due to his father’s death. Editor, it is not about education; it is all about honesty.

The point is, education is most certainly a big plus, as Guyana will soon become an oil-producing State. But, importantly, Guyana needs a proven

leader who is honest, credible, trustworthy, and of unquestioned character; Irfaan Ali fails in all of those areas.

Irfaan Ali clearly lied about his education background; he is obviously not honest. He keeps on evading questions; he is therefore not credible. He built a mansion estimated to cost some $300 million just three years after becoming the Minister of Housing and Water under the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) regime – clearly, Ali could not do that with his salary alone, so, from where did he get the money? One may thus conclude that he is untrustworthy.

And, Irfaan Ali’s character is certainly questionable; editor, he is before the courts facing 19 charges of fraud.

Editor, considering the facts, if a person is shown to be dishonest, untrustworthy, and of questionable character, can we trust such a person to tell us the truth? How can we trust Irfaan Ali when he makes the laughably outlandish promise to create 50,000 jobs? How can Guyanese trust him to manage our oil-money?

How can we trust him with the futures of our children? Editor, it is all about honesty, trustworthiness, and credibility; Irfaan Ali simply does not meet those basic requirements.

Regards Mark DaCosta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Weight of school bags for Guyanese children inhumane Dear Editor, THERE are many things that can lead to back pain. However, most of our Guyanese children now have backaches because they’re lugging around their entire week’s worth of books, school supplies, and personal items all day long.

Doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs. However, our young students are carrying a lot more than that!

These bulky or heavy backpacks don’t just cause back injuries. There are several other safety issues to consider: first, the fact that the children who carry large packs are not often aware as to how much space the packs take up and can hit others with their packs when turning around or moving through tight spaces within our already

cramped schools. Further, students can be injured if they trip over large packs or a pack falls on them. Carrying a heavy pack also changes the way children walk and puts them at risk of falling, particularly on stairs or other places where a backpack puts a student off balance. Other older children who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder, as many do, because they think it looks better or just feels easier, may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.

Improper backpack use can also lead to bad posture. Girls and younger children may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries, because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight.

The weight of the school bag has

been in debate for years around the world, and experts have often concurred that heavy bags are inhumane for young students. A precedent has been set in India more recently: there, the government was in favour of reducing the weight of school bags and initiated a pilot project in 25 Kendra Vidyalaya schools to provide access to textbooks through digital tablets. Other countries successfully employed this method to reduce the weight of school bags for students. We all need to start getting involved in solving students’ backpack burdens so as to lessen their loads.

We can look at best practice where the weight of a school bag in Delhi is officially fixed: school bags for students in Classes I and II should not be above 1.5 kg; for Classes III to V (2-3 kg), Classes VI-VII (4 kg), Classes VIII—IX (4.5 kg), and Class X (5 kg).

In addition, schools are asked not to assign any home work to Classes I and II children.

Schools in Guyana need to really strategise ways they can get involved: giving students more time between classes to use lockers; adding school education programmes about safe backpack use or simply not ask students to bring additional books and other materials, apart from the prescribed textbooks. I urge parents to encourage the respective schools and get active in the PTAs to advocate for schools to inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to the school on a particular day.

The weight of school bags for Guyanese children is truly inhumane!

Sincerely, Mommy V

Robert Persaud the failed ‘wannabe’ and the AFC viability Dear Editor, IT was highly amusing to see the re-appearance in our political landscape of Robert Persaud, Mr. “Wannabe” himself ; since Persaud once worked for the Mirror newspaper directly under the leadership of my mother, I occasionally heard her describe Persaud as unable to properly perform his duties at Mirror and was readily prone to bad judgement and questionable actions, like when he wrangled a ticket to India to attend a conference which Mrs. Jagan had explicitly told him he could not go tofast forward to Robert Persaud’s stint as Argi. Minister with his “grow more food” nonsense and his callous attitude to our sugar workers for whom he did nothing; as Minister of natural resources, his performance was dismal and in retrospect, the Guyanese people were denied missed opportunities in the sectors he controlled; he was put in charge of the PPP’s campaign in 2011 and 2015 and brought twin disasters, in his emphasis on huge meetings instead of more sustained and numerous smaller public meetings all over the

country.

And then, when victory was denied to the PPP in 2015, Persaud “abandoned ship”, running out of the country as quick as he could; now, he’s a “consultant” and waiting for a chance for the PPP’s return to power when nepotism will kick in and he’ll be back in government- an idle dream for a failed political con artist.

Editor, there have been numerous comments, especially by nonsensical Fred Kissoon , on the demise of the AFC and how they can’t bring any votes to the coalition government and using the local elections as a death-knoll of the AFC. These commentators fail to realise that the AFC has been alive and kicking for 10 years and that party has changed the very landscape of politics in Guyana-the APNU coalition’s success in the last polls was due to the AFC’s considerable impetus into the electoral processes and the organisational direction by its leaders was second to none.

The new small parties can never “steal” votes from the AFC and even with the betrayal of Chandradass Persaud, that Party will still take votes from the PPP all over the country.

Therefore, it is vitally important

that President Granger cements stronger relationships, not only with the AFC but with all the other parties in the coalition by goodwill, firmness and tolerance to realise a good victory in the next elections-let the coalition remember that should the opposition win ,our country will be faced with a government which will throw us all back to what is wrong for us- one party government dedicated to a world-view shared by dictators like Maduro, Putin and their “comrades”-with mismanagement of the economy as a certainty.

We, the Guyanese people, will reject any communists from our government because we can see clearly what communists accomplish by just looking at the disaster in Venezuela; with oil money coming , the last thing we need are people who are committed to Marxism-Leninism , like the PPP leadership, who readily admit their failed ideology as their “bella causa”. The AFC has been a breath of fresh air to our politics and will bring many votes to the coalition and the leadership has real political talent in defining and cementing Mr. Granger’s coalition vision of a real partnership for

national unity, Ms. V Lawrence and Mr. Gaskin will work out any problems in the coalition’s good interest, I am sure of that, and the spurious accusations and innuendo about Moses and Khemraj by certain political commentators will be muted in a short time.

Editor, lastly, in our society , certain political commentators (like Fred Kissoon) and political wannabees(a lot of wannabees want to form third parties and run for President) are way off the mark and live in an apparent state of confusion as to the political reality in our Republic. There are only two choices in the next general election-voting for a third party is like throwing your vote away.

On one hand, there are the PPP communists who view Moscow as their “Mecca” and whose best friends are the people who wrecked Venezuela and on the other hand, there is President Granger and the Coalition, with commitments to free trade, foreign investment and trade , good education and with oil money coming-the good life.

Yours faithfully, Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

‘QC is more than ...

From page 3

made to introduce incentives for students who wish to pursue science education; that greater efforts go towards attracting and retaining science teachers; that the school’s laboratories are constantly upgraded and that there is financial security and the development of competencies in the field of science and technology education.

The President stated: “The college demonstrated its capability to lead.

It earned recognition and respect and it deserves the resources to continue to be an exemplar of educational excellence. The college provided a platform for its students to pursue higher scientific education. It benefitted from qualified teachers and principals who guided

Skull City man busted with gun, cannabis

The illegal firearm found by police A SKULL City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara resident was, on Tuesday morning, arrested after a search at his home revealed an unlicensed pistol without ammunition.

The unemployed suspect, shortly after being detained, handed over to the police ranks 30 grammes of suspected cannabis, which he had concealed in close proximity of his premises.

The suspect, during the police presence at his residence, reportedly behaved disorderly and threatened to shoot the ranks. He is being processed for court.

The intelligence-led operation was spearheaded by a superintendent of police.

The cannabis that was found

Teen charged for murder A 19-year-old Labourer was, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, arraigned before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court.

Lennox Roberts of Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that, on September 2, 2019, at Bus Shed Road, North Haslington, East Coast Demerara, he murdered David Gentle.

Roberts was remanded to prison until January 22,2020.

it to the summit of scholastic supremacy…the nation reposes its confidence in Queen’s College to generate, once again, the scientific élite to drive Guyana’s future growth.”

Also addressing the audience was Principal of the institution, Jackie Ralph, who said that mile stone is a memorable occasion for all involved stakeholders.

Ralph stated that Guyana’s education sector is undergoing major transformation and thanked the government for its financial and technical support of the school’s programmes and initiatives over the years.

She also thanked each group both local and international – which has played a role in the development of the institution. She expressed confidence that greater support will come from all members of the school family.

President of Queen’s College Old Students’ Association (QCOSA), Dr. Arron Fraser, stated that Queen’s College has successfully withstood the ebbs and flows of the social, economic and

political climate over the years. He encouraged the current students to ensure that the legacy of those past is preserved in, during, and after their time at the institution.

In written remarks, Chairman of the Queens College Board of Governors (QCBOG), Alfred Granger encouraged: “Queen’s College task is to produce well-rounded graduates who are qualified to become leaders in industry, science, politics and the arts. They should be vigorously sought by industries and universities. Our gradu-

ates should excel not just in academics but also in every aspect of life.”

At the end of the ceremony, President Granger participated in the unveiling of the plaques for the school’s library – renamed the Dr. Laurence Clarke Memorial Library and the Ms. Lynette De Weever Dolphin Centre for Excellence in the Creative Arts.

Special awards [colors] were also handed over to the first Guyanese to receive a University Scholarship for playing football, Clive Brown, who was not permitted the

honour while he attended the school years ago. Two alumni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metallica Commodities Corp., Dr. Glendon Archer and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc., Dr. Edris K. Dookie, who supported the school financially multiple times in the past.

The celebration of the school’s 175th Anniversary will see the hosting of a series of activities which include museum and nature tours, a karaoke night, a PTA fair, a 70’s themed party and a concert, and cultural evening.

Scores of students and other members of the Queen’s College family attended the General Assembly in celebration of College’s 175th anniversary. (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Lindener gets 15 years for raping six-year-old girl

FORTY-FIVE-year-old Selwyn Lancaster was on Tuesday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for raping a six-year-old girl in 2018 and also for engaging in sexual activity with her.

Lancaster, of Linden, according to the first charge on October 8, 2018, in the county of Demerara, engaged in sexual penetration of a six-year-old girl.

The second charge stated that Lancaster, on November 6, 2018, engaged in sexual activity with the same girl by touching her vagina.

The victim’s impact statement was read in court by a probation officer. The witness said that she still felt sad and got angry every time she saw Lancaster.

“I want Selwyn to go to

jail because of what he did to me” the victim said in her statement.

On Tuesday, a probation report pertaining to Lancaster revealed that persons from Linden said that his conviction was no surprise; similar allegations were made against him, but these complaints were not reported to the police.

The judge, sentenced Lancaster to serve 15 years for the rape and seven years for sexual activity.

However, the sentences will run concurrently and Lancaster will therefore serve only 15 years.

The Guyana Chronicle had earlier reported that Lancaster was taken into police custody after the mother of the child filed a complaint against him.

The alleged incident reportedly took place at the home of the child’s mother.

According to reports, Lancaster was friendly with the mother of the child and frequently visited the family’s home.

On November 6, 2018, it is alleged that Lancaster visited the home, and, after having a conversation with the mother in the yard, where she was doing chores; he then made his way into the house and then to the verandah, where the six-year-old girl and her 10-year-old sibling were playing.

It was there that Lancaster allegedly exposed himself to the younger child and touched her vagina.

The older child who witnessed the incident,

informed her mother about what Lancaster had done to her sister. By the time the mother hurried into the house, the man had already left the scene.

The shocked and confused woman immediately called in the police and

Lancaster was arrested the same night.

While being questioned, the six-year-old told her mother that Lancaster had once placed his penis into her mouth and forced her to perform oral sex on him.

JAILED: Selwyn Lancaster

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‘Change Guyana’ officially launched

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

… Badal promises teachers, nurses tax-free salaries

By Rabindra Rooplall TEACHERS and nurses will receive tax-free salaries and poverty reduction will result in balanced investments in all administrative regions if political party “Change Guyana” is elected to office.

This is according to the party’s Presidential candidate, Businessman Robert

Badal, during remarks at the formal launch of the political party at Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday evening. Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds is the Prime Ministerial candidate of the party. Badal is the proprietor of the Pegasus Hotel and Guyana Stockfeeds Limited and had previously been close to governing coalition partner the Alliance For Change, while the Char-

tered Accountant heads Nigel Hinds Financial Services.

Saying they are on a mission to ignite economic and social development for the benefit of all Guyanese, Badal said Guyana’s economy is based on basic commodities and job creation will not occur rapidly under the current political culture. “Since Independence, the rules of the game had

been set by two political groups, each mirror the other like two sides of the same coin, they are both ethnically-dominated, controlled by a few, make rules that benefit themselves and their friends, the wider members of their group are mere cheerleaders, the rest of us have to struggle to make ends meet,” Badal said.

He said that such a consequence is that people flee Guyana’s shores and the country’s development is not for the want of skills, since Guyanese youths are the brightest in the Region as can be seen with the recent win of the Albert Einstein award in Dubai. Adding that the two largest parties in Guyana are responsible for its current state, Badal said the task ahead will be daunting, “but with many hands and hard work, we hope to prove ourselves as being worthy of the electorates’ vote.”

“To the youths, we are on your side every step of the way to secure your future, your future is our country’s future,” Badal said.

He noted, “With abundant natural and other resources, Guyana remains among the poorest in the Region with per capita in-

Presidential Candidate, Businessman Robert Badal come of just under US$4,000 per annum. What a contrast with Trinidad at over US$19,000, Barbados of over US$17,000, Antigua at over US$16,000 and little St Kitts at over US$18,000.

The crying question is why?

Why? The frequent promises of us realising our potential exist only in long speeches of government officials,” Badal said.

He explained that the party aims to build a strong, resilient, vibrant and open economy based on strong democratic principles, economic transformation, and social inclusion, that provides equal opportunities for all and remove the sense of hopelessness, particularly among our youths.

Hinds for his part, said Guyana has been straddling and is outperformed by its neighbours in the Region and with the massive development occurring in the oil sector, the country must

focus on commissioning a national sea defence project.

“We must construct a paved highway from Mabaruma in the Northern Region of Barima Waini to Aishalton in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, thereby opening our country for trade, social service for our people, digital connectivity and inclusive economic development across our 10 regions,” Hinds said.

He explained Barbados, Trinidad and Antigua’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) per capita quadruples Guyana’s even as the country’s natural resources dwarf a combination of countries in the English speaking Caribbean.

“Leadership to boost and accelerate development has failed Guyana… we need the active participation of the electorate as we cannot change the flawed systems alone,” Hinds said.

Prime Ministerial candidate of ‘Change Guyana’ Nigel Hinds address the gathering at the party’s official launch (Elvin Crocker photo)

GECOM records over 17,000 transactions during C&O period THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has conducted over 17,000 transactions thus far through the Claims and Objections exercise which has seen over 3,900 new registrations.

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, on Tuesday, update that there has also been over 9,500 transfers, over 1,600 changes or corrections, over 1,600 replacements, over 400 photo retakes and 32 objections.

The commission is operating out of 29 offices across the country, along with several other temporary offices and had

reported that the process has thus far been smooth.

Teams at the various locations are working every day, including holidays and weekends to meet the deadlines of November 4 for the ‘Claims’ aspect and 11th for all ‘Objections’.

The Claims and Objections period will allow persons who will become 18 years old by the end of October this year to be registered.

Individuals who have had changes in their particulars, including addresses and names, can also utilise this period.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Embracing technology will nurture next generation farmers –– says NAREI Director

By Navendra Seoraj TECHNOLOGY has been dubbed as the key to innovation and modernisation in every sector, and Director of the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI) Dr. Odhu Homenauth believes that this could nurture the next generation of farmers.

“We need to make agriculture more tech-savvy… Robotics, sensors and the Internet can make the agriculture sector

ricultural development,” Dr. Homenauth said, adding that agricultural scientists need to actively seek to devise procedures and practices that will increase overall food quality.

Currently in the sector, work is ongoing in artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and biological control of pests, hydroponics and tissue culture, among other things. From the implementation of these types of research activities, the ultimate goal is to increase farmers’ profits, thereby increasing

sector continues to expand the research agenda, the authorities need to focus more on mechanisation, crop modelling, precision agriculture, biotechnology, conservation of biodiversity, germplasm maintenance and more.

Such research must be based on the needs of farming communities, as they are the ultimate beneficiaries of the work done by researchers.

Also, given the impact of climate change in Guyana, there is an urgent need to iden-

Stakeholders within the agriculture sector getting down to business during the first day of NAREI’s research conference more interesting and exciting for young people,” said Dr. Homenauth during his remarks at the launch of NAREI’s twoday research conference at the Guyana School of Agriculture on Tuesday.

Conventional thinkers have often associated agriculture with old and uneducated people, but over the years agriculture has proven to be a sustainable and fruitful sector, which is the breadbasket of an economy. Agriculture is a sector which young people should consider getting into, and Dr. Homenauth believes the advent of technology in the sector would encourage more young people to get involved.

He said the new generation can help to transform farming into a high-tech profession that requires skill sets like engineering, computing and data analytics.

“The current generation as well as future generations have different needs and interests, and it is imperative that we continue to excite and enthuse them so that more young people can get into the sector,” said Dr. Homenauth.

Over the years, the practices in one of the world’s oldest professions, agriculture, have been evidently sustainable and modern. The adoption of sustainable and modern practices is owed to agricultural research which has been at the forefront of agricultural development.

“When agriculture and research work together, we have the potential to shift up a gear. In other words, research provides the impact for ag-

livelihoods. The activities are also aimed at ensuring that the environment is protected.

Agricultural research, both innovative and adaptive, is crucial to ensuring sustainable agricultural development. And according to Dr. Homenauth, agriculture often places significant pressure on natural resources and the environment.

Sustainable agricultural practices are intended to protect the environment, expand the earth’s natural base, and maintain and improve soil fertility. Agricultural research is one of the main factors contributing to shifts in agricultural production systems and changes in the rural world.

IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY In particular, research is helping to improve productivity to increase agricultural incomes and to change agricultural practices. Dr. Homenauth said various assessments have shown that research is one of the most effective investments for both the rural and urban populace, because it contributes to protecting the environment, preserving landscapes and creating rural jobs.

“Our current and future research agenda must continue to give priority to strategies for sustainable and economic development,” said the NAREI director.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Delma Nedd, who spoke along the same lines, said that as the

the Green State Development Strategy, identifying new technologies through innovative and adaptive research will contribute significantly to agricultural productivity, and this, in turn, will benefit farmers both economically and environmentally,” said Nedd.

In that regard, this year’s

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood tify which crop varieties and technological options would be better suited for futuristic climatic conditions in the country. Such research, Nedd believes, would inform decision-making on investments towards reducing disaster risk and boosting the resilience of the sector.

She believes that changes in agricultural methodologies and practices must be driven by research and data collection. “In keeping with

NAREI Director Dr. Odhu Homenauth (Photos by Delano Williams) research conference aims to identify new opportunities

and possibilities in improving and sustaining productive and diverse agriculture. The conference was held under the theme, “Paving the way for sustainable development through innovative and adaptive research”.

This theme is in consonance with the theme for agriculture month 2019, which is “Sustainable agriculture for ensuring good safety and a green economy”.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs Valerie Adams-Yearwood said the theme is significant because it shows that NAREI has created a clear pathway in the area of research for others to follow. She said the theme also shows that there is a transfer of opportunities of new solutions and strategies to deliver quality products and services to farmers.

The minister believes that a good plan is necessary in order achieve the goals of the sector, and also improve what already exists.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Population must move to higher ground –– Minister Sharma says Guyana experiencing effects of global warming

JUNIOR Public Infrastructure Minister Jaipaul Sharma said consideration should be given to moving the population to higher ground and the building of a modern City in light of global warming.

Sharma shared the view following recent overtopping of the river defence that led to severe flooding in Leguan Island, Wakenaam Island, Parika Stelling, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Den Amstel, Fellowship, Cornelia Ida and Blankenburg.

“Again, I will say that this is the effects of global warming and higher global temperatures that melt gla-

ciers adding to the amount of sea water that cause global sea level rise. We should seriously consider moving the population to higher ground, and start building a modern city.

It should be noted that degradation of the natural sea defence system along a 2.6 km stretch of shoreline between Fairfield and Dantzig has occurred over the last seven months,” the minister observed in a statement to the media.

The erosion and accretion cycle characteristic of the Guyana coast and the progressive movement of mud and silt from the Mahaicony foreshore have resulted in the rapid de-

pletion of the mangrove fringe, which has left the earthen embankment in several sections completely exposed to direct wave action.

According to Sharma, the area was for many years protected by a natural flood protection system, and has become necessary for a resilient Man-made sea defence to be constructed.

He said the heavy rain in July and August, and the unusually turbulent waters caused by storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea continue to have adverse impacts on the progress of works being done.

Just recently, two of the contractor’s tug boats

pulling the barge transporting boulders to Mahaicony were sunk by the turbulent waters.

In addition, since the access dams were in a deplorable state and the shortest access dam is over two kilometres long, manoeuvering with lorries and earth-moving equipment are restricted, due to the continued inclement weather.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has constructed a 90-foot-long heavy-duty timber bridge at Dantzig across the Bellamy Canal, since the only other access bridge across the Bellamy Canal is approximately three kilome-

tres away at Fairfield.

To date, the minister said, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had engaged the Ministry of Finance, and a $460M contingency allocation was approved in August and a further G$1.2B to undertake emergency works to secure vulnerable three km stretch that is presently critical at this time.

“I would like to reassure residents and farmers of the Mahaicony area that continuous efforts are being made by the APNU+AFC government to monitor the sea defences, and interventions are being arranged to expeditiously reinforce the entire 3km to prevent further flooding in

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Jaipaul Sharma the future.

“The ministry provides its assurance that the Sea and River Defence Department will continue to actively pursue the required measures to mitigate the impacts on flooding on coastal communities.

Residents of low-lying coastal communities are advised to take the needed precautions during the remainder of the spring tide period,” the minister said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Fire destroys Corentyne house SEVEN people, including a young single mother of three, are now homeless following a fire on Tuesday afternoon at Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant East Berbice, Corentyne.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that at around 14:00hrs, a fire of unknown origin destroyed the two-storey wooden house of Sharmella Bhoelai, 49, who was asleep at the time.

Speaking to reporters, Bhoelai said she had just dosed off after putting one of her granddaughters to sleep, and was awoken to the screams of “Fire! Fire!” from one her daughters who live next door. “Me jump up full speed and see fire coming from the bedroom upstairs so I picked up a bucket of water and hurry fuh throw am but the fire too big that nah do nothing and me start fuh bring more water and other people come help but the fire start spread more and everything destroyed.”

While trying to battle the blaze, Bhoelai received minor burns about the body including burns to her cheek and right hand. As the residents tried to get the fire under control, the Rose Hall fire tender responded and helped to extinguish the flames but the damage was already done. Everything of value was reduced to ashes.

At the time of the fire, Bhoelai and her four-yearold granddaughter were at home alone and she cannot recall leaving any appliance on at the time.

Bhoelai shares the home with her son, a welder, Amar Dhuman 22, her daughter and four grandchildren. She related that

Sharmella Bhoelai the house was furnished by her son and daughter.

Meanwhile, her daughter, 27-year-old Angela Dhuman, who was unaware of the fire, was shocked, and fell to her knees in tears when she brought her three daughters home from school as she does daily, to see the home reduced to ashes. Dhuman, a waitress, is estranged from her husband and has been the breadwinner for her three girls ages six, 10 and 12.

“Me work hard to make sure them get everything they need and make sure them go school every day, everything me buy get bun up. Only them clothes them had on and school bags get save… me nah know how me go able get back everything.. me and meh buddy work and put everything in this house now we nah get nothing left” she related amidst sobs.

The family is seeking help as they contemplate their next move. Persons desirous of assisting can contact them on +592 664-8793.

What remains of the house that was destroyed by fire

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Toddler drowns after falling into Harlem trench

THE lifeless body of Aleena Mohamed of Lot 5 Harlem Public Road, West Coast Demerara was pulled from the canal aback of her home on Sunday afternoon, minutes after she had ventured into backyard.

Grandfather of the deceased child, Abdool Mohamed, told the Guyana Chronicle that it was between 16:30hrs and 17:00hrs the child was playing in the back yard and was about to receive a bath.

However, the child’s mother, Kaishrie Ramchand, briefly went upstairs to get a towel for the child’s bath and left Alee-

Grandfather of the deceased child, Abdool Mohamed na Mohamed, who was one year, four months old, unattended. By the time she returned downstairs the child was missing. He related that neighbours

The canal aback the yard where it is suspected the child drowned (Carl Croker photos)

The home of Aleena Mohamed

were alerted after a search around the yard came up empty. Another search was launched and persons decided to dive into the canal, when, after about an hour of searching, they found the body of the child.

Police, in a statement, said it is alleged that Aleena Mohamed died by drowning which occurred between 17:00hrs and 18:50hrs on October 28, 2019. The police were summoned and visited the scene at about 19:10hrs.

It was reported that at the back yard of the home, is a sheep pen with two gates.

From the said sheep pen back gate leads to a trench which runs east to west.

The mother of the deceased alleged that about

17:00hrs she took Aleena Mohamed to the back yard for a bath, forgetting the sheep pen gates were opened. She however, left the child at the said back yard and went upstairs to collect a towel and upon her return did not see the child. An alarm was raised and searches were conducted in the said trench and the body of the child was found by the search party, about 50 feet away from the house. The child was immediately rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead by Dr Hendricks. The body was without clothing. The body was examined by police and no marks of violence were seen on the body, police said. The

Aleena Mohamed body was then taken to the Ezekiel Funeral home where it is awaiting post mortem examination. The incident was reported to the police at 18:45hrs and investigations are ongoing.

Abdool Mohamed explained that in the back yard there is a gate which is usually locked but this time it was opened. Mohamed surmised that the child may have slipped

and fell after she went out in the sheep pen area and was swept away with the tide, since during that time, the tide was high.

He described the loss as great since the child was jovial and loving and will be greatly missed because of her friendly disposition.

Mohamed stated that his grand daughter’s death is difficult because earlier this year he lost his wife due to illness.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

‘Show Yourselves’ …GECOM gives 21-day ultimatum to persons who have not collected ID cards since 2008 …failure to do so will see 25,000 persons removed from voters’ list

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has sealed a decision that the over 20,000 persons who were registered in 2008, but have not yet collected their Identification (ID) cards, will be given 21 days to do the same or be struck off the Official List of Electors (OLE).

also be sent directly to addresses of these persons that GECOM has on record. This list of persons is estimated to be in excess of 25,000 persons, but there is no information yet on when the list will be published.

At a previous meeting, Commissioner Vincent Alexander had explained, “It’s like an objection. So, the issue is not the ID card, the issue

Commissioner Sase Gunraj

The decision was made on Tuesday at the commission’s statutory meeting, following a proposal at its October 15, 2019 meeting for such to be done.

“The Chair has ruled that persons who have not uplifted their identification cards, that their names will be published in the newspapers and they will be given 21 days within which to collect it and if they fail to respond to that, then they will be prevented from voting,” Commissioner Sase Gunraj said.

Commissioner Charles Corbin said that notices will

is that these persons, since 2008 and beyond 2008 have not, in any way, presented themselves to be present; to be known; to be alive; to be existing; to be resident. And, in calling them, writing to them gives us the opportunity to make a determination.”

Although he confirmed that efforts have been made in the past to contact these individuals who have still not verified their existence in the country, opposition-nominated commissioners have contested that the law does not stipulate that citizens need an ID card to vote and therefore

the collection of these cards should be non-related.

Sticking to their position, Gunraj said on Wednesday that the decision “imposes an additional requirement on persons to be allowed to vote”.

On the other hand, some commissioners believe that these persons might be part of a scheme by the opposition to rig the upcoming elections.

“Why are they not collecting their ID cards…thousands of ID cards and the opposition is arguing for them to remain on the list,” a commissioner, who asked not be named, recently reasoned to the newspaper.

Corbin also informed the media that the names of these individuals will not be removed from the National Registrar of Registrants (NRR) stating, “It would only mean that if these persons exist they may miss this round of elections.”

NO HIGHLIGHTING OF NAMES Meanwhile, while another proposal had been made for the names of persons, who did not participate in the house-to-house registration exercise but are on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), be highlighted on the OLE, this was shut down by the Chair.

According to Corbin, she read from a prepared document which in essence, made it clear that “the verification process will not be proceeded with”. At a previous meeting,

commissioners had explained that the highlighting of names on the March 2, 2020 OLE was intended to avoid multiple and substitute voting in the coming elections.

Alexander had explained that there would be no deletion of names and that the names are instead being highlighted as names which can be compromised during the voting process.

“In so far as it related to the flagging of persons or the highlighting of persons names who did not go to verify their data during this house-tohouse period, she said that that is not necessary; that they will do no such thing,” Gunraj said. As he spoke with the media he also objected to what he described as the use of the house-to-house registration data as a PLE. Over the weekend, the commission had published and attached to the existing PLE at several of its locations, the list of registrants who participated in the houseto-house registration exercise.

Gunraj stated that some on the commission are confused about what is to be done with the house-to-house registration information published.

“As we speak, we are still unaware as to what has to happen with it,” he said.

“We are not sure whether the data is being put up there to attract the elements; how people must interact with the data or if they must look at data and smile at it. That is the position that I maintain

up to today.” In explaining, Corbin said that prior to the premature halting of the house-to-house registration exercise the commission had intended to retire the current NNR from which a new NRR would be created from the exercise.

However, he stated that the Court ruled that the NRR could not be retired and that the house-to-house registra-

prior to the extraction of the PLE – because of the time that was being taken to do that, there was another ruling of the Chairman that what we will now do is to move the processing of the data from the front end and move it out of the critical path and have it processed parallel to the house-to-house data.”

Corbin stated further that that will see the com-

Commissioner Charles Corbin

tion information should be treated as a means of verification.

“It means that you had now to go through the process of comparing the persons who are registered during the house-to-house with the existing base and use the information collected during the house-to-house to update the information of those persons who were previously registered,” he said.

“The time that it was taking to encode the data [so that it was] delaying the commencement – because you had to process that data

parison of records to determine when there is a match with the NRR. On Tuesday, the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana) also met with the full commission where it was decided that the two bodies collaborate closely in regards to support to the commission in the upcoming elections.

The commission welcomed the offer of support from AMCHAM Guyana and committed to deliberating on granting observer status to the organisation once a formal request is submitted.

Two confess to Corentyne piracy attack …police seek three others TWO men, identified only by their aliases ‘Buckman’ and ‘Chu-Chu Bai’, have reportedly confessed to killing fishermen working on the Sara One vessel and are expected to make their appearance in court today.

On October 5, 2019 a four-member crew departed the Number 65 Village Wharf for a fishing trip in Surinamese water. The crew members have been identified as Marvin Tamessar called ‘Buddy’ age 20, Vishnu Seeram called ‘Kevin’ also 20, of Miss Pheobe on the East Berbice Corentyne.

The bodies of Kawal Kissoon, called ‘Ajay,’ 36, of Letter Kenny Village and Lamar Petrie 20 of Miss Phoebe were discovered on the Abary and Mahaicony foreshore respectively.

The two suspects are expected to appear at the #51 Magistrate’s Court today, even as police seek three others who have been identified as ‘Breeze’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Andy’.

Police sources speaking with the Guyana Chronicle revealed that two of the three wanted men are allegedly working on boats belonging to Nakool Manohar called ‘Fyah’, but cannot confirm at this point whether there is any connection

with this recent attack and the one in April of 2018.

Police sources have remained tight-lipped about the arrests and details of the charges since they do not want to divulge too much information that may compromise the investigation.

However this publication was informed that the men were arrested sometime on Friday afternoon and a few hours later confessed that they were on the boat that intercepted the Sara One at sea. The duo allegedly told investigators that three of their five-man crew embarked on the Sara One in a bid to loot the catch from the men. However, the attackers were recognised by the fishermen, as such the three men launched a deadly attack on the four fishermen, brutally beating and chopping them before tying their hands and feet behind their backs and throwing them overboard to silence them from revealing their identities.

Meanwhile, relatives of the victims, after learning about the alleged confessions, have shared mixed emotions about the revelation. Most of the relatives, who spoke with this newspaper, expressed fear of going on the record for fear of

being victimised, since some of the men are still out there, and would be more comfortable to speak after all the attackers are captured.

However, Sureshpaul Tamessar, who is a fisherman and the father of Marvin Tamessar, said he is happy that the police managed to nab two of the men that were responsible, and hopes the rest can be arrested soon so that the men on the high seas can be safe.

Tamessar is of the opinion that unless the pirates and their entire crews are caught, the cycle will continue as the men who are wanted will continue to kill to avoid being caught.

He continued that since the killings started a few years ago, he retired from the high seas and prefer to fish in Guyana’s waters where it is safer.

“I worked on the high seas and get hijack before but them never used to kill, but now is you matee fisherman hijacking and killing you because you know them. That is now a business to hijack and kill people for them young fisherman.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Four charged for murdering gold miner …another four including doctor for allegedly aiding bandits

Steve Rollox

By Clestine Juan AMID high drama, eight men, including a medical doctor, were, on Tuesday, arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in connection with the murder of gold miner, Deon Stoll called ‘Mow’ two weeks ago.

Stoll was gunned down during an attempted robbery in front of El Dorado Trading, a gold-mining business on Da Silva Street, Kitty.

Shane ‘Demon’ Morgan called ‘Dellon’, a 33-yearold graphic artist of East La Penitence; Roberto Sankar, a 28-year-old businessman of Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara; Wayne St Hill, 38-year-old graphic artist of Dowding Street, Kitty; Steve Rollox, a 38-year-old taxi driver of Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, were charged for killing Stoll on October 14, 2019, at Da Silva Street, Newtown, Kitty during the course of a robbery.

Meanwhile, Odessa St Hill called ‘baby’, a 37-yearold graphic artist of Delph Street, Campbellville; Doctor Alonzo Dos Santos, a 33-year-old who is a second lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force, of Prospect, East Bank Demerara; Duncan Vanveild called ‘blackbody’, 36-year-old welder of ‘B’ Field Sophia and Keith Mc

DEAD: Delon Stoll called ‘Mow’

Shane ‘Demon’ Morgan called ‘Dellon’

Roberto Sankar

Wayne St Hill

Odessa St Hill called ‘baby’

WANTED Lennox Estwick

Dr. Alonzo Dos Santos

Keith Mc Kenzie

Yagonand Basdeo

Kenzie, 32-year-old taxi driver of East La Penitence were charged for receiving and comforting Morgan, between October 14 and 22, after he committed the murder.

Morgan and Wayne St. Hill were represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson in association with Ravindra Mohabir, while Sankar was represented by Clevaun Humphrey in association with Gwendolyn I. Bristol, and Rollox was unrepresented.

Odessa St. Hill was represented by attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, Eusi Anderson represented Dos Santos while Melville Duke represented McKenzie.

Rahamat and Anderson made applications for bail and told the court that police ranks of the Major Crimes Unit had told their clients that they would have been used

as witnesses for the state, but were charged also.

Attorney-at-law Duke told the court that his client has no knowledge of who Morgan was or has any connections to him.

Duke is contending that his client, who is attached to a City Taxi base was working overtime to pay for his daughter’s wedding and on October 22, he was approached by a man, who requested to be taken to Berbice. However, during the journey, his client’s motor car was stopped at a police road block at Cove & John and his passenger, whom he later learned was Shane Morgan, was arrested.

The attorney said that he had video footage from the taxi base to prove his case.

Meanwhile, Morgan’s attorney, Thompson told the court that his client was nabbed

Duncan Vanveild called ‘blackbody’

court.

It is alleged that Rollox was the getaway driver, while Morgan and Wayne St. Hill were the shooters. Odessa St. Hill took Dr. Dos Santos to Vanveild’s home where Morgan was hiding out from the police. It is alleged that the doctor treated Morgan’s gunshot wound.

McKenzie was the driver of the motor car which Morgan was intercepted in at a roadblock on October 22, 2019.

The Chief Magistrate after considering the seriousness of the charges remanded the suspects to prison until November 15, 2019.

Additionally, Morgan, Vanveild and Yagonand Basdeo were jointly charged for the armed robbery committed on China Trading last month.

The trio was not required

to plead to the charge which alleged that, on September, 13, 2019, at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being armed with guns, they robbed Yong Quan Bi of $3.2M property of China Trading.

The men were remanded to prison until November 19,2019.

Stoll of Essequibo Coast, Region Two and Barima Avenue, Bel Air, Georgetown, died following a shootout with the bandits. It is believed that the bandits had been tracking Stoll for a while and believed he had cash and raw gold when he was cornered.

They did not cater for him fighting back.

Police made several inroads into the matter days after the movie-style robbery which was captured by closed circuit television (CCTV).

with a “puncture wound” and not a “gunshot wound” as the police claimed.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers, objected to Odessa St Hill, Alonzo Dos Santos, Duncan Vanveild, and Keith Mc Kenzie being granted bail based on the seriousness of the charge and the penalty it attracts.

According to information provided, the St. Hills and Dellon Morgan are cousins.

However, during the course of the botched robbery committed on Stoll, Morgan was shot.

Sankar was seen on CCTV footage in the vicinity trailing Stoll’s car and was acting in a suspicious manner. He was also charged, years ago, for robbery, but the charge was dismissed due to the victim’s absence from

Man gets 12 years for killing colleague

Kevin Stephens

AN ex-security guard, who confessed to killing his colleague during an argument three years ago, due to the man ‘troubling his daughter,’ was, on Tuesday, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

Kevin Stephens, a former resident of La Penitence, Georgetown, was sentenced

by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for manslaughter. He was initially charged for murder.

Stephens pleaded guilty to the charge which read that, on

September 17, 2016, at Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara, he unlawfully killed Hubert Verwayne.

On Tuesday, following a probation report and mitigation from his attorney, George Thomas, Stephens was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

The accused reportedly told detectives that “they keep f*^#* around my daughter.”

Initial enquiries revealed that Verwayne was in the company of several other employ-

ees when the suspect, armed with a shotgun, approached him in a rage, stating that he (Verwayne) and others were making ill remarks about his daughter. He then opened fire, killing Verwayne.

When arrested by police, Stephens claimed that he was being tantalised by his colleagues at the worksite, causing him to lose control. A

postmortem examination revealed t h a t Ve r w a y n e died from a gunshot injury to the chest.

DEAD: Hubert Verwayne

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Man dies in accident on Essequibo Coast A BREATHALYZER test conducted on the driver that caused the accident at Somerset and Berks Public Road Monday night has revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

He is currently in police custody. The accident has resulted in the death of 21-year-old Govindra Persaud, aka Nishan, of Somerset and Berks. He was riding a bicycle on the Somerset and Berks Public Road at the time of the accident.

The accident reportedly occurred around 19:00 hours, and according to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the driver of PXX 6207 was proceeding west along the southern side of the Somerset and Berks Public Road when he collided with Persaud’s bicycle. The car was reportedly speeding.

The driver of the car alleged that the cyclist was approximately 10 feet ahead of him proceeding in the same direction. He also told the police that the cyclist was

The deceased, Govindra Persaud moving in a zig-zag manner and upon seeing that he honked his horn and applied brakes. However, due to the speed he was driving at, he could not control the vehicle which crashed into the bicycle, killing Persaud.

Persaud was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital by residents.

The driver of the motorcar had allegedly fled the scene but was later apprehended.

Meeting between unions, GuySuCo ends prematurely A MEETING to discuss wage increase for sugar workers ended prematurely on Tuesday, after union representatives refused to put away their placards despite strong objections from senior GuySuCo officials.

According to a joint release from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), their representatives did not disrupt the meeting.

“Our delegations remained present in their seats listening attentively to the presentation. At no time, were the GuySuCo team prevented from speaking. The corporation nevertheless insisted that we abandon our placards.

Our unions, on principled grounds, refused to put away our slogan,” the release said.

The unions contend that their representatives were merely expressing their views which are not different from what they shared in the past with the corporation as well as publicly, the statement said.

The demand by the corporation to put away the slogans, the unions said, was inconsiderate and an unreasonable request.

“We prevailed on the corporation for better sense to prevail and for the meeting to continue. GuySuCo, nevertheless, decided to disregard our sincere and valid contentions and went on to abandon the meeting. Our unions, as concerned stakeholders, were eager to engage the corporation on its plan and cancellation of the meeting, by the state-owned company, was an unfortunate development,” the release said.

The unions say they will continue to advance their demands in the coming times regarding a pay rise to workers.

“The continued denial of wage/salary increases will not be helpful to the industry.

Already workers spirits are daunted and while they continue they seek to give their best, the situation has greatly impacted their commitment,” the unions said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Teen remanded for soldier’s murder A 17-year-old male of Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown, was, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, arraigned before

Magistrate Delon Bess, at the Georgetown Juvenile Court.

The teen was not required to plead to the in-

dictable charge which stated that, on October 14, 2019, in the course of a robbery, he murdered, in Tucville Squatting Area, 18-year-old

Olijay Chesney, a soldier attached to the Guyana Defense Force (GDF).

According to reports, the deceased (Chesney) made

arrangements with the teen to purchase a motorcycle.

However, when Chesney met with the teen to conduct the said transaction, he was

robbed and killed.

Magistrate Bess remanded the teen to the Juvenile Holding Centre until November 18, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Banned Shakib pleads for support, promises return BANNED Bangladesh allrounder and captain Shakib Al Hasan has pleaded for support from the cricketing fraternity and expressed his determination to return after he completes his ban.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Shakib a two-year ban from cricket, with the second year suspended, for failing to inform authorities about being approached by a bookmaker on multiple occasions in 2018.

“Those who have supported me over the years I hope they, the fans, Bangladesh Cricket Board, the government, the journalists will continue to support me in my bad and good time,” Shakib told reporters in Dhaka hours after the ban was announced.

“If you continue your support, I am hopeful I will come back to cricket soon. I will be stronger and will perform my responsibilities with more sincerity,” he said.

Shakib will be free to resume international cricket from October 29, 2020 subject to his satisfying the conditions relating to the suspended part of the sanction, the ICC said.

The ban effectively ruled out Shakib from next year’s T20 World Cup that will be held from October 8 to November 15 in Australia.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) praised Shakib for

his cooperation with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) investigators and promised its full support for him.

“While the BCB is shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib had failed to report a corrupt approach on three occasions, at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC ACU and has pledged his commitment to its education programme,” BCB president Nazmul Hassan said in a statement.

“We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years when his sanction will be over. During the suspension the BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket,” he said.

Shakib will be free to resume international cricket from October 29, 2020 subject to his satisfying the conditions relating to the suspended part of the sanction, the ICC said.

The ban effectively ruled out Shakib from next year’s T20 World Cup that will be held from October 8 to November 15 in Australia.

Shakib, who has played 56 Tests, 206 ODIs and 76 Twenty20 internationals, is by far Bangladesh’s best-known

North Georgetown disqualified from COURTS Pee Wee football tournament ...coach banned for two years

NORTH Georgetown Primary will not play the final of the COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament 2019.

The team was disqualified yesterday, following a release from tournament organisers – the Petra Organisation.

“The Petra Organisation wishes to bring to your attention a protest lodged by the Genesis Harmony School at the conclusion of semi-final match number #59, played against the North Georgetown Primary on the Saturday October 26, on the Ministry of Education ground Carifesta Avenue.”

It continued that the protest was against two players, both of whom were above the eligible age, who yet participated in the Semifinal Match for the North Georgetown Primary school.

“The Petra Organisation thereafter perused our 2017 and 2018 registration records and confirmed Genesis’s protest as being true and accurate.”

The release stated, “Regrettably, this has resulted in the elimination of the North Georgetown Primary from the tournament. In addition, Coach Mr. Aubrey Mckenzie has been suspended for (2) two years, from engaging and / or coaching any team or school that is participating in any tournament coordinated by the Petra Organisation.”

However, the school may enter future tournaments.

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player, having topped the ICC allrounder rankings in all three formats several times since 2009.

He starred for the team during the recent 50-over World Cup in England, where he scored 606 runs in eight innings at an average of 86.57, including two centuries, and collected 11 wickets.

In the World Cup, he also became the fastest and only the fifth cricketer to reach 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs. The suspension against Shakib came at a time when he was at loggerheads with Bangladesh cricket officials after leading a player revolt last week.

The country’s cricket board said on Saturday they would take legal action against Shakib for allegedly breaching his contract to sign a sponsorship deal with a mobile phone operator.

The turmoil over Shakib came just days before Bangladesh were to embark on their first-ever full-fledged bilateral series in India featuring three Twenty20 internationals and two Tests, that will include the first-ever day-night Test for both nations at Eden Gardens.

Shakib had been expected to lead the team in both series. (AFP)

Eastman ready to defend National lightweight title TWENTY-One year-old Jamal Eastman will touch down in Georgetown tomorrow afternoon with the main aim of retaining his national lightweight title when the Guyana Boxing Association(GBA) stages the Terrence Alli National Open.

Known as ‘The Beast from Berbice’, Eastman reigned supreme at last year ’s national tournament and went further by snatching gold in the same category at the Caribbean Championships held here last December.

In the National tournament Eastman defeated Delroy Fordyce of the GDF in the lightweight final. Moving up to the Caribbean Championship he decked Trinidadian opponent Jessie Edwards with a right hook to the jaw.

Edwards was the favourite to take the gold medal after he defeated Michael Alexander in the Trinidad

Open.

While Edwards struggled to regain his footing, the referee had no alternative than to wave off the contest at 33 seconds of the second round in the process handing Eastman the Caribbean lightweight crown.

A man of few words the New Amsterdam-born Eastman would only say that he is confident of retaining both titles when the time comes. “I am training hard and my focus now is winning the National Open.

After that my attention will turn to holding on to my Caribbean Title,” Eastman said.

The National Open will be staged from November 1-3 at the National Gymnasium.

The orthodox fighter trains at the Rose- Hall Jammers Gym with Coach Gregory ‘Chassis’ Cort in his corner. Leading up to the National Open East-

man has been receiving glove work from several including Joel Williamson. Ironically, Williamson missed out on a Caribbean lightweight gold medal after losing to Trinidadian Michael Alexander in 2017 in St. Lucia.

“I am very confident of success at the National Open,” reiterated Eastman Eastman who has Fordyce again as one of the hurdles leading to retaining the crown. The National Open will have gyms from across the country participating including reigning champions the Guyana Defence Force.

Meanwhile, GBA president Steve Ninvalle has revealed that this year’s tournament will have an overseas flavour.

Ninvalle disclosed that two fighters from the USA and one from St Lucia will be participating with the aim of being selected on the team for the Caribbean Championships.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Stoll and Phillips hit half-centuries as Queenstown remain unbeaten in Under-17 competition

Dreshawn Phillip’s left with 54 and Uriah Stoll 69 starred for Queenstwon S.C.

THE Central Essequibo sponsored Under -17 tournament continued on Saturday last with Queenstown inflicting a heavy defeat over Reliance Hustlers at the Reliance ground.

After winning the toss and batting, the unbeaten Queenstown S.C amassed a mammoth 222-9 from 30 overs. A solid and equally impressive 69 from Uriah Stoll was the ideal platform for the team as Dreshawn Phillips entered to unleash some brutal and clean hitting to quickly reach 54 off just 15 balls with 7x6s and 1x4 while national Under -17 selectee Azizi Christiani was also among the runs with 27 (2x4, 1x6).

Navindra Persaud 3-42 from 6 overs and Abdool Nadir 2-39 from his 6 overs were the successful bowlers. Seemingly daunted by the score, Reliance Hustlers folded for a meagre 100 in 19 overs for a 122-run defeat. Medium fast bowler Randy Raghubir bowled quickly and swung the ball to claim superb figures of 6-10 from just 3 overs to destroy the host’s feeble batting.

Azizi Christiani also had a good day with the ball

Randy Raghubir grabbed 6 for 10 for Queenstown S.C.

supporting with 3-29 from 6 overs of off-spin. At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, the host rebounded from their first-round defeat with a comfortable 60 run victory against Richmond Youths.

A composed and enterprising half-century from Govinda Toolsie saw the Bulls posting a challenging total.

Toolsie counted 8 elegant boundaries on his way to making 61 while Nazeer Mohamed in his usual attacking mode blasted 41 (4x7) for the Bulls to reach 194-7 from their 30 overs.

In reply, Richmond Youths had a steady start but collapsed in the middle to be all-out for 134-26 overs with Cleon Smith 31 (4x4) and Yashpaul Ahiram 24 (3x4) making an impression.

Essequibo Under -15 leg-spinner Rajindra Ramballi 3-12 from 6 overs and national Under -17 all-rounder Sheldon Charles combined to demolish their opponents.

The competition will continue with another round of matches slated for Saturday at the various venues.

– (Elroy Stephney)

England beaten by New Zealand XI in T20 warm-up

ENGLAND lost their second Twenty20 warm-up match against a New Zealand XI by eight wickets as Kiwi opener Colin Munro smashed an unbeaten century.

England posted 188-5 from their 20 overs with James Vince making 46 and Joe Denly 39 not out.

But Munro smashed 107 from 57 balls with nine fours and seven sixes to lead New Zealand to an eight-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.

England’s five-match T20 series against New Zealand starts on Friday.

Leg-spinner Matt Parkinson, who is yet to make his full debut, dismissed Anton Devcich with his third ball in England colours and had two catches dropped off his bowling.

Uncapped Saqib Mahmood was the only other member of England’s inexperienced bowling attack to take a wicket but he and fellow seamers Pat Brown and Lewis Gregory, who are also yet to play a full international, went for more than 10 runs per over.

Gregory earlier hit 29 from 11 balls while Sam Billings made a 23-ball 27. Opener Tom Banton made just six while captain Eoin Morgan was out for 12.

(BBC Sport)

Parsotam stars for Bacchus Bulls in Central and South Essequibo T20 League THERE were wins for Bacchus Bulls, Invaders Masters, Reliance Hustlers and Affiance S.C as the Central and South Essequibo T20 League continued last Sunday on the Essequibo Coast.

Osaka suffers WTA Finals injury heartbreak for second year running JAPANESE sensation Naomi Osaka vowed to be fit and firing for her Australian Open title defence after her season was abruptly cut short by injury at the WTA Finals on Tuesday.

The two-time Grand Slam winner, who was on a hot streak of 11 matches, withdrew from the season finale with a shoulder problem -- the second straight year she has been forced out due to injury.

Third-ranked Osaka, who retired during last year’s edition of the lucrative yearender with a hamstring injury, had been due to play world number one Ashleigh Barty later on Tuesday.

Her place in Red Group will be taken by world number 10 Kiki Bertens, who will now face Australia’s Barty in Shenzhen.

The 23-year-old Osaka said she was unsure of the severity of the injury to her right shoulder, which she initially hurt during her triumph in Beijing earlier this month.

“I felt it immediately (in her first match on Sun-

day),” she told reporters.

“When I woke up the day after it was throbbing.

“It’s just a little bit painful. I don’t think it’s something that I would immediately need surgery for,” she added.

mined to make amends for a disappointing WTA Finals debut last year, when her winless campaign ended with a tearful retirement against Bertens.

“I thought I was playing well. I definitely wanted to

Naomi Osaka has been forced out of the WTA Finals with a shoulder injury (AFP Photo/NOEL CELIS)

Osaka had started the $14 million round-robin tournament with a tough three-set victory over Petra Kvitova on Sunday to extend her winning streak, after titles in Beijing and Osaka.

She had been deter-

win here,” Osaka said.

Once she recovers from the injury, Osaka’s attention will turn towards the Australian Open in January, where she will defend a Grand Slam title for only the second occasion.

“I just want to train really hard,” Osaka said. “Last year during the off-season, I trained really hard for Australia. I felt like going into the Slam I was really fit. I just want to try to duplicate that.”

Even though it ended prematurely, Osaka was pleased with her back end to the season after a tough stretch where she suffered a stunning first-round exit at Wimbledon followed by a lacklustre US Open title defence.

She rated 2019, which started on a high in Melbourne, as a more pleasing season than last year, when she made her Grand Slam breakthrough by beating Serena Williams in a tempestuous final at Flushing Meadows. “(Losing at Wimbledon) was the lowest emotional feeling I’ve ever felt,” she said. “After the US Open, I set goals. I was able to win tournaments. That was definitely the highlight.

“I definitely think that this year was somehow better (than last year),” she added. (AFP)

Parmesh Parsotam stroked 79 for Bacchus Bulls

In the second round, Bacchus Bulls remained unbeaten with a 5- wicket win against Aurora Knight Riders. Played at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Aurora Knight Riders posted 157-8 in their 20 overs with Ganesh Ramdhani 35 (4x4) and Rondell Spencer 32 (3x4) being the principal scorers Former national Under19 player Parmesh Parsotam had a good all-round match, first bowling a hostile spell to claim 3-14 from his 4 overs and supported by Loaknauth Narine 2-21 from his 4 overs.

In reply, Parsotamm then blasted 79 (8x4, 3x6) and with Kulraj Persaud 32 (5x4) saw the Bulls to 159-5 in 17 overs to win by 5 wickets.

At the Affiance Number 1 ground, the host held their

composure to clinch a one wicket win overt Crown XI who batted first and made 156-8 from their 20 overs.

Opener Brian Dasrat 41 (4x4, 2x6) and Shanon Persaud 30 (5x4) got the team a decent total.

Off-Spinner Anil Persaud grabbed 3-13 from 4 overs and Boomesh Narine 3-23 from his 4 overs. In reply, Affiance S.C was indebted to Yogesh Singh whose brutal 57 (2x4, 5x6) and Rishi Madho 41 (5x4, 2x6) ensured that they crossed the line reaching 159-9 in the 19th over Rameshwar Ragoobar bowled impressively to take 4-16 from his 4 overs but couldn’t crown it off for his side. Over at the Golden Fleece ground, Invaders Masters made light work of Queenstown S.C, winning by 4 wickets in a low scoring encounter.

Queenstown were bundled out for 88 in 16 overs with Morris Seymour top-scoring with 41 (5x6).

Three were 3 wickets apiece for Richie Bishop, Ricardo Adams and Beesham Seepersaud.

The Masters then quickly erased the target with Raj Parbattie 31 (2x4, 2x4) and Ramesh Narine 26 (3x6, 1x4) being in a hurry to take the score to 91-6 in just 12 overs At the Reliance ground, the host earned a 2- wicket win against United Warriors who batted first and made 121 all-out in 17 overs to which Reliance Hustlers replied with 123-8 in 16 overs.

The competition will continue on Sunday with matches slated for various grounds along the Essequibo Coast.

– (Elroy Stephney)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

India, Bangladesh to play first day-night Test in Kolkata (REUTERS) - India will take on Bangladesh in both nations’ first ever daynight test match, to be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata from Nov. 22 to 26 as the second game of a two-match series.

Newly appointed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly, a long-time supporter of day-night tests, first proposed the idea to home side captain Virat Kohli before speaking with Bangladesh Cricket Board officials.

“Day-night Test cricket is a huge step forward and we believe it will bring back the crowd into stadiums and a whole lot of young children to the sport,” Ganguly said in a statement on Tuesday.

Bangladesh will be without their all-rounder captain Shakib Al Hasan, who was banned from all cricket for

at least a year on Tuesday after he was found to have breached the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption code.

Ganguly said the match would help support Test

cricket, the longest format of the game, which has seen dwindling audiences in recent years.

“Test cricket is of utmost priority, and we at BCCI will leave no stone unturned

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

Chance at redemption for Bravo in Red Force Super 50 squad PORT O F Hope had lean campaigns in the last SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Out-of-form Super50 outing and will be anxious to left-hander Darren Bravo will have his compensate in the November 6 to Defirst chance to redeem himself after be- cember 1 tournament. ing named in Trinidad and Tobago Red Stylish left-hander Isaiah Rajah, 26, Force’s squad for next week’s Regional has been included after missing out on the Super50. last campaign.

The 30-year-old was left out of the Red Force will be led this year by West Indies side in all three formats for leg-spinning all-rounder Imran Khan the pending series against Afghanistan in with Yannick Ottley, who featured for India, after a wretched run of form since reigning champions Combined Camreturning to the international side puses and Colleges Marooners last 12 months ago following a twoyear, installed as vice-captain. year break.

The hosts will do battle in Bravo has averaged 13 Group B alongside last year’s from five Tests, 22 from 16 losing finalists Guyana Jaguars, ODIs and 17 from eight T20s West Indies Emerging Playsince his return, and chief ers, Windward Islands Volcaselector Roger Harper said noes and visiting side United earlier this month it was States, in matches to be played best the player head back to at Queen’s Park Oval and the regional domestic competition Brian Lara Stadium. and “get himself back into SQUAD – Imran Khan (capform”. tain), Yannick Ottley (vice-capBravo will be joined by tain), Kyle Hope, Jeremy Solozaexperienced right-hander no, Jason Mohammed, Tion WebJason Mohammed with ster, Odean Smith, Anderson out-of-favour West Indies Phillip, Steven Katwaroo, batsman Kyle Hope also Jon Ross Jaggesar, Keagan in the lineup.

Simmons, Akeal Hosein, Both Mohammed and West Indies batsman Darren Bravo, Isaiah Rajah.

Darren Bravo

to bring this format back to its feet,” the former India captain said.

India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland are the only teams among the 12 test-playing nations to have not yet played daynight tests.

One of the major concerns for Bangladesh will be the lack of match practice with the pink balls used in day-night games, having only played one first class match with them in the country in February 2013.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge,” Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo told reporters. “We’re not going to have a lot of time to prepare with the pink ball, but it’s the same for India.”

The tour also includes three Twenty20 internationals, with the first match to be held in Delhi on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid held at Alaves after Perez thunderbolt

(REUTERS) - Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Alaves as Lucas Perez’s sublime solo strike stopped the visitors moving into provisional top spot in La Liga on Tuesday.

Atletico substitute Alvaro Morata scored his third goal in three games to fire them ahead in the 70th minute as Diego Simeone’s team struggled to find top form at Mendizorroza.

Alaves’ Fernando Pacheco made fine saves to deny Spain striker Morata a second goal and to foil Angel Correa before Perez cut in from the right and lashed a thunderbolt into the top corner with seven minutes remaining.

Atletico are second after 11 games, level on 20 points with surprise leaders Granada who face Getafe on Thursday.

Barcelona, who have 19 points from nine games, can move top if they beat visiting Real Valladolid later on Tuesday.

“They (Alaves) had a great first half, better than us and then Lucas scored that tremendous goal,” said Simeone.

“After the break we were better, we won the second ball, attacked the full backs, and if we stick with that and understand what happened in the first half, we’ll be fine.”

Neither side created any chances of note in a lifeless encounter until Morata’s introduction on the hour mark.

Having scored against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao last weekend in La Liga, Morata continued his hot streak with a cool finish after being set up by Correa.

The Argentine forward has been impressive in the absence of record signing Joao Felix, out for a month with an ankle injury.

However former Arsenal forward Perez struck for the fifth consecutive league game to deny the 2014 Spanish champions on a frustrating night.

Bulgaria to play one game behind closed doors over England racism - UEFA

(REUTERS) - Bulgaria will play their next competitive home match behind closed doors and pay a 75,000 euro ($83,000) fine, European soccer’s ruling body UEFA ruled, after finding some of their supporters guilty of racist abuse of England players.

England’s 6-0 win over Bulgaria in the Euro 2020 qualifier played in Sofia on Oct. 14 was halted twice after fans taunted visiting black players with Nazi salutes and monkey chants.

Since the incident, Bulgaria Football Union (BFU) president Borislav Mihaylov and team head coach Krasimir Balakov have resigned, and authorities have identified 16 suspects and made 12 arrests.

The sanction will affect Bulgaria’s qualifier against the Czech Republic on Nov. 17.

UEFA also imposed a further one-match stadium ban, suspended for two years and ordered the BFU to display a banner with words “No to Racism” with a UEFA logo on it.

Bulgaria was also fined a further 10,000 euros for causing disturbance during the national anthem, with England to pay 5,000 euros for the same offence.

Magical Messi... es.

“Leo showed all the quality he has, when he’s like that the team really feels it,” said Vidal.

“We see him every day and he surprises us every day, with the quality he has, he’s from another planet.

I have no words to talk about Leo, he’s from another world, everything he does, he does well.”

Barcelona took the lead after just two minutes when the ball bounced fortuitously to Lenglet in the area and he crashed an effort in off the crossbar.

Olivas levelled after 15 minutes when Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could only parry a free kick, with the defender deflecting the ball home.

Messi, however, helped Barcelona take control with a perfect pass for Vidal before the Argentine scored his fourth goal in four matches in all competitions and 100th under coach Valverde.

The number 10 set up Ansu Fati after the break but the 16-year-old’s shot was kept out by Valladolid’s former Barcelona goalkeep-

FROM PAGE 34

er Jordi Masip.

Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed for offside before Messi struck again in the 75th minute, turning brilliantly before driving beyond Masip.

Messi then set up Suarez with a well-judged through-ball, which the Uruguayan dispatched with aplomb.

“They are very good and they don’t let you off the hook, Messi worked wonders,” said Valladolid captain Michel. “You just have to applaud (Messi) and enjoy him.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

BCB opens refurbished Leslie Amsterdam office “WE have achieved in the last twenty months, what others in Guyana can only dream about and today, I can safely say is the proudest moment of my presidency.

Two months ago, I was ashamed to invite guests to our office but today, we are now in a better position to offer our services to the general public. The Leslie A. Amsterdam BCB office now reflects the high standards we have set ourselves and all of us involved in Berbice Cricket should be proud”.

The words of BCB President, Hilbert Foster, as he declared the restored Leslie Amsterdam BCB office opened. The restoration of the BCB Office was the main project for its 80th Anniversary programme and was spearheaded by the President, Treasurer, Dr. Cecil Beharry; Administrator, Angela Haniff; PRO Simon Naidu and Executive Member, Neil Rudder.

Foster recalled that on his election on February 18, 2018, it was discovered that the BCB was without its own office and that the old one was not in the best condition.

The BCB re-entered into a contract with the owner but Foster stated that the first

objective was to get cricket playing on the field and obtaining sponsorship.

With Berbice cricket now on firm footing, it was

the roof with PVC ceiling, upgrading of the electrical system, some repainting of the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame and obtain-

fice also has its own desktop computer, printer, fax machine, phone set, water dispenser, TV Set, DVD player, water cart, kitchen utensils

BCB President, Hilbert Foster and Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, along with BCB treasurer and secretary at the Head Table during the launching of the refurbished Leslie Amsterdam office

decided to concentrate on the upgrading of the office.

The Leslie Amsterdam Memorial office restoration project included tiling of the entire floor, sealing of

ing $400,000.00 worth of furniture.

The BCB now has a three-piece chair set, plastic chairs, folding chairs and folding tables, while the of-

among others.

Foster stated that the BCB would now be in a better position to serve the general public, host visitors in comfort, store important

High expectations of Windies Emerging Players, says Reifer

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Head coach Floyd Reifer says he has high expectations of West Indies Emerging Players, as they prepare to do battle in the Regional Super50 starting next week.

The development squad will play in Group B staged in Trinidad and will be up against last year’s losing finalists Guyana Jaguars, Windward Islands Volcanoes, visiting side United States, and hosts Red Force in the November 6 to December 1 campaign.

“I expect to see some good performances from the players. It’s a very young side that we have put together. There is a lot of talent in the squad, so I am eager and looking forward to working with the players,” said Reifer.

“I want to see them put their energies into the tournament and winning a few games, but for me, it’s about developing the talent that is there and making sure that at

records in a safe environment, reduce operating cost and honour it’s heroes in a suitable environment.

The BCB would like to

the end of the tournament there is some form of improvement, individually and as a team.”

The squad comprises the likes of Barbadian fast-bowling all-rounder, Justin Greaves, who has taken 46 wickets from 22 first class matches at an average of 25, and has already scored a first class hundred.

Fast-bowling all-rounder, Justin Greaves.

He will be joined by leg-spinning all-rounder Yannic Cariah, already with three first class hundreds and 50 wickets in 59 matches, while left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes, also from Barbados, and Under-19 World Cup star Kimani Melius, has been included.

Reifer said while he was

familiar with some of the players, he would use the tournament to quickly acquaint himself with the abilities of the entire unit.

“I have worked with some of the players previously.

Some of them, yes, I am not too familiar with them, but we have a few days before the competition starts and when we go through the matches, I will quickly learn as I think I have a good eye for talent,” he explained.

“Getting to know the players will be quite easy for me, in terms of identifying the talent on the field, but off the field, I will try to spend a lot of time with the players and have a lot of conversations to get to know them quickly as possible.”

He added: “We also have a few players in the squad that will be preparing for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 South Africa, so they will be looking to have a good outing in the tournament.

“We have some young players in the squad in the fast bowling department, so the bowling attack looks promising. In terms of the batting, I have not seen many of the players previously, but I am ready and willing to

work with them and see what they have to offer.”

Reifer arrives in the new position, having overseen the West Indies men’s side for the last four months, and believes he has much to offer the developing players.

“I have learned a lot over the last few months and I am willing to impart all of the knowledge I have to the players and developing their games, and making sure that as a team, we will build and play well during the competition,” he stressed.

“Also, it is important to help them understand the virtues of being a high-performance athlete and the importance of work ethic in helping them to get to the next level.”

Emerging Players open their campaign with a tough assignment against Jaguars on November 7 at the Brian Lara Stadium.

SQUAD – Justin Greaves, Kimani Melius, Leonardo Julian, Jayden Seales, Ashmead Nedd, Camarie Boyce, Keon Harding, Dominic Drakes, Yannic Cariah, Joshua Da Silva, Gidron Pope, Kevin Sinclair, Jermaine Levy, Roland Cato.

express gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, Caribbean Nations Group, Food for the Poor, Guyana Prison Service, Colin Elcock, Devindra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble,

Gudakesh Motie, Dr. Puran Singh, RHTYSC, Poonai Pharmacy, D. Balram Shane, Spready’s, Snackette, University of Guyana Tain Campus and A. Hamid General Store for their support.

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, who was present at the rededication ceremony, hailed the outstanding work of the Foster-led BCB administration.

He disclosed that the Charlotte Street location was once a favourite of his as it once housed The Guyana Graphic Bookstore and he praised the restoration work.

Dr. Singh, who has donated millions of his own funds to the development of the game in the Ancient County, stated that he was very impressed by the work of the BCB, its regular reports and its accountability.

The BCB office is named the Leslie Amsterdam Memorial office in tribute to the late president of the board and former outstanding Berbice and Guyana batsman – Amsterdam, who received a national award – Arrowhead of Achievement (AA) – and served as president during the period 1969 and then from 1987 to 1999 when he died from drowning in the Berbice River.

Magical Messi sends Barcelona top in Valladolid rout BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona captain Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up two more as the Catalans thrashed Real Valladolid 5-1 to move top of La Liga on Tuesday.

The unstoppable Messi teed up Arturo Vidal with a magical pass for the Chilean to put the hosts 2-1 ahead after Kiko Olivas cancelled out Clement Lenglet’s early deflected opener.

Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

Ernesto Valverde’s side ran out comfortable winners at the Camp Nou, where Saturday’s Clasico against Real Madrid was due to be played before it was postponed until December because of political tension.

Then the Argentine whipped a free kick into the top corner, fired home another and sent Luis Suarez through to ensure Barcelona moved top on 22 points from 10 matchTURN TO PAGE 33

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Demerara Mutual Fire & Life supports West Indies Over-50s World Cup quest …two trial matches are set for Florida on Novemer2 and 3

THE second edition of The Over-50s Cricket World Cup is billed for March 2020 in Cape Town South Africa and at this stage national teams are at the peak of their preparation.

The inaugural tournament was held in November 2018 in Sydney Australia among hosts Australia, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, Wales and Canada.

Australia defeated Pakistan by three runs to win the final and immediately the planning for Cape Town 2020 began.

Already confirming their participation is West Indies as the total number of teams also increase from eight to 12.

However, West Indies’ preparation will intensify on November 2 and 3 with the staging of two trial matches for the players that have shown early interest.

The Over-50s CWC is not an International Cricket Council (ICC) event and as such teams are self-funded. The West Indies Over-50s CWC

Executive Marketing Manager of Dem Life Clarence Perry (left) makes the presentation to Rajendra Singh (right) while Dave Narine looks on (John Ramsingh photo)

Local Organising Committee (LOC) is headed by Guyanese businessman Rajendra

Singh of Raj Singh Insurance Brokers who has been busy searching for sponsors while

Powell, Cornwall in for Hurricanes Super 50 campaign

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC)_ – Discarded West Indies opener Kieran Powell and the region’s latest Test recruit, Rahkeem Cornwall, headline Leeward Islands Hurricanes 14-man squad for the Regional Super50 starting next week.

Left-hander Kieran Powell

The left-handed Powell has played 40 Tests and 46 One-Day Internationals but was dropped following West Indies’ tour of Bangladesh last December.

He will be joined by off-spinner all-rounder

Cornwall who has been named in the side despite his call up to the Windies squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in India starting November 27.

Cornwall, who topped the batting averages and the bowling aggregates in the last Super50, will be available for several matches before heading off on senior team duty.

Selectors have, meanwhile, called up uncapped 23-year-old left-arm seamer Kezron Archibald for his maiden Super50 campaign.

Archibald recently impressed for Nevis with a five-wicket haul against Anguilla in the Leeward Islands 50-overs Championship.

Hurricanes will also have in their ranks Trinidadian left-hander Amir Jangoo who has left Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners after scoring two half-centuries to help them to the Super50 title last season.

The side will be led by Jahmar Hamilton.

Hurricanes will contest Group A at home at Warner Park and Conaree Sports Complex, alongside the likes of Marooners, Jamaica Scor-

pions, Barbados Pride, and Canada.

The tournaments runs from November 6 to December 1, with Group B being staged in Trinidad at Queen’s Park Oval and the Brian Lara Stadium.

Hurricanes raise the curtain on the tournament when they take on Marooners at Warner Park.

SQUAD – Jahmar Hamilton (captain), Rahkeem Cornwall, Kieran Powell,

All-rounder Rakheem Cornwall

Devon Thomas, Montcin Hodge, Keacy Carty, Yannick Leonard, Kezron Archibald, Sheeno Berridge, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Terrance Warde, Amir Jangoo, Jason Campbelle.

putting all other logistics in place.

Recently, Singh secured

the blessings of insurance giants Demerara Mutual Fire and Life Group of Companies and a simple presentation ceremony was held in Georgetown.

Addressing the gathering, the LOC Chairman said “the committee is in the process of organising two practice matches in Florida on November 2 and 3 and as you know everything costs money.

We have interested players that are in need of sponsorship since it would cost approximately US$100,000 to facilitate the 20-man team, which is equivalent to US$5,000 per person. We are grateful to Dem Life foe their assistance as we hit the ground running knowing that we are in good hands.”

The insurance executive further stated that after the practice matches in Florida, the wider LOC will sit and select the final 16 that will head to South Africa next March.

In addition to their CWC matches in South Africa West

Indies Over-50s will play two warm-up matches after arriving on March 6.

Executive Marketing Manager of Dem Life, Clarence Perry upon handing over the much needed sponsorship gleefully said, “Demerara Fire and General would be the official sponsor for this tournament as a contributor.

What we are basically doing is sponsoring one player.

We have a history of being involved in cricket as far back as when the West Indies were in their glory days. As we have a history we felt that it’s something that we would want to be a part of as it would remind us of some of the great players West Indies had then that will now be in this world cup.

That is why we are happy to contribute to be a part of this meaningful process and historical process.”

Also present at the ceremony on behalf of West Indies Over-50s CWC LOC were Vice -Chairman Dave Narine and Media Officer John Ramsingh.

Third Annual Turbo Knockout Football tournament Launched

THE third edition of the Annual Turbo Knockout Football tournament was launched on Tuesday with twenty teams announced as participants.

They are Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Camptown Football Club, Northern Rangers FC, Riddim Squad FC, GT Panthers FC, Pele FC, Eastveldt FC, Beacons FC, Police FC, Buxton Stars FC, Mahaica Determinators FC, Dynamic FC, Timheri Panthers, Uitvlught FC, Pouderoyen FC, Eagles United, Black Pearl FC, Santos U-20, Fruta Conquerors U-20 and Buxton United U20.

Speaking at yesterday’s Launch, Petra representative Mark Alleyne contended that, “There is no better feeling as an administrator than the sport exceling. We believe that this partnership will continue to be a successful one.”

He spoke in the absence of Petra Co-Director, Troy Mendonca.

Representing the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Youth Coach Wayne Dover noted that they are particularly interested in this tournament because of the youth teams.

“We are on a scouting exercise across Guyana to look for talent for the National U20

tournament,” he added.

H e c o n t i n u e d , “ We would like to say that we are pleased to recognise the contribution of the Petra Organisation and running these tournaments across Guyana.

We look forward to seeing a smooth running of the Turbo Football Tournament.”

Meanwhile, tournament title sponsors Turbo, through their parent company Beverages Inc., (GBI) commented on their continued support.

Marketing representative, Raymond Govinda said, “We believe that the tournament provides the perfect platform to develop new

talents and foster the growth of football.”

He added that the company has extended its reach to feature other sports throughout the year, but had to continue this one based on its successes.

The tournament will feature 10 playing days, beginning on November 9 and concluding on December 6.

The first prize for the tournament will be $400,000, with second place bagging $200,000, third place $100,000 and fourth place $50,000.

The tournament will be played exclusively at the Ministry of Education ground Carifesta Avenue.

L-R GFF Youth Coach, Wayne Dover watches on as Petra’s Jackline Boodie collects the sponsorship cheque from Guyana Beverages Inc. Marketing representative, Raymond Govinda. Mark Alleyne of the Petra Organisation (at far right) watches on

Banned Shakib pleads for support, Page

promises return

31

Bangladesh’s fallen star breaks silence after being slapped with a two-year ban for anti-corruption offences by the ICC

Eastman ready to defend National lightweight title

North Georgetown disqualified from COURTS Pee Wee Page football tournament 31 ...coach banned for two years

Page

31

GBA president Steve Ninvalle

Jamal Eastman ready to defend his National lightweight title

North Georgetown Primary will not play in the final of the Petra Organisation’s COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019