Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_01_2019

FRIDAY 1st November, 2019

' No.105808

New investment, export strategies coming -As Go-Invest launches ninemonth consultancies for designs

Gov't scouting for candidates for SWF committees

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Draft national policy on aging to be completed soon – Harmon

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Progress Made …coalition negotiators upbeat after another meeting

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…stumbling blocks removed to advance talks on revision of Cummingsburg Accord

Water receding in Mahaicony communities Residents who live in flood-affected communities along the coast of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are happy the water has started to recede (Delano Williams photo) (See story on page 10)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

New investment, export strategies coming

-as Go-Invest launches nine-month consultancies for designs

By Navendra Seoraj THE export and Foreign Direct Investment (FID) potential in Guyana was not realised in the past because of the lack of a strategy and an action plan, but this is about to change with the launch of two consultancies for the design of export and investment strategies.

The consultancies will last for nine months. Consultants, IOS Partners Inc. and Global Partners Consulting LLC will provide consultancy services on two topics

which include the review and the redesign of the trade and investment framework for Go-Invest and the design of export and investment strategies and the implementation of those strategies.

Guyana was unable to connect fully, the local economy to FDI opportunities, but the two Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded consultants are expected to shift the practice in quality and standards, by supporting and promoting expert activity under a modern framework.

The framework will re-

sult in the national quality infrastructure being brought to a level that is in line with international best practices, and it will also allow the country to respond in a more cost-effective manner to the requirements of new markets.

“I am pleased that this project is aligned with President Granger’s goals, as it seeks to create an enabling environment where local businesses can participate in regional and global value chains, supported by a network of testing facilities where they can access reliable tests at low costs in

IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen

less time than it would take to send them overseas,” said Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, during the launch of the consultancies at the Marriott Hotel, on Thursday.

He said the consultancies will result in the creation of an environment which will allow local producers to sell their products confidently to the international markets.

The added local confidence will result in a diversified economy which, Rajkumar said, is urgently needed given that the oil sector is set to come on stream in December.

“The new systems will allow local businesses to play a prominent role in our economy…we have to resist the urge to place all eggs in one basket and look at ways to strengthen economic sectors to ensure they feature prominently in economic development,” said the minister, adding that the project will allow priority sectors to ‘piggy back’ on the strength of the oil sector.

The project will also ensure that Guyana is able to channel investors’ interest to specific priority sectors and that will give the country the desired outcome of a diversified economy.

Many economies around

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar (Delano Williams photo)

the world have shown that a strong and diversified private sector is a pillar of growth and development, said IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen.

She said the Design of an Export and Investment Strategy and Implementation plan being financed through, the IDB’s National Quality Infrastructure for Economic Diversification and Trade Promotion, is an important step for promoting investment and economic diversification.

“Investment and economic diversification, especially in Guyana’s current context of impending oil production, are essential for building a resilient economy, with improved capacity to withstand external threats in the form of price or weather-related production shocks,” said Makonnen.

In the case of Guyana, the production and trading of goods and services face a number of risks affecting productivity and exports such as rejection of products at border inspection points; increased costs due to delays while tests are being done overseas, disruptions in trade, and loss or inability to expand into new markets.

In that regard, the Na-

tional Quality Infrastructure for Economic Diversification and Trade Promotion intends to strengthen the institutional framework governing production quality and standards to support private sector enterprises engaging in international trade, and spearheading compliance with quality and environmental regulations.

The project includes the construction of a laboratory and the purchase of equipment for metrology, testing, and chemistry which are expected to address the needs of local exporters and producers developing new areas of growth such as non-traditional agriculture in fruits and vegetables, forestry, seafood and aquaculture, as well as potentially other areas such as mining and manufacturing. The laboratory will contribute to lowering private sector costs of testing and meeting international standards.

She said, similar to that approach, is Go-Invest’s commitment to reviewing its trade and investment framework. Makonnen believes it is a clear example of institutional capacity development, which is an important component for identifying TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Progress Made

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…coalition negotiators upbeat after another meeting

…stumbling blocks removed to advance talks on revision of Cummingsburg Accord

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger and Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, during a high-level meeting, removed the stumbling blocks that had hindered negotiations between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC, on the revision of the Cummingsburg Accord.

Those negotiations, after reports of a ‘breakdown’ in talks, will continue within days as the two sides hammer out a revised accord to take them into the 2020 General and Regional Elections. President Granger, who is also the Chairman of the APNU, met with Ramjattan at State House on Thursday. APNU’s Lead Negotiator, Volda Lawrence and her counterpart, David Patterson were present during the high-level meeting.

Moments after exiting the meeting, both Lawrence and Patterson told reporters that the meeting was a success.

“Progress has been made,” Patterson repeatedly said when questioned by the Guyana Chronicle on whether the issues surrounding the naming of the Prime Ministerial Candidate was addressed.

It was last Thursday that AFC, during a press conference, reported that the lack

Minister of Public Security and Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan takes the oath of office before President David Granger last Wednesday

of consensus on the naming of the Prime Ministerial Candidate had stalled negotiation on the revised Cummingsburg Accord. Under the Cummingsburg Accord, which will expire in February 2020, the APNU nominates the Presidential Candidate and the AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate but as the accord goes under review, there is a push for Prime Ministerial Candidate to be selected by the Presidential Candidate. But the AFC, at the time, maintained that, in keeping with the fundamental tenets of the accord, it must

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New investment, export... strategic areas for development and building relationships with the private sector.

“Improving the skills and institutional capacity of Go-Invest is clearly a step in the right direction. However, the investment framework is one part of the institutional environment. The literature suggests that institutional quality plays an important role in shaping the patterns of prosperity around the world,” said the IDB country representative.

In this regard, countries that work towards strengthening the qualities of their institutions have generally been able to improve their development path, while those with poorly-designed institutions have been less successful.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Owen Verwey said his office is working to strengthen its qualities and the consultancies will contribute to a realignment of priorities, promoting better focus and identifying priority areas that will in turn result in the growth and development of Guyana.

name the Prime Ministerial Candidate, and that is not up for negotiation. It has nominated its Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, for the position of Prime Ministerial Candidate.

It is unclear at this stage if the AFC has agreed to compromise on its position or whether the APNU has agreed to have its coalition partner nominate the Prime Ministerial Candidate as stated in the existing Cummingsburg Accord.

Patterson, though pressed for answers, would only say that “progress” was made during the meeting that talks

will continue.

Lawrence said due to the difficulties experienced by the negotiating teams, the issues were referred to the parties’ leaders. “They have sent us back to do the task that they have given to us,” she told reporters while adding that the two sides have committed to new timeframes.

“We are looking to have a meeting within another day or two, we are working on that. As you know we are both ministers, we have a portfolio, so definitely we want to have a family meeting,” Lawrence said.

Last week Chairman of the AFC, Raphael Trotman warned that the electorate could respond negatively to a divided coalition, and that it was important for the AFC and its coalition partner to find common ground as they renegotiate the 2015 Cummingsburg Accord ahead of the 2020 General and Regional Elections. “I don’t see a better alternative to the coalition, quite frankly. So I think compromise has to be found on both sides, and we will find a solution to this, and I am confident about that,” Trotman said.

He said the AFC saw “value” in the coalition in 2015, and today, the ethos and value remain the same.

The AFC Chairman said despite the disagreements between the two sides, he believes that the matter will be resolved in time. “I believe that in every engagement of this nature you will have moments of disagreement but I believe that ultimately both parties wish, as I said earlier, and desire a coalition. So the pause for me does give us an occasion to seriously reflect on where we were four or five years ago, and of course to look ahead as to where we want to go and bearing in mind the people’s expectation of us,” Trotman said.

He emphasised that in negotiation, there must be

compromise. Referencing to the 2018 Local Government Elections, Trotman said based on the results, it was clear that the people were dissatisfied that the APNU and the AFC had contested those elections independently. He warned that to enter the General and Regional Elections as independent parties could be detrimental to both sides.

“We are likely to see a reaction that is not in our best interest if we are separate and apart,” he posited.

President Granger has long maintained that the focus of the negotiations, at this stage, should be on principles and policies. He said that all of the parties within the coalition agreed to a threestage process of negotiation – establishing core principles, revising the Cummingsburg Accord and the establishment of a manifesto for the coming elections. Once these principles and policies are agreed upon, he said, the identification of personalities will fall into place.

The Cummingsburg Accord brought the APNU+AFC together on February 14, 2015, paving the way for the defeat of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) which had been in power for 23 years.

Youth on causing death, DUI charges A 21-year-old man was, on Thursday, arraigned before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Leguan Magistrate’s Court to answer to a series of traffic- related charges, including a fatal accident which claimed the life of a pedal cyclist.

Jason Persaud pleaded not guilty to the first charge which alleged that, on October 28, 2019, at Somerset and Berks Public Road, Essequibo Coast, he drove motor car PXX 6207 in a dangerous manner to the public and caused the death of 21-yearold Govinda Prashad.

Persaud denied the three charges which alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, he failed to render assistance to Prashad, failed to stop

DEAD: Govinda Prashad

after an accident, and also drove while being under the influence of alcohol.

He was released on a total of $325,000 bail and the matters

were adjourned until November 25, 2019.

The Guyana Chronicle had earlier reported that, on the day in question, Prashad 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 at the time. The driver of the car alleged that the cyclist was approximately 10 feet ahead of him proceeding in the same

direction.

The driver of the motor car reportedly told the police that the cyclist was moving in a zigzag 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. A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver and it revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

At least 78 people killed in Ethiopian protests last week: prime minister’s office

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - At least 78 people were killed during protests in Ethiopia last week over the treatment of a prominent activist, the prime minis-

ter’s spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Billene Seyoum told a news conference that 409 people had been detained over the unrest and that in-

vestigations were ongoing and the death toll and number detained could rise.

Supporters of activist Jawar Mohammed took to the streets last week to protest

against his treatment after he said police had surrounded his home in Addis Ababa and tried to withdraw his government security detail.

Crowds of young men

from his Oromo ethnic group quickly turned their anger against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, also an Oromo, saying that he had betrayed them by mistreat-

ing Jawar. Billene said that at least 78 civilians had died in “a very senseless act of violence” in the Oromiya and Harari regions and the eastern city of Dire Dawa.

Islamic State confirms Baghdadi is dead, appoints successor CAIRO (Reuters) - The Islamic State militant group confirmed on Thursday its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed, the group’s news agency Amaq said in an audio tape following a U.S. weekend raid.

Baghdadi, an Iraqi jihadist who rose from obscurity to declare himself “caliph” of all Muslims as the leader

of Islamic State, was killed

by U.S. special forces in northwestern Syria, President Donald Trump said on Sunday.

The group had been silent until now. As successor it appointed someone Amaq only identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Quraishi.

Aymenn al-Tamimi, a researcher at Swansea Univer-

01 November, 2019 05:00hrs ~ 06:30hrs

Late Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen in an undated picture released by the U.S. Department of Defense in Washington, U.S. October 30, 2019. U.S. Department of Defense/ Handout via REUTERS

sity focused on Islamic State, said the name was unknown but could be a top figure called Hajj Abdullah whom

the U.S. State Department had identified as a possible successor to Baghdadi. “It could be someone we know, who perhaps has just assumed this new name,” said Tamimi.

The group, which controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017 and carried out atrocities that horrified most Muslims, also confirmed the death of its spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir.

Baghdadi was killed in Idlib in northwestern Syria.

U.S. special forces carried out the Syrian operation in which Baghdadi killed himself and three of his children by detonating a suicide vest when he was cornered in a tunnel, according to U.S. officials

Wednesday October 30, 2019

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October 25, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Citizens must change bad habits -- this is vital first step to tackling climate change, says CDC

By Lisa Hamilton CITIZENS of Guyana can pursue several options to becoming more climate resilient, said representatives of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) who are tackling the effects of the recent springtide.

Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October and Mitigation and Recovery Manager (ag), Alana Walters, told Guyana Chronicle’s Vantage Point on Thursday that climate change, although a worldwide issue, can be dealt with in many ways by Guyanese.

Just recently, Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six were affected by the recent springtide in Guyana with high tide reaching as high as 3.2 meters.

Several communities have been affected but agencies of the government such as the CDC have been on the ground assisting with preventative measures prior to October 25, 2019, and after the spring tide came.

“There are a couple of things that we as citizens have to bear in mind and there are very clear steps that we can take at the individual level to help cushion some of those effects,” Captain October said.

These, he said, include ensuring that there is no garbage pile-up in drains which only serve to worsen the situation.

He stated that many municipalities continue to complain bitterly that residents are contributing to the flood problems.

He said: “When we went

to La Jalousie yesterday (Wednesday), the drains are clogged in La Jalousie and they’ve never seen the back end of the small village dry.

It’s because of garbage pileup, grass pile-up and no one is taking responsibility for that.”

On the macro-level, Captain October pointed out that policy makers perhaps should reconsider how the geographic space of the coastline is utilised.

“Do we want to continue treating it as a space for housing and urban development and growth, or do we want to just treat it as agricultural, or do we want to now start to now encouraging a realignment or a shift in the housing population to encourage more in-land development?” he questioned.

The CDC senior re sponse officer explained that in some areas in Region Three which were greatly affected by high tide, it was found that persons were squatting in floodplain areas which were not demarcated for housing. He urged for national discussions to be had on the matter.

ALTERNATIVES BEING PURSUED Meanwhile, Walters said through closer collaboration with several agencies, alternatives are being pursued to lessen the impact of the tides.

Two such agencies are the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) which are pushing climate

resilient practices such as elevated pens for livestock rearing, model shade house nurseries and access to seedlings for farmers groups as an immediate rebound.

“What we are working on right now is expediting interventions to implement those sort of systems for the worst affected areas,” she said.

She added: “Those areas are communities which have a lot of agriculture activity going on and agriculture is one of the key drivers of the local economy and those communities; so we feel that one of the best approaches for sustainability is to stimulate those economic activities again so the communities can return to normalcy and back to surviving on its own.”

She also stressed that it is important for persons to understand their risk and vulnerabilities to harsh climates, based on where they reside.

“If you know you’re in a low-lying area, particularly those areas that have been affected in the past, heed the warnings and take the necessary measures for preparedness,” she said.

NEGLIGENT On that note, Captain October said that while early warnings of the recent spring tide were given, some persons did not take the matter seriously.

“A process of early warning was activated but in a much shorter timeline and residents, many of whom still were not convinced that there was much merit

in the early warning necessarily, so they did not take any appropriate actions and because this is almost unprecedented -- they did not have the experience of tides rising so quickly --- but because we had the data and we warned, those who actually took action in the last round of hightides had minimal impact while those who waited and waited until the saw something, the range and the speed at which it rose, they had very little time to respond,” he stated.

October advised that if warnings are heeded, residents can mitigate damages to their homes and items as well as adverse effects to their health.

He also urged persons to not only ensure they put themselves in order but to encourage others in the community to collectively take action.

Meanwhile, Walters noted that the development of a seasonal calendar, which maps the climate trend in Guyana over a stretch of years, is being developed to determine the possible patters and rate of changes.

She recommends the scaling up of the overall efforts to ensure that each community in Guyana understands its climate risks and how they can better protect themselves.

Man killed with shotgun he stole POLICE are investigating the death of a mechanic who was bizarrely killed on Wednesday night with a shotgun he stole from his employer at Goat Creek, Essequibo River.

Dead is Joseph Mahadeo, 46, called "Terry" of Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). Four persons are currently in police custody assisting police with their investigations.

Reports indicate that Mahadeo was employed as a mechanic at a mining company which is owned by a businessman of Parika.

On Wednesday, Mahadeo, along with a driver with the company; a painter of Grove, East Bank Demerara and tractor driver, Chandra Boodhoo, were travelling and about four miles away from their camp the tractor developed mechanical problems.

As a result, Chandra Boodhoo sent Mahadeo to the camp to collect a hose and some other items.

On arrival, it is alleged that Mahadeo made contact with the general manager, who is a licensed holder of one single barrel shotgun.

The general manager gave Mahadeo a key to access a safe where the hose was located and where he usually keep his firearm.

Mahadeo then collected the hose and left the key on a nearby table. He then returned to Chandra Boodhoo with the hose, along with

the shotgun which he took without the permission of the general manager.

The tractor was fixed and the trio continued their journey to the camp. The driver and painter were allegedly sitting on the left fender of the tractor while Mahadeo was sitting more to the front of the tractor on two pales with the gun between his legs and butt resting on the ground.

At approximately one mile from the camp, the driver claimed he suddenly heard a loud explosion and he saw Mahadeo leaned to his right.

He stopped the tractor and went over to Mahadeo and saw he was bleeding from an injury in the left chest.

The driver contacted the police and on arrival Mahadeo was motionless at the front of the tractor.

Upon investigations, police discovered that he had three live 12 gauge shotgun cartridges in his right side pants pocket and the shotgun was lying on the trail about 10 feet behind the tractor with a 12-gauge shell in the chamber.

Mahadeo was taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting autopsy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

The AFC and the larger picture

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) has been in the news quite a lot in recent times.

This is not surprising, as that party has become the standard by which Third Parties are measured in our traditionally two-party system. While some criticisms of the AFC are justified, many of them are uninformed, petty and laden with overt political calculations. Some critics have gone as far as declaring the party dead; a most nonsensical formulation.

Given their potential to disturb settled notions of party politics in Guyana, there has always been a difficulty on how to analyse Third Parties. The need to expand the scope of analysis has often proven too taxing for analysts and commentators, especially those with overt and covert political agendas.

This publication holds no brief for the AFC. But in the interest of accuracy and

objectivity, we are moved to offer what we consider a more nuanced perspective on the party. We are sure when a proper history of this era is written, the AFC’ s presence would loom large. The historians would no doubt unearth the mistakes made by the party; its weaknesses would be put in proper perspective.

No political party is faultless or blameless; it is the nature of politics and political behaviour. But, ultimately, errors must be balanced with achievements; a party must be judged within the context of its time and place in history.

The AFC is not a run-ofthe-mill Third Party. While scores of Third Parties have emerged since self-government in the early 1950s, the AFC is one of three that has managed any meaningful mass impact and sustainability; the other two being the UF and WPA. This observation should not be discounted, for, if Third Parties survive

in a polarised environment, it suggests that they occupy political space that the large parties have not been able to monopolise.

Credit must be given to the AFC for having the capacity to seize the moment at the time of its formation in 2005. It was a period of doubt and stress as the PPP government of the day took Guyana to unprecedented levels of State decay. Large sections of the society across ethnic lines had become alienated from the politics of fear, criminalisation of the State, nepotism, paramountcy of the party and ethnic domination.

As is normal in such extreme situations, some citizens tend to look past the established parties for answers. And in a critical convergence of time and place, the AFC emerged as a new light in the darkness that the PPP had brought upon the country.

The AFC did what only the UF was able to do before it. Emerging as an electoral

party, within a year, it became a significant parliamentary presence. Then in 2011, it garnered ten per cent of the popular vote to become the balance between the two large parties. The AFC in effect ousted the PPP from its previously secured position of electoral dominance by the party’s unprecedented electoral appeal to sections of the PPP constituency.

The party then made the crucial decision to use its influence and relative electoral strength to broaden the partnership begun with the formation of the APNU in 2011, and in the process toppled the dreaded PPP regime.

It is this act by the party that is today being severely criticised by its detractors. These detractors feel that the AFC should have remained neutral and not join either of the two established parties. But people do not vote for parties to remain in opposition perpetually; they want their parties to govern. This was

the dilemma the AFC faced.

So, the party’s movement towards the APNU was dictated by the political motion of the time. It could not join the marauding PPP, or facilitate its survival in office by remaining neutral. What is not being said is that the AFC joined a coalition of parties rather than a single party. It was a patriotic choice by the party to help disentangle the country from the clutches of governmental depravity.

Rather than just concentrating on who the AFC joined, the critics should pay even more attention to what the party saved Guyana from.

One-sided analysis is often the stuff of the con-artists or the uninformed.

The critics of the AFC have one thing in common: They want to weaken the Coalition. Weakening the Coalition could have one outcome: Opening the door for the return of the PPP. If the AFC is declared a dead party or is swallowed up

by the PNC and the other parties in the Coalition are deemed ineffectual, then the opposition would in effect be running against the PNC. For obvious devious reasons, this is the not- so-hidden desire of the AFC’s critics.

The last time we checked, the AFC is alive.

The Coalition is alive. All parties have their moments of difficulties, and the AFC must weather the gathering storm. In the end, it is Guyana that matters more; the party is the vessel through which people strive for betterment for all. The AFC must be lauded for seeing the larger picture, and being guided by it. Certainly, mistakes were made, and opportunities were missed, but in the final analysis, it is the larger picture that matters.

This man who is demonstrating lawless behaviour must be held accountable Dear Editor, SOCIETY has a responsibility to seriously review the statements made by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and consider the damage they do to the fabric of this nation.

The media will be among those held accountable for being the facilitator of these carefully orchestrated efforts to undermine law, order and stability.

If Justice Claudette Singh, SC, vitiated the entire 1997 elections, and one of the conditions was the use of an identification card as a

condition to cast a ballot contravened Articles 59 and 159 of the Constitution, why would she, as Chair of GECOM, preside over a process and implement the very Act she ruled, as a sitting judge, was unconstitutional? This defies logic.

Who are the people that the media is facilitating Mr. Jadgeo to treat with such contempt for their intelligence.

It is not a case that he does not know what he is doing, but evidently one where he is hoping to kerfuffle the society, creating confusion, increasing tension and further

division.

Is share ‘rickaticks’ with this man since the no-confidence vote. He seems bent on not wanting society to proceed in a lawful and orderly manner or protect the integrity of institutions and allow processes to take their natural course.

Mr. Jagdeo is playing a major role in seeking to destroy the fabric of this society. We must ask to what end such conduct is being facilitated.

Worthy of note is that even as he does this, he is not doing what he, as Leader of the Opposition, should be doing to give effect to the ruling of

the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) with regard to the responsibility of the National Assembly.

The CCJ judgement of July 12 that the Opposition Leader selectively wants respected, at Item 7, expressly states: “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held.” When will he be held accountable to this?

He wants to tell the President, Government, Justice Singh

and GECOM what to do while he fails to do what he is duty-bound to do by law and court ruling. This raises legitimate concerns it may be a deliberate act to avoid returning to Parliament to ensure the constitutionality of the pending election in the event the PPP loses the results can be challenged in the court on the ground that it was not constitutionally called.

This man, who is only demonstrating lawless behaviour and a penchant to create havoc and mayhem among the Guyanese

communities, must be held accountable. These weekly media brawls under the guise of press conferences are evidently not intended to bring sobriety, maintain law and order, elevate public discourse, seek good governance or for the public good. They serve as a platform to malign, impugn and propagate public mischief, doing more harm than good to society.

Regards, Lincoln Lewis

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

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GAWU…disruptive and NAACIE have sunken to new low behaviour leads to failed meeting

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) has taken note of the insincere representations in the press statement released by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) regarding the Corporation’s alleged abandonment of wages talks.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. wishes to set the record straight regarding the occurrences at the meeting yesterday, October 29, 2019.

The meeting was scheduled with both the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), at which the Corporation had undertaken to present the Corporation’s

production, financials and marketing outlook by the Finance Director along with the Corporation’s perspectives and plans towards growth and in sustaining the Industry by the Chief Executive.

The meeting was initially scheduled to commence promptly at 09:30 hrs. However, just minutes before the scheduled commencement, the GAWU General Secretary called informing GuySuCo that the members from the Berbice delegation were late and requested postponement to a 10:00hrs start.

The meeting did not commence until 10:15 hrs. The Corporation’s representative reminded the Unions’ delegations that he had informed the Unions on Friday October 25, 2019 of the need to have a prompt start.

The GuySuCo’s delegation was led by its Chief Executive, along with its Finance Director, and the two officers from the

Industrial Relations Unit. The GAWU was led by its President and it’s General Secretary, along with 18 members, whilst the NAACIE was led by its General Secretary along with 12 members.

The Finance Director was making his presentation when it was observed that the Unions’ delegation had begun to pin placards bearing slogans upon the front of their shirts.

The Corporation paused its presentation and requested the Unions Leadership to desist from such behavior, and to remind their delegations that the parties ought to be meeting under a cordial and stable environment and not under duress.

Further, that the parties should exhibit respect for each other, and while one recognised their right to protest, the Unions and their delegations should be fully aware that it was not the time and place to do so at a scheduled meeting within the

Corporation’s premises.

The Corporation’s team, after advising the Unions on the criteria to have the meeting continue under a cordial environment, left the room, giving the Unions time to deliberate and clear the path for normalcy and for the meeting to continue.

Upon re-entering the room, the GAWU President informed that he found it difficult to accede to the Corporation’s request, and advised that the meeting should continue in the interest of the employees with the Company. He insisted that they were not going to remove the placards, and that he “saw nothing wrong in continuing the meeting with the Unions delegations wearing the placards”.

The Corporation advised the Unions that their actions have brought the meeting into disrepute with their protest and picketing, which had led into duress and that the parties cannot be duly engaged under

any of those circumstances.

The Unions were again given another chance to remove the placards, but again they insisted in being within the Corporation’s premises bearing placards and at the same time expecting the Corporation’s Senior Executives to proceed with their respective presentations amid the discord.

The Corporation, after one hour with no positive movement from the Unions, finally advised the Unions’ Leadership and their respective delegations that their protest and picketing actions during our engagement had brought the meeting to a halt, for it was not normal industrial relations practice to be engaging while one party is being held under duress by the other parties. Further, that the actions of the Unions and their delegations represented a departure from the spirt and established practices of collective bargaining.

Due to the aforementioned disruptive actions, the Corporation was not given the opportunity to share essential information with the unions and their delegations, as it intended, on the Corporation’s production, financials, marketing outlook, perspectives and plans towards growth and sustainability of the Industry.

The Corporation will be formally communicating to the two unions leadership its disappointment and concerns regarding their actions and the representatives who have engaged in such discourteous behaviour at a critical meeting within the premises of the Corporation.

Regards, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc.

Jagdeo’s hypocrisy, dishonesty and contemptuousness Dear Editor, IT must be the summit of dishonesty and hypocrisy for Jagdeo, who never made public the contracts he signed, to tell the media that “it should be a crime to keep contracts secret”. Or is it just the contempt with

which he holds the Guyanese people? He cannot believe that people forget what a megalomaniac he was as President. People will, and do, recognise that he is being dishonest and a hypocrite.

If he believes what he says, then he should pass the law retroactively, and be the

first convict under his proposed law. I wish to remind him that while I was a Member of Parliament representing the PNCR at a Commonwealth conference in London, he wanted support for the Low-Carbon Development Strategy which he didn’t have the decency to discuss with the

people of Guyana. The PNCR correctly refused.

Jagdeo has no moral right to even mention transparency and good governance. He is a true dictator, who was callous and contemptuous of anyone, including Mrs. Jagan, who correctly told him he was wrong to withhold advertise-

ments from Stabroek News.

I close by recalling a philosopher whose name I don’t remember, but he pertinently stated that “A hypocrite is someone who conveniently forgets their fault to point out someone else’s.” Hope some group in the PPP stops Jagdeo from destroying Dr.

Jagan’s Party, which he now treats as his fiefdom.

Regards, Aubrey C. Norton

This is what gives support to Jagdeo’s campaign of destabilisation Dear Editor, NOTE is taken of Lincoln Lewis’s letter: ‘We must take note of Jagdeo’s orchestrated destabilising campaign”, Guyana Chronicle, October 28, 2019, particularly the description of “destabilising’’ with which there is full concurrence, since this has been precisely the leader of the opposition Bharrat Jagdeo’s aim, which he commenced just after the coming to office of the newly- elected President David Granger’s administration in 2015.

In fact, it is a situation which had been unhesitatingly described and pointed out in several letters by various writers, sent to the media, as early as October 2017, for, by then, a very clear pattern had already emerged, with

all the major players clearly identified in the plot to create social crisis. And as the plot continued to unfold, it was clear that this was not about the coalition government’s performance record in office, as falsely and fraudulently culminated in the hoax of the NCM, the ensuing results of which was to evidence the most outrageous acts of political distortions of the CCJ’s decisions that pertained to the many challenges pertaining to the NCM over which it had to adjudicate.

Editor, this period of Guyana’s history will be known as one that has laid bare the full extent of this nation’s political dishonesty, as exemplified by the frightening political immorality, daily on display from the vested interest groups which, in every respect, have been

the ugly faces of Jagdeo and the PPP/C machinery of lies, misinformation, deception and bullyism. This is Jagdeo’s scripted strategy that is a recipe for exacerbating social tensions, while accusing the government of not adhering to the Constitution.

This is dishonesty that is unparalleled anywhere, especially within the pages of modern Caribbean politics.

One must always applaud the outspoken Lincoln Lewis for his non-partisan insistence that both sides of the political divide adhere to their constitutional responsibilities.

But by now, he must have come to the conclusion, as outspokenly underlined in his above-quoted letter, that Jagdeo is not interested in being accountable in any such constitutional requirement, such as returning to the National

Assembly, along with the government to give constitutional sanction to the March 2020 national elections. And while asking “those in the media… to help the nation in doing so’, meaning, to support the nation in imploring the leader of the opposition to fulfil his constitutional responsibilities, is again, the right thing to do, given what should be the pivotal role of the Fourth Estate in the affairs of any State. This call will not be answered by some media houses that have continued to be shamelessly partisan while being the PR mouthpiece of Jagdeo’s national mosaic of dangerous mischief.

In fact, sections of the private media have become the sanctuary of varied types of political scoundrels and mercenaries whose unmatch-

able lies are what feed Jagdeo’s programme of attempts at destabilisation. And it is dangerous, for such a devious strategy is definitely one which cannot provide solutions to the extant challenges.

It is further amazing that one can read some of the most unspeakable political luridness that is as shocking for its conveyance of criminal distortions from well-known Guyanese who once held the moral high ground, but whose moral consciences have been sold for a pint of promised oil; some discredited PPP/C politicians whose only recourse to resurrecting their dishonest political careers are reckless lies that are an insult to even their supporters; and vested interests who are hell bent is seeing a revert to the old order of State criminalisation from which they

have benefitted.

Therefore, one must agree that any media that aids and abets an opposition leader in his continuous mission of national deception, whose pages, newscasts, programmes do not any longer counter fake news and lies by fact checks/editor’s notes, is a very significant part of the problem of a very dishonest leader of the opposition and his cabal of plotters, and cannot in any way be integral of an honest rebuke/ reprimand, or be part of a national conversation, or of assistance to the nation.

Regards, Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Filariasis campaign launched --aims for total elimination by 2020

THE official launch of the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign was held at the Stabroek Market Square on Thursday. The one-month exercise will see health officials visiting homes and schools to administer the drugs.

Under this year’s ‘Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination’ Campaign, the Ministry Of Public Health will be implementing its triple-drug therapy. The triple-drug therapy is the combination of three types of tablets that will be useful in eliminating the virus.

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, speaking at the launch said that the government is committed to achieving complete elimination of this virus, and giving as many of its citizens the chance to live healthy lives.

“Guyana has made tremendous progress in recent years, in the roll-out of mass drug distribution. We have been able to have a coverage of 85 per cent, and this is

thanks to our doctors who ensure that these medications are distributed throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” Minister Lawrence said.

She further stated that the ministry has done extensive research to ensure that all of the medication that will be distributed have been tested, and have met the safety requirements for distribution to the general public. The minister also disclosed that based on the statistics received from research, the drug distribution exercise will be targetting eight out of Guyana’s ten administrative regions, and that Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have shown to have a lower level of persons affected by this virus.

Guyana has made tremendous progress in the fight against filaria, however, the objective is for the elimination of the disease by 2020, she said.

Also speaking at the launch of the ministry’s

‘Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination’ Campaign was Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Gordon-Campbell, who spoke about Guyana’s progression in relation to eliminating and combatting the disease. “We are poised to reach elimination status by next year,” Dr. Gordon-Campbell said. “If we get it right this year and next year, I am confident that if we work together, we can make it happen. The power to make it happen is in your hands.”

In conjunction with the theme of this year’s campaign, ‘We share because we care’, Dr. Gordon-Campbell further called on members of the public to work with the distributing agents, and take the medication that they will be distributing to ensure they receive the necessary protection from the virus.

Distribution of the tablets was slated to begin October 31 at schools and residences so as to give everyone an opportunity to have access to it.

The ministry is advising that

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence accepting her IDA tablets

pregnant women, severely ill persons and persons shorter than 90 centimetres, as well as persons less than or equal to 15 kilograms body weight

will not be permitted to take the medication. Further, the dosages for this distribution cycle will be determined by the height of each individual.

The tablets will not only be useful in combatting this virus, but also holds additional benefits with other viruses such as head lice, scabies and worms.

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with PAHO, has been working for years to combat and eliminate the threat of this disease to persons in the country, using several avenues.

Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic thread-like worms. The adult worms only live in the human lymph system. The lymph system maintains the body’s fluid balance and fights infections.

Lymphatic Filariasis is spread from person to person by the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito.

People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis, and in men swelling of the scrotum, called hydrocele.

Lymphatic Filariasis is a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide.

Octogenarian to get new house NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and team, on Thursday, visited

Karisparu Village in the Potaro-Siparuni, Region Eight to meet with Lucille

Williams, 87, also known as ‘Mami’.

The team comprised

Minister Trotman and team members with Lucille Williams on Thursday

members of the GGMC Mines Division and the Ministries of Natural Resources (MNR) and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA).

Williams and family had complained about unfair treatment at the hands of a miner and apart from wide publicity given to the complaint, the matter was raised

by Toshao, Edward McGarrell of Chenapau, at the recent National Toshaos Conference held on October 8-11.

During Minister Trotman's engagements at the

conference, he undertook to visit the community and to meet with Williams. On location, the team met with Williams and family and benefitted from the translation services provided by Ovid Williams of MoIPA. Minister Trotman explained that he had come to get a firsthand view of the situation and explained that it was President David Granger's personal wish that every citizen be treated with respect and dignity, and the government wanted to ensure

that Williams’ issues are addressed.

To this end, Minister Trotman and the team handed over $150,000 worth of groceries and other essential items and committed to fulfilling the requests by the family for a chain saw, zinc sheets and other essential building materials to facilitate the construction of a house for Williams.

Further, Minister Trotman gave an undertaking that mining would not be allowed to interfere with Lucille Williams' peaceful enjoyment and occupation of her homestead and farm. The items are expected to be delivered before November 30, 2019.

Williams and members of her family thanked Minister Trotman and the government for the comprehensive and satisfactory response to their situation.

The Natural Resources Ministry thanked the National Toshaos Council, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the GGMC and Toshao, Edward McGarrell for their efforts in making the visit possible.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

MoE awards outstanding 2019 performers

Recipients of Award! Seated are Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) awarded several primary and secondary school and tertiary level students for their outstanding academic performance this year at the National Cultural Centre.

The Presidential Scholarship Award was presented to Michael Bhopaul of Queens College and Farah Chin of the Marian Academy for their outstanding performances in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations(CAPE).

Michael Bhopaul also walked away as the overall best performer not only at the local level, but also at the regional level.

ondary school while Houston Secondary landed the prize for most improved junior secondary school.

The awardees, through a packed programme, were given encouragement and motivation to continue progressing in their academic fields interspersed with speeches and cultural presentations. In her remarks, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry urged the awardees to put their knowledge to good use, and continue to advance.

“Continue to recognise the true value of knowledge.

While it is good to possess it, it works best when you invest it.

When you invest your knowl-

fortitude and focus to be at the top of your class… Our job at the Ministry of Education is to create opportunities across our education system, to develop every student to reach their full potential, and that is not only providing quality education for a few students at our more prestigious schools. But rather creating opportunities for every child in Guyana.”

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, said that he feels elated to see so many young people performing excellently in the various fields of study. He spoke passionately on the importance of education to national development.

“Education is critical to the

A section of the attendees at National Award Ceremony

The Presidential Award at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level was won by Rianna Toney of the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Alex Abraham of St. Roses High.

The top six performers at the Common Entrance level were also awarded with Dave Chowtie and Veneisha Lall leading the pack in their tie for first place at this year’s common entrance examinations.

Students from the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), Guyana Technical Education Examination (GTEE) and teachers from Cyril Potter College of Education were also awarded.

Meanwhile, St. Roses High was awarded for being the most improved senior sec-

edge in people, in society, it grows, and its returns are often beyond what you can calculate… It is my hope, that each of you being awarded today, will go on to advance the cutting edge of knowledge, and that one day, at least one of you will be globally recognised for scholastic achievements... It is important for you to thrive in the bigger game of life,” Dr. Henry said.

The minister further noted that even though the awards are only for top performers, her ministry is working assiduously to continue creating opportunities for every child in Guyana to benefit.

In fact, she said, “In life, high achievements are usually recognised with accolades, awards and respect… It takes

progress and development of our nation… We cannot negate the fact that many of our problems that we have in society stem from the lack of education. Some of these include crime, poverty, misconceptions on issues, racism, poor value systems, and selfishness. These are all integral to the lack of education. As our young people become more and more educated, many of these problems are bound to be eliminated. Education creates within the individual, the capacity to perform certain functions for themselves. Education lays the foundation for persons to think critically and rationalise issues for themselves,” Hutson said.

The outstanding performances of the students, Hutson said, deserved the recognition

that was accorded them. “… Anything that is unrecognised will go unrewarded, anything that is unrewarded will go uncelebrated, and anything uncelebrated will exit your life. We recognise and celebrate our young people today because we want them to remain in this country and to help us build a prosperous Guyana,” he said.

Hutson also acknowledged the critical role teachers and parents play in the performance of the children, as such, a few teachers were also awarded.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Water receding in Mahaicony communities

THE spring tide period has passed and residents, who live in flood-affected communities along the coast of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), are happy that the water has started to recede.

A few days ago, residents from Glazier’s Lust to Broomhall were affected by flooding which was caused by a breach in the sea defence at Dantzig.

Although government had built dams in the area to avoid flooding, the hide tides augmented the amount of water coming in, causing houses within the space of about eight communities to be inundated.

“I am thankful that the hide tides ended so that now the water could recede and

we hope the government could do something to keep the water out,” said, Michelle, a resident of Glazier’s Lust.

Puddles could still be seen in her yard, but the resident was glad that the water was starting to recede.

Michelle said her yard was inundated since Sunday so it was a relief to finally see the water receding from the land.

“I see that government is trying to reconstruct the dam, so I am hoping that it could keep out the water for good this time… although I am glad that the water is pulling off, I am still preparing for the high tides which are expected in three weeks,” said Michelle.

The resident said she

started to make minor adjustments in her yard to ensure that, if the water reaches her yard, it does not affect them as much as before.

Michelle’s neighbour, Desiree Percival, is also preparing for the next high tide and hopes the government will be able to mitigate the level of flooding in the area.

Guyana Chronicle reported on Saturday that emergency works are being conducted at heavily-eroded and breached sections of the Mahaicony sea defence.

The works were aimed at lessening the impact of the current high tide. Executing these emergency flood protection works is the Sea and River Defence Department which has taken note of the

Water gushing through the area in the sea defence which was breached (Delano Williams photo)

Contractors putting boulders to strengthen the sea defence along the Mahaicony area (Delano Williams photo)

sections of sea defences impacted by the cyclic erosion of the foreshore and natural depletion of the mangrove forest.

In a release on Thursday, the ministry reported that significant overtopping had been occurring at the sea defence embankment within a 3.0 kilometers stretch of shoreline between Fairfield and Dantzig.

“The Ministry of Finance recently approved a contingency allocation to support the efforts of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in executing sea defence construction works at Mahaicony.

These resources are being uti-

lised to engage multiple contractors in key construction materials supplies and works execution contracts which will be executed concurrently to achieve faster implementation,” the ministry indicated.

The ministry is working to reinstate sections of the earthen embankment by constructing rock armour facing on the seaward slope as an erosion control measure. The medium-term solution works are being undertaken by A and S General Contractors Inc. which is working at the Fairfield and Broomhall area and BK International Inc. which is working at the Dantzig area.

The Guyana Chronicle visited the area which was breached and observed that contractors were putting in boulders to hold off water coming onto the land. The contractors said using boulders to mitigate the amount of water coming onto the land is a temporary solution.

One of the workers said the boulders were keeping out some amount of water, but they were being washed away when the tide got higher. He said the spring tide period has ended so they expect that the boulders will hold up for a while.

Diamond man sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for simple larceny A 48-year-old resident of Diamond EBD, who allegedly stole a metal grill door, was, on Thursday, October 31, 2019, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, in absentia, by Magistrate Rondel Weever, at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Court.

The charged stated that, on August 28, 2019, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Miller stole a metal grill door, property of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) valued at $35,000.

Miller made his first court appearance in August 2019, and pleaded guilty with explanation.

The man told the court that, he was staying in Georgetown, because he was having some domestic problems at home, and stayed at the bottom flat of a

building in Thomas Lands; there he met two persons who gave him the impression that they were the owners of the property and asked him to move the said item to another location.

Upon his return to the said building, Miller was approached

by the police and informed about the stolen item. He was later arrested and charged.

“I had no idea I was stealing” he said.

Miller was released, in August, on $15,000 bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

T&T firm begins delivery of liquefied natural gas to Guyana TRINIDAD-BASED ICON LNG, on Thursday, announced that it has commenced deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Guyana using intermodal ISO containers marking the first LNG imports into the country.

Working closely with one of Guyana’s leading companies, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), ICON is delivering the LNG under a multi-year contract as a fuel source for power generation and process heating at DDL’s industrial compound located in Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

DDL also contracted with ICON to convert two Cummins diesel generators to dual fuel, running on a blend of diesel and natural gas, and to design and install Guyana’s first LNG regasification terminal specifically for LNG ISO containers.

“We are extremely pleased with the start-up of dual fuel operations and LNG deliveries to DDL’s manufacturing facility in Guyana”, remarked Stephen Scoon, Chairman of ICON LNG. “Our ability to provide customers a complete LNG equipment and supply solution sets us apart in the market and allows smaller customers access to LNG, an environmentally friendly and affordable fuel, without having to make significant investments in new power generation equipment.”

LNG, or natural gas in its frozen form, is currently the world’s fastest growing fuel given its lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing petroleum-based fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil

(HFO). When used for power generation, heating or for transportation, natural gas emits significantly less carbon dioxide (Co2), less sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and almost zero particulate matter, making it the cleanest available fossil fuel. Freezing natural gas into LNG allows it to be shipped almost anywhere using existing methods at competitive prices.

Under the fuel supply contract with DDL, ICON will deliver approximately 80 LNG tanks per year and grow to over 100 LNG tanks per year by the second half of 2020 with the addition of a gas fired boiler to DDL’s production lines. By substituting diesel with natural gas, DDL will achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission from its power generation and industrial production operations.

“We are very excited to be the first Guyanese company to use LNG for our energy needs,” said Chief Financial Officer, Vasudeo Singh.

“As part of our efforts to diversify our fuel supply to cleaner alternatives we studied the options and concluded that LNG is a safe and proven fuel globally as well as here in the Caribbean Region where it is already being used in operations similar to ours. We are pleased to partner with ICON LNG who provided us a turnkey equipment and supply solution for regular LNG deliveries that will reduce both our annual fuel expenditures as well as our emissions output.”

ICON is the exclusive distributor throughout the Southern Caribbean Region of dual fuel systems manufactured by Heinzmann GmbH & Co. based in

Four ICON LNG Intermodal ISO containers at DDL Diamond – front

Schönau, Germany.

With over 100 years of history designing and manufacturing engine and turbine management systems, Heinzmann’s dual fuel equipment is a cost-effective solution for customers to maintain their existing diesel generators while accessing the benefits of natural gas, such as cost savings, emissions reductions and multi-fuel security.

Low and high-speed reciprocating engines from 1MW to 10MW can benefit from Heinzmann’s dual fuel technology. For more information about ICON’s LNG and dual fuel solutions please email icon@iconlng. com or visit the company’s website at www.iconlng. com.

ICON LNG is a Trinidad-based company dedicated to delivering environmentally-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG) to where it is needed throughout the Southern Caribbean.

Gov’t scouting for candidates for SWF committees WORKS are progressing towards the full operationalisation of Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) with the holding of a threeday workshop to educate members of its Public Accountability and Oversight Committee on their roles and expectations.

The workshop began on Wednesday at the Roraima Duke Lodge and was made possible through collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the University of Guyana (UG) and experts from Ghana.

The process to operationalise the fund includes the implementation of committees mandated by the legislation. These include the Macro-Investment Committee and the Public Oversight Committee (POC); the latter which will examine proposals to manage the fund’s resources.

The POC is slated to be the largest body with 22 members, representing a wide cross-section of society including individuals representing the interest of women, civil society, trade unions and youths. The gov-

ernment had planned to set up these committees ahead of ‘first oil’ but will now have to wait until after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections before certain steps are realised.

“We don’t see them being set up before the elections because of the nature of their composition. But what we have been doing is working towards shortlisting people and we’ve been in touch with some outstanding, wellknown people in the fields trying to short list them so TURN TO PAGE

15

With support from its LNG suppliers and technology partners, ICON offers turnkey solutions that enable companies to upgrade their electricity generating equipment or process heating equipment to dual fuel and then receive LNG deliveries at their doorstep on a reliable

and timely basis. Using 40’ cryogenic ISO containers, ICON develops end-to-end logistics solutions that make delivery of LNG as accessible as traditional petroleum fuels.

With its network of global equipment suppliers, ICON also provides

engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the design and installation of small scale LNG storage and regasification terminals as well as dual fuel engine conversion equipment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Draft national policy on aging to be completed soon – Harmon

THE National Commission for the Elderly is in the process of establishing guidelines to raise the operating standards of senior citizens’ homes across the country, as the draft national policy on aging is expected to be completed soon.

This is according to Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, during a recent address, in observance of International Day of the Elderly, at St. Marks Anglican Church, Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

He said the policy will be designed to guide the integration of senior citizens to enable them to make contributions to society in a structured and meaningful way.

Since 2002, Harmon said, the Guyana Bureau of Statistics reported a 26.3 per cent rise in the number people aged 65 and over.

Based on these realities, the director-general told the gathering that the welfare of senior citizens achieving age equality has become a matter of high priority and great national importance.

“This priority and importance are reflected in our government’s programme in support of our senior citizens; a programme about which we are extremely proud,” Harmon said.

He explained that gov-

ernment has increased Old Age Pension between 2015 and 2019 from $13,125 to $20, 500 and, in 2018, senior citizens were relieved from having to pay airport departure tax and driver’s license and passport fees.

Further, Harmon said government is also in the process of digitising the Old Age Pension System, to enable pensioners to use their identification cards to uplift their pensions, rather than a pension book.

Additionally, he said the elderly residential visiting committee has, since 2017, been established to ensure that senior care homes and facilities countrywide are furnished with the requisite equipment and have supporting systems and conditions for the proper care of their elderly residents.

HIGH PRIORITY “Brothers and sisters, I must emphasise that our government places a high priority on the care and welfare of our senior citizens.

We recognise that they have made sterling individual and collective contributions to bringing our country to its present level of development, many of them have made great sacrifices in many instances and in many fields of endeavour, we cannot adequately compensate them for their contributions,” he said.

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon during his address at the St. Marks Anglican Church

He continued: “I wish therefore, to take this opportunity to re-commit our government to continuing to give a high priority to the care and welfare of our elderly in 2020.”

Reflecting on the Palms Geriatric Home, Harmon said, prior to 2015, the building was in a ‘run down’ state and neglected. The building has since been rehabilitated to the tune of $66M with improved meals, accommodation and health services now being provided for the residents of the facility.

He explained that these improved facilities, include an infirmary with a resident gerontologist (medical doc-

Director-General, Joseph Harmon presents an award to an elderly woman at the West Demerara Secondary School during a recent observance of International Day of the Elderly

tor who specialises in elderly care) to provide medical care for all residents daily, as well as a health and fitness programme for able- bodied residents of the home.

“Our government looks forward to the time when we will establish institutions such as the Palms Geriatric Home in all 10 regions of Guyana,” he noted.

FITTING AND APPROPRIATE Adding that the theme

for this year’s senior citizens’ month is “Journey to age equality”, Harmon said it is quite fitting and appropriate.

According to the United Nations, Department of Economic and Social affairs, Harmon said the ‘journey to age equality’ focuses on pathways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality.

“We must strive to reach that place where there is

zero discrimination based on age, the welfare of our senior citizens is a matter of concern for us all; we have a collective responsibility to establish and sustain an environment of safety and security for all the vulnerable sections of our society, including our senior citizens,” Harmon noted.

Harmon welcomed and congratulated the Diocesan Family Life Commission and the leadership of the various parishes which has collaborated to organise the programme at the St. Marks Anglican Church.

Additionally, the director-general, during his address at the Senior Citizens in Concert hosted recently at the West Demerara Secondary School, said Guyana is a country where foreparents taught that parents are to be respected.

“These and other positive social values are embedded in our culture and cut across all barriers.

Respect and concern for the elderly have also transcended into being one of the priority areas of our government’s policies,” he noted.

Judge overrules no-case submission in Grove wedding house murder trial COME November 11, 2019, Rajen Dindial, is expected to lead his defence in the murder of Aliston Henry, who was beaten to death at a ‘wedding house’ in 2017, at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dindial, 36, a former resident of Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD, is on remand. Justice Jo-Ann Barlow will be presiding over the case at the Demerara High Court.

On Thursday, October 31, 2019, Justice Barlow overruled a no-case submission which was made by defense attorney Nigel Hughes and called upon Dindial to lead his defense. The matter was adjourned until November 11 for the accused’s defense while summing up will be done on November 12, 2019.

The state is represented

by Prosecutor Sarah Martin.

Dindial had denied that, on September 3, 2017, at Sarran

Rajen Dindial

Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Aliston Henry. According to reports, on the day in question, while at the wedding house celebration Henry had a misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable toilet which was nearby.

The accused became

annoyed and dealt Henry several lashes about his body with a food paddle.

The injured man was then taken home by public-spirited persons. He was subsequently taken to the hospital where he succumbed days later.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

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A step in a healthier direction -- Adams-Yearwood commends developing value-added, rice-based products

By Naomi Marshall AS Guyana continues on the path to developing value-added, rice-based products, the Ministry of Agriculture is viewing the initia-

added that the strides being made to reintroduce value-added rice-based products ties in with the Ministry of Agriculture and Region Four Regional Health Department’s Guyana Re-align-

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood (Carl Croker photo)

tive as a step in a healthier direction.

This was recently indicated by the Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibilities for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood.

Yearwood said that ricebased products are tools the Guyanese population needs to make the shift necessary to live longer-healthier lives since they have numerous benefits attached to them.

In highlighting the benefits of using rice flour, the minister noted that it is high in fiber, protein, zinc, magnesium and iron.

According to the ‘Facty Health’ website, rice flour is good for the liver since it contains choline, which is essential in getting cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body.

Additionally, rice flour is gluten free which is good for persons looking to lose weight or to boost their health. Also, it facilitates digestion, keeps bones healthy and is ideal for persons with celiac disease which causes an inability to process gluten.

Rice flour is not only good for making edibles, but it’s great for the skin as it tightens and exfoliates the skin and removes dark circles.

According to the ‘BeBeautiful.In’ website, “Rice contains a great deal of para aminobenzoic acid, ferulic acid and allantoin. Para aminobenzoic acid serves as a good sunscreen and increases the absorption of Vitamin C in the body. Ferulic acid is an anti-oxidant and allantoin is inflammatory in nature and repairs the skin.”

Minister Yearwood also

ing Agriculture for Improved Nutrition and Health (‘GRAIN-H’) programme.

GRAIN-H is an initiative geared at improving overall health status through agricultural practices.

“This initiative involves promoting healthier eating habits and linking such habits to the reduction of non-communicable diseases. With reintegrating rice flour into our diets, we will be making healthier choices that fit right into the aim of the GRAIN-H initiative,” Yearwood stated.

According to Yearwood, it is the government’s vision to have a healthier population; however, in order to build an industry that supports healthy choices, innovation and economic growth, the agro processors must get involved.

The minister noted that as the world moves towards improving nutritional habits and lifestyles, persons are always looking for healthier ways to enjoy their favourite foods, and as such, Guyanese agro-processors should take advantage of the opportunity.

She added that this is the opportunity for agro-processors to put their skills to the test and create incredible ricebased products to add to the growing range of locally-produced commodities.

Yearwood said, “make it your duty to tap into and eventually dominate the gluten free product line in the local and regional markets”.

Recently, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reintroduced rice flour to Guyana’s market during a showcase called “opportunities for blended flour in Guyana” at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Complex.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Several local organ buildings completed

By Tamica Garnett CONSTRUCTION on the $43M Lethem Town Hall building is expected to be completed by the end of November, while construction or rehabilitative works on several Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) buildings have been completed or are in the process of being completed.

Works have been completed at the Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC building on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, at a cost of $5M. In the Pomeroon Supenaam Region, work has been completed on buildings for the Niles/Cozier and Moruka/Phoenix NDCs. The buildings are being built by the Ministry of Communities (MoC) as part of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP), which was allotted some $300M in the 2019 national budget.

“We feel very good,” commented Savitree Tulsidass, deputy chairperson for the Niles/Cozier NDC. Being one of several more recently created NDCs, the council did not yet have a building and in the interim they were using the Martindale Primary School to hold meetings.

Tulsidass said she visited the building last Wednesday and was pleased with how the construction went. The keys to the building are expected to be officially handed over to this NDC next week.

“Right next to the school that’s where the NDC building is, I went there up to today [Wednesday] and we inspect the building, it’s ok, it’s fairly good. We need some furniture, but it have light set up with the solar and everything done set up. They have a little fine things more and then they will hand over the key next week,” Tulsidass related.

After gaining some furniture, she said the NDC next

will be working on staffing, starting with the hiring of an overseer, who will function in the capacity of chief administrator of the local democratic organ.

“From the subvention, we said we gon see if we get some money to buy some furniture, but we need an overseer right now. We do the write up to publish to get an overseer,” she said.

At the Moruca/Phoenix NDC, Chairman, Sheldon English was able to collect the keys on Wednesday for their NDC building. He too

One of the new NDC buildings in the Pomeroon/Supenaam Region

being a building for the Kitty/ Providence NDC. The NDCs were established for the recently concluded Local Government Elections. Works are expected to begin within the next few days at Kitty/Providence NDC. “The third building will commence next week, that one couldn’t start at the same time as the others started beThe new Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC building

was pleased with the work done and happy to finally have an official location for the NDC. Prior to the building being completed, his NDC was utilising the building which housed the community’s health centre.

The NDC building was constructed in the same compound with the health centre.

WORK OKAY “The building is ok, up to [Wednesday] we went into the building. There’s no problem to complain about with the works done on the building,” English shared.

Like the Niles/Cozier NDC, Moruca/Phoenix is now focused on furniture acquisition and the hiring of an overseer to get the NDC’s

Gov’t scouting for ... that after elections we can be sure that they will come on board so that we don’t have to take a long time trying to establish the committee,” Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, told the newspaper.

Jordan said that further engagement with international experts is being undertaken by the Department of Energy, while the Guyana Revenue Authority

work truly off the ground.

Inspection of the NDC building was also carried out by the MoC and it was noted that as simple as constructing a building may be, it was not an easy feat getting it done in the Pomeroon Region.

“I’m fairly satisfied with the works. Despite the challenges and logistics of getting materials in the Pomeroon, I think the contractors did a reasonably good job,” commented MoC Coordinator of Engineering Services, Naeem Khan.

He added, “There was

(GRA) is gearing up to conduct its audits.

The intention of the SWF – also called the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) – is to ensure that the revenue which comes from oil goes into that fund to be properly monitored. It also aims to ensure the stabilisation of the economy while ensuring that monetary resources are available

a lot of challenges as it relates to flooding; we had a lot of water logging in the area. Bear in the mind the site conditions was not conducive right away to start the construction. Where we stand right now I think the contractors did fairly well, completing it in a reasonable time. I am very satisfied with the rate the project was done.

Those NDC buildings that we built in the Pomeroon are even better than many of the NDC buildings we have right now, and those buildings are fully powered by solar.”

The Niles/Cozier and Moruka/Phoenix NDC buildings are two of three NDC buildings scheduled for rehabilitation in Pomeroon Supenaam Region, the other

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through transparent methodologies in keeping with the Santiago Principles. The guiding purpose of these principles is to have in place a transparent and sound governance structure that provides for adequate operational controls, risk management and accountability; ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and disclosure requirements.

cause we had to build a boat landing to gain access to the land,” Khan explained.

Together, the three NDC buildings cost an estimated $38M, while the landing for the Kitty/Providence NDC was an additional $4M. Also in the works is rehabilitation works on the Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra NDC building.

This is set to commence before the end of this week, and

run for two weeks. The cost is estimated at $1.6M. The Aranaputa NDC in the Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo Region and Profit/Rising Sun are closer to having new buildings as well, with tenders for those buildings recently closing off and currently being evaluated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

Farmers urged to step into agri-tourism

By Lisa Hamilton

FARMERS in Guyana must begin to capitalise on the benefits of agri-tourism as an additional source of revenue and an overall boost to the sector here.

This was the message on Thursday evening at the Agri-Tourism Business Forum and Expo held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The event was hosted by the Department of Tourism within the Ministry of Business in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture as a part of the string of activities set for Guyana’s first Agri-Tourism Expo. In the keynote address, third Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said that agri-tourism can serve to expand the income stream of farmers which is good for Guyana.

The two sectors, he expounded, are inseparable to sustainable, ‘green’ development which is why they remain crucial the realisation of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040. While he congratulated the ministries and departments for their collaboration, he recommended that the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) be included the next time around so that issues in relation to land acquisition for agriculture can be addressed.

Minister Allicock said that while many are focused on the fact that Guyana is “oil-rich”, focus must also be placed in the area of agriculture where Guyana also holds countless riches in diversity. “It is the beginning of, I’m sure, continued success. You’ve taken two truly Guyanese sectors and merged them in an explosive way.

This is ideal creative thinking that will continue to contribute to Guyana attaining its 2020 goals,” he said.

“Agriculture has a key

play a critical role in Guyana’s economic development accounting for one-third of

Hospitality Association of Guyana, Mitra Ramkumar, underscored that the agriculture sector can greatly benefit from the tourism sector should farmers increase the standards of their operations.

He explained that hotels are

available market to farmers.

A message to the audience also came from Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager of the GRDB, Nizam Hassan.

He stated that there are many opportunities for agriculture

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock (Carl Croker)

role to play in eco-tourism.

We know when visitors come they want to have the full,

Minister of Business (Carl Croker)

Attendees visit the various booths on display (Carl Croker)

done to ensure that children at all levels of Guyana’s education system understand the benefits of being involved in agriculture.

He also recommended the hosting of specialty functions such as a Mango Festival, Pumpkin Festival or Rice Festival, showcasing how the crops can diversely be used. “Agri-tourism opportunities, whilst some may say [is at] an infant stage of development, presents great possibilities waiting to be exploited. These opportunities can be turned into full blown businesses thereby not only creating additional sources of revenue for farmers but also

A cultural display (Carl Croker)

‘green’ experience. This is the Guyanese treasure, our gift from motherhood and by merging and paying keen attention to these sectors, not only will there be great economic growth with the improvement of access to market and marketability of our produce, but it also allows us to seek economic development by sustainably using our natural resources in ways that are not harmful to the environment.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Business and Tourism, Hemraj Rajkumar, said that the event is meant to spur greater interest and investment in the area of agri-tourism which has much potential. “Guyana is perfectly poised to become an agri-tourism powerhouse in the Region. With the right investment…and supporting policies, this niche can be developed at a rapid rate,” he said.

Agriculture continues to

the country’s GDP and serving as a means of employment for thousands.

The minister said that Guyana’s agriculture practices serve as attraction to visitors while agri-tourism can become the gateway to rural development, as it is a business the entire family can be involved in. He used the forum to urge more agriculture businesses in Guyana to add the tourism component to their offerings for greater returns, more sustainable farms and countrywide development. Rajkumar said, “It is true that Guyana has not fully capitalised on its natural advantages in agriculture, nor has it exploited its rich agriculture heritage. It is therefore my hope that this expo will start those conversations and push in the direction of making agri-tourism very permanent.”

In brief remarks to the audience, President of Tourism

Members of the audience at the Agri-Tourism Business Forum and Expo held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Carl Croker)

interested in produce free of harmful chemicals and seek out the traceability of these produce to the farm.

Ramkumar said that while one of the greatest challenges farmers face is access to markets, properly presenting themselves and improving local practices can drive the

and tourism in Guyana and citizens must begin to forge these linkages with innovative ideas. One such group of people which stand to benefit, Hassan said, are farmers who can find an additional source of income in agri-tourism.

Regarding agri-education, he said that more must be

creating new businesses for other entrepreneurs,” he said. During the ceremony there were cultural items in the form of dance, while the numerous booths on display provided information, food, arts and craft for the indulgence of the visitors.

Man charged with murder of cousin A 28-year-old man was, on Thursday, remanded to prison for the murder of his cousin following a brawl at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

Doma ‘Mario’ Nandlall of Middle Street Unity, Mahaica, ECD appeared

before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court and was not required to plead to the capital offence.

The indictment alleged that on October 22, 2019 at Mahaica, ECD, Nandlall murdered Arvin ‘Krishna’

Dipchand. He was remanded to prison until November 21, 2019 for report.

According to reports, on the day in question, Nandlall and Dipchand were involved in a heated argument. The cousins ended up in a fight, during which Nandlall armed

himself with a piece of wood and lashed Dipchand to his head.

After receiving the hit, Dipchand returned to his car and Nandlall armed himself with a hammer and pelted it in the direction of his cousin’s car. In an

effort to avoid the hammer, Dipchand swerved the vehicle and ended up in a ditch. From the ordeal he was knocked unconscious.

Dipchand was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Arvin ‘Krishna’ Dipchand

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

$19M skills-training resource centre commissioned in Berbice THE Saint Francis Community Developers (SFCD), in collaboration with the people and Government of Japan, through its Grant Assistance For Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP), on Thursday, commissioned the first of its kind Skills Training Resource Centre at the SFCD compound in

and promise of Guyana’s agro-processing industry by building such a facility and that the programme is in keeping with the government’s vision for the sector.

She noted that the Agro-Processing business is a multi-million-dollar industry and, with Guyana making great progress to reduce food wastage,

for many to follow. While the software and technology provided to the GMC helped that organization to launch the Agro-processors’ catalogue which is a database of the locally-produced items and contact information of the manufacturers. Further, the technology allows the GMC to give technical assistance in providing nu-

Mr. Toshihide Kanaya, in his brief remarks, said the project was a representation of the harmonious part-

empowered and sustainable environment which will empower youths for work while offering a model for

would add value to products so that farmers can be able to make their own finished product in the event of sur-

An agro-processor explains her products to Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Valerie Adams-Yearwood and others at the Skills-Training Resource Centre

Second Secretary Embassy of Japan, Toshihide Kanaya, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, along with President of St. Francis Alex Foster, as well as supporting partners, cut the ribbon

Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant, East Berbice, Corentyne.

The spanking new facility was built at the cost of $19,240,000 with funding from Japan. The facility will place emphasis on job readiness, skills training, responsive education, job creation, value-added products, sustainability for livelihood and small business development.

These objectives will be achieved through collaboration with various stakeholders and partners especially the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) Agro-Processing Facilities, United NationsFood and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Guyana and Friends of Saint Francis with support from Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Valerie Adams-Yearwood, while addressing the audience, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for recognising the potential

agro-processing continues to play a major role in the efforts to cut back on spoilage. The industry had grown tremendously, over the past four years, contributing greatly to Guyana’s annual GDP. “The Ministry of Agriculture has been advocating for the development of the sector by offering technical support through the Guyana School of Agriculture and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to new and seasoned agro- processors to ensure their products are of standard where they can compete on the local, regional and International market.”

She noted that the government, in following the vision of his Excellency David Granger for the Agricultural sector, provided equipment and software to the GSA and GMC respectively in 2017. The equipment to the GSA helped boost the institution’s agro-processing and commercial production and serves as a model

tritional value tables which she noted was a requirement by the Guyana Bureau of Standards for export.

She also used the opportunity to call on the private sector to invest into the industry as it serves a catalyst for growth in the non-traditional agriculture sector. The junior agriculture minister noted that, over the past five years, agro-processing experienced significant growth as well as an increase in prepared food market which is being undertaken mainly by youths.

The minister continued that, with the investment in production, facilities, quality assurance and processing, non-traditional agriculture is positioned into becoming an engine of export growth.

The investment, she said, would not only make the investors lots of money but would also be helping to push youth development, entrepreneurship and develop Guyana’s economy.

The Second Secretary to the Embassy of Japan,

The Skills-Training Resource Centre

nership the two nations share with each other. He reiterated that partnerships were essential for growth and pledged the continued support of his nation to the people of Guyana and SFCD. In closing he asked that residents make full use of the Centre so that it can have the desired impact of elevating their lives as he was confident that SFCD will meet the needs of the people and make the project a success.

President of SFCD, Alex Foster, while delivering remarks, said the organization was grateful to the people and government of Japan for supporting the development of its vision for an

replication across Guyana.

“The need for this venture became visible and critical for the development of economic growth when St. Francis expanded its mandate in the agriculture field.

The goal, with the support from Food for the Poor, is to support the largest source of employment for residents in the Region by offering technical support, equipment, modern techniques to solve traditional challenges that plague farmers daily, opportunities for youth participation while offering other avenues of income through the creation of by-products”.

He stressed that the establishment of the Centre

plus and reduced demands.

Produce would not have to be sold below production cost, to go to waste or spoil, or left in the field to be destroyed. It was a win-win situation for all involved.

The upper flat of the two-storey building will host a showroom/marketing center, storage room, packaging department, labelling center, preparation and teaching space, while the bottom floor will accommodate the staff room, cooking area, preparation area, weighing and receiving center, among others. A number of collaborating partners were also present at the commissioning ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Min. Ally distributes sanitation, food supplies to flood-hit victims – gov’t concerned, ramps up efforts to assist residents Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally, on Wednesday, visited and distributed several items to residents of flood-affected Region 5 communities – Glaziers Lust, Rebecca Lust and Prospect in High Dam. During an interaction with the residents, Minister Ally noted that the government is very concerned with the situation, and, as such, has ramped up its efforts to assist the residents.

The minister assured the residents that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and other agencies, including the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and Agriculture, will continue to assess the situation and ascertain what further assistance can be provided so their lives can get back to normalcy.

“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that your lives are returned to normality. Stay put, have faith, and all is going to be well,” she encouraged the residents.

The residents, most of whom are farmers, were pleased with the support provided by the administration during this critical time.

Mohammed Balgobin, a young rice farmer of Glaziers Lust, explained that the sea defence in his area was breached due to the force of the water during the spring tide. After reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture, two excavators were immediately deployed to conduct emergency works.

“What happened is that

which need this assistance also,” Balgobin explained.

He is also appreciative of the efforts of the regional administration, the CDC and the Social Protection Ministry for the sanitation supplies and food items which were much-needed.

“Thanks to the ministry for this help, we appreciate it. We also welcome the government in this area and are thankful for all the support,”

support the community had been receiving.

Since the last period of spring tide that ended October 2, the Public Infrastructure Ministry has spearheaded emergency works to arrest the breaches in the Dantzig to Fairfield area.

Additionally, through multiple ministries and agencies, the government

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally, distributing items to the residents

Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally engaging the residents.

An excavator operating in the Glaziers Lust area

they started to build the dam before the high tide, but be-

cause of the rushing of the water the works could not be

completed and of course you know there are other areas

said Annette Balgobin, also of Glaziers Lust.

She was optimistic that the administration would continue to provide aid to the residents, especially the farmers.

Kesh, a welder of Rebecca Lust, said that even though he took all the necessary precautions, he was not prepared for the magnitude of water.

Nevertheless, he noted that the issue was one of natural disaster and was therefore grateful for the continued

has issued advisories and warning to residents along the coastal belt of Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has distributed sandbags before the forecasted spring tide. It has also been assessing the affected communities and distributing necessary assistance, to flood-affected communities, while continuing to monitor the situation at hand. (DPI)

Hemp association seeks meeting with political leaders

THE Management of the Guyana Hemp Industries and its affiliates countrywide will be seeking meetings with all political parties contesting the upcoming National and Regional Elections on Monday March 2, 2020.

In a release, Secretary of the GHI, Ms. Jennifer Major, announced that all members of the GHI and its affiliates will be meeting with them to solicit their support for the removal of the legislative barriers for

the establishment of an industrial hemp industry in the country which will provide thousands of new ‘green’ jobs at all income levels, create new industries, build our economy and help eradicate poverty. “We would also like to know the political parties vision for the establishment of a Hemp Industry. Ms. Major emphasised that the GHI is not certain where we are at this point with the establishment of the industrial hemp industry in the country.

“We are not getting enough feedback from the Guyana Government to know what is causing the delay” she opined. The secretary pointed out that if the Guyana Government is really keen on the establishment of a Green State and expanding economic investment, so as to promote sustainable economic growth and create thousands of jobs mainly for our youths, then they must swiftly repeal the legislations and restrictions for the cultivation of Industrial

hemp and the manufacturing of hemp products. The secretary emphasised that Guyana must not be left behind; for we have a great opportunity to let hemp be an integral part of our development and it will be the driving force for a new industry.

Meanwhile, the association said it will be observing its 6th Hemp Awareness Week commencing on Sunday November 10, 2019, Under the Theme ‘Remove the Barriers – Let our Farmers grow Hemp’.

The Guyana Hemp Industries in association with the Guyana Industrial Hemp Producers have announced plans for the country's 6th Hemp Awareness Week Campaign, the largest nationwide grassroots public education, advocacy and marketing effort to raise awareness about the diverse uses of industrial hemp, to educate the general public about the unparalleled environmental, entrepreneurial and eco-

nomic benefits of hemp and to renew support for the cultivating, processing and production of hemp in Guyana. On November 10-16, 2019 hundreds of hemp groups and advocates will be hosting a number of events countrywide featuring educational components, documentary screening, a public forum, community outreaches, sports and culture events and mini exhibitions of products made from industrial hemp.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

44 undergoing arms training

The military officers and their superiors who will participate in the arms training

FORTY-FOUR ranks, including five from the Guyana Police Force, four from the Guyana People’s Militia and two each from the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana prison Service, are undertaking the Skill-atArms Course 2019-02.

Commanding Officer of the four Eng Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Selwyn Austin, delivered the charge to the ranks.

“You will be training with platoon weapons. The terminal objective is to enable you to become fully

competent in improving your overall shooting ability and enhance your knowledge while also becoming competent to coach others from stages one through three for the battle shot. However, in order to achieve this overarching goal, you must become

proficient at weapon handling using the platoon and small arms weapons. You must also understand and execute the functions of a coach during all grouping practice and improve the grouping standard from all shooting positions using the very weapons,”

he said.

He added, “The GDF’s survival depends on the continuous training of our human resources. Take your training seriously because you shall be called upon to transfer your knowledge and teach these skills to the other

Turmeric, ginger teas promoted at cancer awareness activity

A HEALTHY lifestyle is one of the main factors in reducing the risk of cancer and the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) recently hosted a presentation where they displayed several healthy options, including beverages reputed to have cancer-fighting ingredients.

Among these were soursop leaf, turmeric and ginger teas.

The staff and students also benefitted from breast examinations, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening and an interactive presentation on cancer awareness and prevention by Coordinator of the VIA, Dr. Martin

cedures for early cervical lesions.

Delivering brief remarks, Principal of CSHE, Myrna Lee, said the activity aimed to raise awareness of the symptoms and treatment of cancer since “greater knowledge can lead to earlier detection” which is linked to a higher survival rate.

“CSHE’s flagship programme sits firmly in the culinary department that can lead in regards to making the best choices of foods that prevent and fight cancer. [We] can help people to prepare simple, inexpensive foods and beverages that strengthen their immune system and to promote healthy tasty and at-

Some of the healthy beverage alternatives offered by the Carnegie School of Home Economics

Campbell and Dr. Michael Viera from Chronic Disease Unit, Ministry of Public Health.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a simple, inexpensive test with moderate sensitivity and specificity for screening that can be combined with simple treatment pro-

tractive foods that counter the culture of the yearning for unhealthy foods,” Lee explained.

Highlighting the statistics from Guyana’s cancer profile between 2003-2012, Dr. Campbell said that 6,500 cancer cases were registered. He stressed that breast, cervical and

Principal of Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), Myrna Lee

prostate cancer are the leading cancers found in such cases.

“Cancer is an indeed very tough illness to deal with; hence, the Ministry [of Public Health] aims to bring awareness of cancer… cancer is one of the top three causes of death in Guyana.”

According to Dr. Campbell, the occurrence of cancer can be prevented by practising a healthy lifestyle and doing monthly medical check-ups. A proper diet and 30 minutes of exercise five days per week can make a difference while harmful habits such as smoking and drinking, among others, increases one’s chance to be diagnosed with the illness.

Many of the students commended the exercise and noted it was helpful as many of their questions were answered and myths about the disease dispelled. (DPI)

members of your unit/department,” he added.

The course is scheduled to run for six weeks and training will be conducted at Base camp Stephenson and the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama.

Diamond man sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for simple larceny A 48-year-old resident of Diamond, who allegedly stole a metal grill door, was, on Thursday, October 31, 2019, sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, in absentia, by Magistrate Rondel Weever, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charged stated that, on August 28, 2019, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, Miller stole a metal grill door, property of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) valued at $35,000.

Miller made his first court appearance in August 2019, and pleaded guilty with explanation.

The man told the court that, he was staying in Georgetown, because he was having some domestic problems at home, and stayed at the bottom flat of a building in Thomas Lands; there he met two persons who gave him the impression that they were the owners of the property and asked him to move the said item to another location.

Upon his return to the said building, Miller was approached by the police and informed about the stolen item. He was later arrested and charged.

“I had no idea I was stealing” he said.

Miller was released, in August, on $15,000 bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 1, 2019

Condign action needed against Kalibur Security -- Region 10 chairman REGION 10 Chairman, Renis Morian has declared that the council will be taking serious and swift action against Kalibur Security service.

The security service has come under intense fire for what the regional chairman described as consistent disrespectful behaviour towards its female employees.

Morian said he has reached a stage where he is completely “fed-up” of the company’s actions and stated that he, like the rest of the members of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council, wants immediate action.

“As regional chairman of Upper Demerara/ Berbice, I am really fed up meeting with the leaders of this security service from the city, to no avail, and I want to join with the rest of my council and take immediate action as we will certainly not continue like this,” Morian said.

He declared that the female employees are deliberately taken advantage of, and, as such, he and his council will not sit idly by and allow it to continue.

He disclosed that the female security guards are being treated as though they are in the Russian gulag, stating that they are continuously exposed to severe ‘verbal dressing down’ publicly and privately.

“I want to say that we on the council will certainly have to act in the interest of residents here as it is our responsibility to ensure that they are protected as a region,” the RC said.

Regional Chairman Morian disclosed that there continues to be numerous complaints against one, Mr Higgins.

He said that the employees have been constantly complaining to him and other councillors that Mr Hig-

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian speaking during the October statutory meeting

gins has issues, when female staffers raise their hurts with the administration and council.

He stressed that his council will step in and no longer wait upon management of the security firm to take action.

“We are calling on the honourable labour minister and the honourable minister of social protection to act now as these concerns are grave and severe. We have walked a very long journey from 2015; hence, we

are protecting our gains and the stability that is obtained in this region,” Morian declared.

The evidently upset regional chairman continued: “We are not without recourse. I am declaring as

the regional chairman that this security cannot denigrate women and be allowed to function in this region.

Enough is enough and action is going to be taken. The people await due process to resolve the dismissals and suspensions,” Morian said.

He noted that the council, at its November meeting, which is slated for next week Thursday, will address the issues, as priority, and a course of action will be taken as time for discussion was over.

He said that, based on the decisions that will be taken, measures will be implemented to send a message to the security firm that the perception that ‘anything goes in Region 10’ is a myth.

“Don’t be fooled, we are united on this issue and ready,” Morian declared, adding: “The council after its meeting will be sending a formal complaint to the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Protection.”

Research paper reveals emerging ‘Angry’ woman sentenced to prison for attacking insect pests in rice sector police officer -stringent monitoring recommended RESEARCH conducted by officers of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) into the Incidence of Emergence of insect pests of rice in Guyana has yielded significant results.

The research paper was composed by Entomologists Viviane Baharally, Alana Peters and Jenarine Hardat and presented by Baharally on the first day of the Agricultural Research Conference being held at the Guyana School of Agriculture. An excerpt from their presentation alluded to the fact that rice productivity, as robust as it is, is still limited by the harmful effects of insect pests.

Just earlier this year, rice farmers across Regions 2 and 6 suffered losses from paddy bug infestation.

The paper goes on to explain that while the contributing factor of this loss has been traced to paddy bugs, there needs to be more focus on the monitoring of the effects of other pests such as leaf miner, water weevil and caterpillars.

Further to that, surveys conducted over the past two years have revealed the planthopper, leaf folder and grasshoppers are occurring in large numbers across the rice-growing regions. The data collected in 2018 showed an increase in the

Research Officer from the Guyana Rice Development Board, Viviane Baharally.

presence of plant hopper in regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

In her presentation, Baharally revealed that while there were instances of most of the pests, one pest stood out – the grasshopper. “A total of 104 samples were taken in the first season and 296 in the second season… there were several species of the grasshopper found… almost all the areas had high instances of the grasshopper.”

The grasshopper damages the rice plant by shredding the leaf from the tip and squeezes the grain during the milk stage to get its content.

Data collected in Burma, Mahaicony, revealed a hundred-fold increase

in numbers of the planthopper over two seasons, the second crop of 2018 and the first crop of 2019.

In Regions 4 and 6, there was the presence of Leaf Folder; however, it was not continuous. Meanwhile, grasshoppers showed a presence in all the regions in 2018. Moving forward, extensive monitoring is recommended as a vital component of the Integrated Pest Management protocols utilized to keep the threat of these pests under control.

The conference featured several research papers on a variety of emerging and prevailing issues in the Agricultural Sector. (DPI)

A 20-year-old woman, who claimed that she was upset over the manner in which a female police officer approached her, was on Thursday, October 30, 2019, sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment by Magistrate Delon Bess, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Keisha Burke, who was charged for several offences, made her first court appearance in May and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The first charge alleged that, on May 13, 2019, at East La Penitence, Burke assaulted Police Sergeant Odacia Johnson to prevent her from successfully executing her duties.

Particulars of the second charge stated that, on the same day at East La Penitence, she behaved disorderly.

The third charge stated that, on May 13, 2019, at East La Penitence, she used indecent language towards Police Sergeant Odacia Johnson.

The fourth charge stated that, on the same day and at the same location, she resisted lawful apprehension by Sergeant Johnson, who was at the time executing her duties.

The fifth allegation stated that, on the same day and at the same location, she assaulted Sergeant Johnson, causing her actual bodily harm.

The final charge stated that, on May 13, 2019 at East La Penitence, she broke a pair of spectacles, valued at $40,000, belonging to Sergeant Johnson.

According to statements presented in court, on the day in question, at around 08:30hrs, Sergeant Johnson was on duty at the East La Penitence Police Station when she noticed a female ( later identified as Keisha Burke) standing in the compound. As a result, she asked Burke her reason for being there. Burke reportedly refused to answer, so the sergeant asked her once more; it was then that she left the compound and began to curse Johnson.

When Sergeant Johnson attempted to arrest the defendant, she retaliated and allegedly dealt the sergeant several punches to her face; this resulted in damage to the sergeant’s spectacles.

Burke was then arrested and taken into custody.

The magistrate released Burke on bail in the sum of $80,000.

However, when Burke appeared in court on Thursday, she changed her plea and Magistrate Bess sentenced the woman to 14 days’ imprisonment for the assault charge and fined her $50,000 for the other charges.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

g n i K

MISS Earth Guyana 2019, Faydeha King is the talk of the town, having made history by being the first delegate from Guyana to ever place among the top 20 of an international beauty pageant in the last few years, much less Miss Earth.

Miss Earth 2019 was the 19th edition of the Miss Earth pageant, reputedly the World’s Largest Environmental Event. It was held on Saturday at the prestigious Cove Manila seaside resort in the Philippines.

The culmination of almost a month of activities surrounding earth activities saw 85 delegates from all across the world, including Guyana, compete for the coveted title of Miss Earth 2019, a representation of their advocacy for the protection and preservation of our planet.

The competition was prejudged on the criteria of Figure and Form, Beauty of Face and Form (No Make Up Challenge) and Intelligence from which the top 20 delegates would be selected.

The coronation event began with the introduction of the delegates in their radiant floral outfits, and after the introduction of the judges the delegates came out once more in their swimwear. Among this line-up were those who would be Top 20, which the host announced would be judged for the Beauty of Face and Form for the afternoon’s competition.

With nerve wrecking tension, the names of the top 20 delegates were called in random order beginning with Russia. In a matter of a few more countries, King was called.

Her expression said it all as her excitement and surprise was evident. Nevertheless, King took to showing why she was representing Guyana and captured the audience’s attention by vibrantly rocking her swimwear.

This marks the first time

21

finishes in ‘top 20’ at Miss Earth 2019 pageant

Miss Earth Guyana 2019, Faydeha King

Miss Guyana’s reaction when her roommate was announced Queen

Faydeha King in her Randy Madray Resort Wear

ever that Guyana has placed in a semi-finalist position at the Miss Earth competition since its start 19 years ago,

and just two years after being under the directorship of local brand, Guyana Premier.

Since under new manage-

ment, much improvement in the representation is evident.

Last year Xamiera Kippins won the local competition, and upon representing internationally, she secured two medals, one for her national costume and the other for her talent.

This year, Guyana continued to shine on the international stage. Apart from placing in the Top 20, King

captured the bronze medal for her Resort Wear which was designed by local designer, Randy Madray. She was also the room mate of Nelly’s Pimentel of Puerto Rico, who was crowned the Miss Earth Queen. Many pageant pages captured Miss Guyana’s reaction when her roommate was crowned, and lauded her for being a true pageant sister.

Miss Earth Guyana 2019

was powered by Guyana Premier, Demerara Bakery Inc., Nand Persaud Group of Companies, The Government of Guyana, Massy Store Guyana and Precise Printing.

The search for Miss Earth Guyana 2020 has begun. Persons interested in applying can do so via https://www.cognitoforms. com/MissEarthGuyana1/ MissEarthGuyana2020.

22

Eddie Murphy

EDDIE Murphy has hinted that he could give up movies for stand-up. The 58-year-old comedian said that his upcoming Netflix special could mark a regular return to live comedy, as he feels he's better suited to that than acting.

Speaking to WSJ Magazine, he said: “Once I get back onstage, I kind of feel like that's what I was born to do more than anything.

“When I get back on the stage, I can't imagine wanting

Eddie Murphy

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

could stop doing movies

to do movies again.”

The 'Beverly Hills Cop' star, who has sons Eric, 30; Christian, 28; Miles, 26; and Max, 10 months; and daughters Bria, 29; Shayne, 25; Zola, 19; Bella, 17; Angel, 12; and three-year-old Izzy, also revealed working on films keeps him away from his family too much.

He added: “What I like to do more than anything is just be home with my family, chilling. It's really easy to

feel like you're working when you make a movie.

“You've got to get up at five, six in the morning. I started making movies when I was 20 years old.”

Eddie was, at the height of his career, one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood, but he has consciously chosen to step back from the movie industry in recent years.

He recently explained: “I still am in the semi-retired

state. For maybe five or six years, I was on the couch, just doing nothing, and not planning and not trying to get anything. I had things in development, but I just was doing nothing.”

And while he is still open to movie offers, provided the right opportunities present themselves, the star insisted his focus will likely be on his stand-up.

He explained: “I don't want to say I'm retired like

I won't do anything. If some great thing comes along, or if some great thing happens, some great director or some great idea, of course, I'll make other movies.

“Once I get my standup muscle back together, I'll always do stand-up. I'll always have this thing to go do, but I'm never going to be doing it like I used to be all the time.”

HBO Axes ‘Game Of Thrones’ Spin-Off

THE ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel pilot, starring Naomi Watts, is not moving forward at HBO. The planned spin-off project was set to take place thousands of years before the events of the original series, which was based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, but after filming the pilot episode, it has now been axed by HBO. According to Deadline, the cast and crew of the potential prequel, which included Naomi, as well as Josh Whitehouse, Denise Gough, Jamie Campbell Bower, Sheila Atim, Ivanno Jeremiah, Georgie Henley, Alex Sharp, Toby Regbo, Miranda Richardson, Mar-

This image released by HBO shows (from left) Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead Wright and Sophie Turner in a scene from the final episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ that aired on Sunday, May 19. (AP photo)

quis Rodriquez, John Simm, Richard McCabe, and John Heffernan, were recently informed that HBO has passed on the project and will not be taking it to series.

The pilot was one of several Game of Thrones-related projects put into development at HBO, and as of the time of writing, it is believed that none of the other projects, including one show that focused on the Targaryen bloodline, won’t be moving ahead either.

Meanwhile, a source had previously said that the spin-off, which was thought to be titled Bloodmoon, would reveal the “horrifying secrets of Westerns’ history to the true origin of the White Walkers”.

The insider said: “Thrones fans will be delighted to hear things have started with the prequel.

“Those working on the set in Belfast are referring to the series as Bloodmoon.

Producers have put together a stellar cast, and it will be must-watch telly for anyone who loves Game of Thrones.”

While Naomi’s exact character details were being kept under wraps, it was reported that she’d be playing “a charismatic socialite hiding a dark secret”.

‘Gay Dancehall artiste will emerge by 2024’ -

Trippple X predicts, based on how accepting music has become

ENTERTAINER Trippple X is predicting that a mainstream homosexual artiste will dominate Jamaica airwaves by 2024.

Speaking on the most recent episode of STAR CHAT, Trippple X expressed that based on how 'loose' and accepting the local music industry has become, it is only a matter of time before an openly gay artiste, whether male or female, rises through the ranks.

The entertainer was speaking against the background of statements made

by Freddie McGregor at a recent Gleaner Entertainment Forum. McGregor voiced his displeasure at the music being produced today, pointing out that it is a game of 'anything goes'. Agreeing with McGregor,

Trippple X voiced his own opinions.

“Mark me words, STAR, me say it right yah so, by 2024 there is going to be a mainstream homosexual artiste inna Jamaica. I don't know if it's going to be male or female, but there is going to be a mainstream artiste weh buss weh a sing bout homo-erotic things,” he said, adding: “And when me say mainstream, me nuh mean hurry-come-up; me mean somebody weh accepted inna diss country, because right now music nuh have nuh morals.

“Freddie McGregor talks about the music, but a nuh the music a di problem, it's the acceptance by society. Society accept every likkle foolishness weh come.” Stacious, the other panellist on STAR CHAT, clearly shocked by Trippple X's statement, sought clarification about the material this artiste would be putting out. She asked whether or not it would be an artiste coming out of the closet or a completely new artiste.

“I don't know if it is going to be new

artiste or a man inna di closet, because artiste out deh weh inna the closet right now. There are artistes out there in the closet right now that I have heard several things about, but a nuh everything yuh hear yuh fi chat. There are a lot of rumours going around,” Trippple X responded.

Giving her take on Trippple X's statements, Stacious said a gay artiste rising out of Jamaica doesn't matter to her, as long as the music is not pushing the homosexual agenda.

“If he's gay and he's not singing about yuh fi go find a man and lie dung wid a man, if he's not pushing that message, I don't care about his sexuality,” she said, adding: “Look how much overseas acts weh we sing dem song same way, because it sound good, and dem nah sing bout dem personal life. If it can remain the same, I don't really care.”

Where did this conversation lead?

Watch the full video on Saturday via THE STAR's social media pages and YouTube channel.

‘Seen Up’ Black on Black GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

The Biggest All-Black Party set for tomorrow COME tomorrow night, all roads lead to the National Park for what is anticipated to be the biggest all-black party to hit the shores of Guyana: “Black on Black”, hosted by ‘Seen Up’.

Born Negus McFarlane, ‘Seen Up’, in a recent interview with ‘The Buzz’, said that this event came as a result of high demand from his local fans.

B e i n g a popular local DJ, ‘Seen Up’ said that after realising the large following he has, he decided to capitalise on it and started throwing his own events.

“My following came about naturally. As a youth coming up in the streets, everybody clings to something they wanna do, and music was my thing. I used to play music as a youth coming up, on sound systems and so. Then I started clashing, and I won clashes. Then we started to tour, and the demand grew from the fans abroad,” he said.

Because of that, he said, last year he threw his first All-Black Party in New York, and the event was sold out. He returned to the city again this year, and hosted another AllBlack event last week, and again, the event was sold out.

‘Seen Up’ said that he wants to bring this experience to his Guyanese fan base, hence the reason for hosting the event tomorrow. In addition, the celebrity DJ said that he believes he would have outgrown the club setting, since all of his parties

were sold out. So his Guyanese supporters will have t h e

privilege of being at a bigger venue that will accommodate everyone.

In fact, he said he wants to set a trend and raise the bar, since all the local DJs would only throw smallclub events.

“It’s Worldwide Seen Up meh name, so meh affi go big. This gonna prove who is the biggest DJ in this country, and I’m doing it to put Guyana out there with international standard,” ‘Seen Up’ said.

He credits having a large following to the fact that he is a very down-toearth person.

“I’m genuine and real, and every day I’m in the streets with every level of people. SO the people dem love me,” he said.

Even though he is a DJ, ‘Seen Up’ said it is not a one-man show, but rather it’s a whole team effort that will incor porate a lot of

other DJs, locally, from America, and from Paris.

This is a big birthday celebration for him, since his birthday was yesterday.

“It’s going to be very big. Come early to avoid the rush,” ‘Seen Up’ said.

Tickets cost $2000 general, and $5000 VIP. They can be purchased f r o m T h a t L o o k B o utique, Grill King, and Fireside Grill.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 1, 2019

‘Tek Charge’ and win a trip to Spain with Magnum!

ANSA McAL on Wednesday under the Magnum Tonic Wine brand launched its massive Christmas Promotion under the tagline, “Naughty is nice” at the 704 Sports Bar and Lounge.

The grand prize will be a trip to Spain for two to witness Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid on February 2.

All consumers will have to do is to buy a three-pack Magnum, full out the form that comes with it, drop it in the box and have a chance to win at the grand drawing on

December 21 at a venue to be announced.

Instant prizes will also be available when you purchase a three pack at any of the participating stored by peeling the marked area of the form that comes with the three pack. Some instant prizes include, fanny packs, bags, cups, footballs and much more.

Acting Brand Manager of J. Wray and Nephew Brands, Rayan Lutchman expressed excitement ahead of the promotion, noting this is one

way of Magnum giving back to its loyal consumers while attracting new ones as well.

Lutchman noted, that persons will be able to “tek charge” this Christmas and win big.

In addition, Lutchman mentioned, that Magnum is always “proud” to be associated with Dancehall and sport.

The promotion will comment on November 1 at all participating Supermarkets across Guyana.

Acting Brand Manager for Magnum Tonic Wine; Rayan Lutchman (middle), Corporate Communications Officer; Treiston Joseph (left) and TMA Supervisor; Yannick Jordan (right).

Free ‘Bibles for Kanye fans’

Kanye West

Thanks to Kanye West, more young people are seeking answers about Christianity.

Google searches for “Jesus” and the query, “What do Christians believe?” spiked after West’s gospel-rap album, “Jesus Is King,” dropped Friday. The album has many biblical references, like this portion from his song, “Selah.”

The 42-year-old bornagain believer recently shared

he reads his Bible before going to bed.

American Bible Society wants to give that same opportunity to those who’ve heard the album and are interested in the faith. The ministry, which was started in 1816, launched “Bibles for Kanye Fans” to “aid those with questions by offering free access to the Bible,” giving away up to 1,000 copies of the Good News Translation for free.

American Bible Soci-

ety’s annual “State of the Bible” survey found that 61 percent of millennials and 58 percent of Gen Zers said they’re curious about the Bible and half of the unchurched people said they are curious as well to know what the Bible actually says.

Anyone in the U.S. interested in receiving a Bible – completely free of charge – can do so by filling out the form at this link: abs.bible/ kanye.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

BCB/ Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls tournament

D’Edward CC beat neighbours Cotton Tree CC to lift West Berbice Championship

WITH the sun blazing down in all of its glory and a large, colourful crowd in attendance, D’Edward CC won their second title for the year when the easily defeated Cotton Tree CC by 37 runs last weekend in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board’s BCB/ Let’s Bet 100 balls tournament.

Abdool Subhan produced a wonderful all-round performance to lift the Man-of-the Finals trophy and prize.

Playing at the Cotton Tree ground on the West Coast of Berbice, the home team won the toss and invited the visitors to take first strike.

Openers Devendra Lalsa and Altaf Khan started like a house on fire by adding 84 for the first wicket in 6.4 overs before Lalsa was dismissed for 54 from 23 balls with seven sixes and two boundaries.

Heralall Bridgelall, batting at number three, was dropped first ball and added 26 with Khan before departing for 18.

Khan departed at 140 for3 for a well-played 35 including five boundaries and two maximums, to set the stage for the Abdool Subhan and Deonauth Persaud show. The pair added 79 runs for the 4th wicket off just 28 balls as the visitors ended on 219 for 3 of their allotted 100 balls.

Subhan was unbeaten on 51 from 21 balls including six maximums and one boundary, while nineteen-year-old Persaud was on 40 not out which included five huge sixes and a boundary. Roshan Gafoor, L. Seetyah and Naushad Gafoor each took a wicket for Cotton Tree for 32, 21 and 30 respectively.

Needing to score 220 from 100 balls to lift their first BCB

title in front of their adoring home fans, Cotton Tree were never allowed to break free as D’ Edward opening bowlers, Abdool Subhan and Devindra Lalsa, bowled tightly in the powerplay.

would then compete in another final to determine the overall Berbice Let’s Bet Sports Champion.

Foster extended gratitude to the management of the Guyana Lottery Company for

PM T20 Softball Cup bowls off today

THE third edition of the annual Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup bowls off today at eight venues across Georgetown.

Highlighting today’s first round fixtures is a mouth-watering All Stars clash featuring two-time defending champions Speedboat and archrivals Regal at the Queen’s College ground.

Both teams will be aiming to start the prestigious tournament on a winning note and a great contest is in the making.

Another highly entertaining encounter brings together defending Masters champions, Regal against Fishermen at Everest with the former aiming for a third consecutive title.

Matches in the new Legends category will take place at the Queen’s College ground and the famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground at Bourda.

Other venues being used are YMCA, Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Transport Sports Club ground on Thomas Lands, the

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground at Base Camp Ayanganna and the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown.

Each team will play three round-robin preliminary round matches with the hope of advancing to the semi-finals tomorrow afternoon.

Today will see two preliminary rounds of matches all beginning at 09:30hrs and 13:00hrs respectively while the final preliminary round match takes place on Saturday at 09:30hrs.

The grand finals take place on Sunday at Everest from 09:30hrs.

In all, there will be a total of 49 matches over the three days including a lone female encounter on Sunday between Factory Price Divas and Superwoman XI. While the players representing the 26 teams in the three categories will be looking dazzling in their new and colourful uniforms, so too will the match officials, thanks to Dyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints.

The Austin Street, Campbellville-based entity handed over a quantity of branded tops to tournament organizer, Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) which will be used by the 26 umpires who will be standing over the next three days in the international three-tier tournament.

Dyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints is now in an elite club with local and overseas sponsors that have seen the tremendous benefits of sponsoring the lucrative tournament.

The other sponsors are HL Latino America of Panama, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology, Chung’s Global, P and P Insurance Brokers, Ink Plus, KFC, Regal Sports, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Banks Beer, I-Bet Supreme, Crown Mining Supplies, Bedessee Sporting Goods, Star Party Rentals, Cyber Sports and USA Cricket Zone.

Terrence Alli National Open boxing punches off tonight The champions pose with BCB officials.

They eventually ended on 182 for 9 with Nick Ramsaroop (38), Naushad Gafoor (37), Saif Ramah (27), Roshan Gafoor (22) and Pooran Persaud (18) being the main scorers.

Rudolph Moore (3 for 42), Hoolsram (2 for 33) and Abdool Subhan (2 for 30) were the champion’s best bowler.

BCB president Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony, congratulated both teams for providing the large crowd with a highly entertaining final.

The West Berbice final is the first of five to be played over the course of the next few weeks. Finals have to be played in the New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne/ Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne/ Black Bush Polder sub-zones areas.

The four champions

their investment in Berbice cricket and expressed satisfaction with the crowd support during the entire tournament.

The main objective of developing grassroot cricket in every village has been fulfilled and the passion for the game has returned after a period of dormancy.

Representatives of the two clubs expressed gratitude to both the BCB and Lotto company for investing in West Berbice cricket. The Let’s Bet Sports tournament is the third major cricket tournament organised by the BCB for teams in West Berbice over the last fifteen months.

The Hilbert Foster-led BCB, at the end of its term in December, 2019, would complete close to 60 tournaments at different levels.

Pakistan begin Australian tour with comprehensive win LEG-SPINNER Shadab Khan claimed three scalps as Pakistan warmed up for their T20 series against Australia with a comfortable six-wicket win over a Cricket Australia XI. After Shadab took 3-30 in Pakistan’s first match of the tour at Bankstown Oval, the visitors chased down their target of 135 with 13 balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman hit 43 off 39 in the pursuit, while Babar Azam hit 34 and Harris Sohail powered to 32 from just 22 balls before being bowled by Ben Dwarshuis (2-18).

Pakistan Quick Muhammad Irfan also began the tour with a wicket on the first ball of the match, producing an inswinging yorker to bowl Ryan Gibson.

But Shadab was easily the tourists’ best, after he went through the CA XI’s middle order.

The former Brisbane Heat spinner had Alex Ross (17) and Nathan McSweeney (30) both caught on the sweep and trapped Baxter Holt (16) lbw to finish with 3-30 on Thursday.

Chris Lynn whacked 24 off 16 for the inexperienced hosts, with all but two of his runs coming in boundaries.

But he was bowled by Wahab Riaz after hitting him for six, denting his push for a return to Australia’s short-form side.

Pakistan are the No.1 ranked side in the world in Twenty20 cricket and will start their three-match series against Australia on Sunday at the SCG GILLETTE T20 INTLS V PAKISTAN November 3: First T20I, SCG, 2.30pm (Fox & Kayo) November 5: Second T20I, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm (Fox & Kayo) November 8: Third T20I, Perth Stadium, 4.30pm (Fox & Kayo)

THE Terrence Alli National Open boxing tournament will punch off at the National Gymnasium this evening with the potential of being the best slug-fest seen in Guyana for some time.

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)-organised event is scheduled to showcase some of the best fighters in the Caribbean including 2017 Junior Sportman of the Year, Keevin Allicock; Caribbean Middleweight champion `Dynamite’ Desmond Amsterdam, Jamal Eastman and Colin `Superman’ Lewis.

Returning to the ring for the first time in over 18 months is policeman Dennis `Menace’ Thomas.

The 2015 Caribbean Development Tournament silver medalist is making a comeback

sporting some light heavyweight pounds after moving up from middleweight. Thomas’ return could spell trouble for reigning National and Caribbean light heavyweight champion Markember ‘Violence’ Pierre of the Guyana Defence Force.

When the two last met, Thomas came out ahead on points. The classy Thomas is being trained by AIBA Three Star coach Sebert Blake of the Forgotten Youth Foundation gym. A Best Boxer at the 2014 Caribbean Goodwill Tournament held here, the six-footer has represented Guyana at several major international events and remains one of the most experienced local pugilists.

Apart from Allicock, Thomas is the only current fighter to have participated at a World Champion-

ship. In 2013, he and Imran Khan travelled to Kazakhstan to represent Guyana at the Championships.

His return adds spice to the National Open as Thomas will have his eyes set on being a part of the National team to the Caribbean Championships.

Also gunning for a place on the National team are super heavyweight Steven Chan and bantamweight Asheer Al Azeem, both from the USA. GBA president Steve Ninvalle claimed that it would be the first time in over five years that the tournament will carry a “foreign flavour”.

The National Open is the last statutory event on the GBA 2019 calendar of events and entry fee is $500 for stands and $1000 for ringside. The first fight is set to commence at 19.00hrs.

Jaguars hoping ...

chise league last Thursday. It’s been very competitive, and we have seen some outstanding performances throughout the tournament, and we have used it to help select our team. We also have a couple of practice games to finalise our preparations before we travel to Trinidad.”

Jaguars will back themselves to emerge as one of the two semi-finalists from Group B where they will clash with hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Windward Islands VolAmerican Racing Tips Santa Anita Race 1 Race 1 Campaign Race 2 Heathers Grey Race 3 Been Studying Her Race 4 Square Deal Race 5 Kimari Race 6 Arizona Race 7 Wicked Whisper Race 8 Daahyeh Race 9 Eight Rings Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Miss Magic Race 2 Sanity Race 3 Truly Elite Race 4 Pugsley Race 5 Power House

canoes, West Indies Emerging Players and United States.

And Crandon said they planned on bringing the same intensity to each game to guard against complacency.

“Obviously, there good teams in our group. We will not take any side for granted. We will take each opponent seriously and one game at a time,” he stressed.

“The good thing is that every team gets to play the other twice, so after the first encounter, the players have time to prepare for Race 6 Cape Nero Race 7 Frankie Barone South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs Tarzan 09:00 hrs Jurist 09:35 hrs Miss Jacksonville 10:10 hrs Bountiful Strength 10:45 hrs Love Mambo English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:00 hrs Keats 08:30 hrs Blue Skyline 09:05 hrs Raasel 09:40 hrs Divine Spirit 10:15 hrs Majestic Dawn 10:50 hrs Fun Mac

FROM BACK PAGE

the return match and try to do better. With the two top teams from the group advancing to the semi-finals, every other team will come to play hard and win matches.

“Fans will view the Jaguars as one of the top teams in the group, along with the Red Force and the Volcanoes, but we cannot rule out the Emerging Players squad and the United States, so we have to play every opponent hard and strong.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

Rugby World Cup final...

England need to hit the heights again to overcome Springboks

By Nick Mulvenney

TOKYO (Reuters) - England will rightly be favourites to win Saturday’s World Cup final after dethroning the All Blacks last weekend but they are likely to have to pull another big performance out of the bag to prevent South Africa from securing a third crown.

The intensity of England’s performance in the 19-7 victory over double defending champions New Zealand last Saturday will be mighty tough to replicate in any case, but if any team could resist the onslaught, it is probably the doughty Springboks.

The hope of the thousands of England fans pouring into the Tokyo area for the match, though, is that Australian supercoach Eddie Jones might have a few more tricks up his sleeve for the return to Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa, by contrast, are unlikely to stray very far from the tried and tested pressure game that allowed them to bludgeon their way past Wales under a bombardment of high balls in the second semi-final last weekend.

Rassie Erasmus does have plenty of star quality in his backline - not least in the dancing feet of winger Cheslin Kolbe who returns after injury in the only change to the side that beat the Welsh but pragmatism is very much the watchword.

The biggest pack in the

tournament will look to constrain, harass, harry and wear down the English before another six leviathan forwards - the ‘bomb squad’ - come off the bench to try and finish the job.

Halfbacks Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard will try to slow the pace of the game as they did against the effervescent Japan in the quarter-finals, with the latter ready punish any English ill-discipline from the kicking tee.

successive weeks to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.

HUMILIATION That would be a considerable achievement in itself but Jones, who was able to name the same starting lineup as that which won the semi-final, has raised expectations so high that it would no longer be considered a surprise.

Jones says he has been preparing for Saturday’s

England Team Announcement - Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo, - England head coach Eddie Jones during the press conference. (REUTERS/Peter Cziborra)

No team has ever won the World Cup after losing a pool match, as the Springboks did in their tournament opener against the All Blacks, but South Africa have also never lost a final, including the 2007 title-decider against England.

Having beaten Australia in the quarter-finals, England will need to complete an unprecedented sweep of victories over the three southern hemisphere superpowers in

match since he took over as coach four years ago in the wake of England’s humiliating pool-stage exit from their own World Cup and the work is evident in his team.

The pack, featuring standout lock Maro Itoje, the bulldozing Vunipola brothers and “Kamikaze Kid” flankers Sam Underhill and Tom Curry, believe themselves the equal of any eight and there is plenty of quality among the “finishers” on the bench too.

In George Ford and Owen Farrell, England have two top quality place-kickers and world class playmakers, while wingers Anthony Watson and Jonny May have proved themselves to be the match for any outside backs at the tournament.

South Africa might have finished third at the World Cup in England four years ago but they too have endured humiliation over the last few seasons, not least when they lost eight of 12 tests in 2016.

Erasmus has managed to turn things around in remarkable fashion since he took over two years ago and his multi-racial, multi-lingual side have looked supremely confident and eminently comfortable in themselves and their game at this World Cup. Jones has twice before masterminded stunning upsets at the World Cup - Australia beating the All Blacks in the 2003 semi-finals and Japan downing the Springboks in 2015 - only for his team to lose their next match.

His Wallabies came pretty close to backing up 16 years ago, however, with Clive Woodward’s England needing extra time and a last-minute Jonny Wilkinson drop goal to secure their maiden title at Sydney’s Olympic stadium.

World Cup finals are rarely expansive affairs and it would be no great surprise if it took something similarly dramatic to decide the champions of the ninth edition of rugby’s showpiece tournament.

Morgan to decide England future after T20 World Cup in Australia CHRISTCHURCH, (Reuters) - England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan will take a call on his future after next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in England, the 33-year-old said.

Morgan led England to their maiden ODI World Cup victory in July on home soil but has battled back injuries in recent years.

“I won’t say I’ll be finished after the next World Cup as I’d be afraid I’ll only creep over the line and maybe fall off,” Morgan told reporters on the eve of the five-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand.

Eoin Morgan

“I don’t want to let anyone down. I want to drive through the World Cup in Australia and then make a call after that.

“We have a special group of players at the moment. I feel very lucky to lead that group and I think we can do something even more special down the line.”

England have rested Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Jason Roy for the Twenty20 series against a side they edged out on boundary count in the final of the ODI World Cup at Lord’s.

England have included five uncapped players in their

Twenty20 mix though Morgan felt it may not be easy for them to break into the World Cup squad.

“There aren’t a lot of places up for grabs in our best XI and probably our final 15 for 12 months down the line.

“But we’re not only building for 12 months down the line but the following World Cup as well.

“I think we’re in a reasonably strong position.

We’ll look to build our best XI and 15 for every series leading in to fine-tune roles and have absolute clarity in what we’re trying to do as a team.”

Five teams register wins in Ivan Madray Memorial T20 tourmment

THE Berbice 2019 cricket season continued last weekend with the hosting of the BCB Ivan Madray first division T20 Memorial cricket tournament. The tournament which is sponsored by Madray’s nephew, Chandradat Chintamani, is being contested by eleven teams on a knockout basis.

Defending Champions Young Warriors, drew the bye in the first round while last year’s runner up, Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour along with Albion, Blairmont and Rose Hall Canje won their first-round matches.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour defeated Upper Corentyne by 8 wickets. Upper Corentyne won the toss and elected to bat first.

They were bowled out for 78 in 13 overs, as Tameshwar Ramoutar top scored with 22. Junior Sinclair continued his outstanding form with the ball to claim 3 for 7 from 4 overs while his elder cousin, Kevin Sinclair, took 3 for 27. In reply, RHT Thunderbolt Flour raced to 80 for 2 from 8.4 overs with Junior Sinclair hitting 36 and Kevlon Anderson 22 not out. Viendra Gooniah took 1 for 16 from 2 overs.

Albion overcame an early scare by defeating Police by 101 runs at the historic Albion Community Centre ground. Police had reduced the strong Albion team to 80 for 8 but good contributions from the talented Sarwan Chaitnarine (37) and Gudakesh Motie (35) assisted the home team to reach 174 all out in 20 overs. Extras contributed a healthy 21.

C. Drakes (4 for 26), A. Mentore (3 for 17) and C. Phillips (2 for 24) were the successful bowlers for the lawmen, who, in reply, were skittled out for 73 with Grisean Grant top scoring with 23 including three boundaries and one maximum.

West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (4 for 11), Kevin Umroa (3 for 38) and Veersammy Permaul (2 for 18) were Albion’s best bowlers.

West Indies all-rounder Romario Sheperd hit a polished 65 as Tucber Park eased past Skeldon by 50 runs at the No. 69 ground.

Tucber Park amassed 162 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs with Garfield Benjamin (31) and Keon De Jesus (21) supporting Sheperd. Skeldon were bowled out for 115 as Kwesi Mickle (2 for 15) and Leon Swammy (2 for 20) being the visitor’s best bowlers.

At the Bush Lot ground, underdogs Rose Hall Canje defeated a strong West Berbice team by six runs. Rose Hall Canje amassed 133 for 8 from their 20 overs with Lloyd David (31), Jerome Andrews (28), Joel Seetaram (21) and Sasenarine Sukhu being the principal scorers.

Andrew Dutchin took 3 for 4 for West Berbice. Needing to score 134 runs from 20 overs to advance to the second round, West Berbice was restricted to 127 for 7. Shamar Angel (28) and Steffan Adams (20) were the best batters for a disappointed West Berbice team.

Rose Hall Canje skipper Ameer Rahaman led his team’s bowling with 2 wickets for 21 runs from four overs. In the fifth match played, Blairmont defeated Port Mourant at the Port Mourant ground. Scores for the match was unavailable up to press time.

Scotland, Oman complete next year’s T20 World Cup lineup DUBAI, (Reuters) - Scotland and Oman registered contrasting victories in the qualifiers to claim the last two berths and complete the lineup for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

George Munsey struck 65, his second fifty of the qualifying tournament, as Scotland spanked hosts United Arab Emirates by 90 runs to secure their second successive, and fourth overall, appearance in the Twenty20 World Cup. “It has not gone our way this tournament, but it is great to play so well in a must-win game,” Munsey said after Wednesday’s victory which came as a relief for the top seeds who finished fourth in their group.

Oman survived a batting collapse to pip Hong Kong by 12 runs and will meet Scotland in the 5th/6th place play-off match later on Thursday.

The four semi-finalists - Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia - have already qualified from this tournament for the 16-team World Cup scheduled to begin on Oct. 18.

The six teams will join Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the first round for a round robin competition with the top four advancing to the Super 12 stage.

Based on official rankings as on Dec. 31, 2018, hosts Australia and other top nine teams - Pakistan, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - qualified directly.

West Indies will defend the title they won beating England in the 2016 final in Kolkata.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

India’s Rohit content with sporadic captaincy honour

By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI (Reuters) Captaining India is such an honour for Rohit Sharma that he would not fuss whether it’s full time or sporadic, the stylish opener said on Thursday.

Virat Kohli leads India across formats but former players including Yuvraj Singh see merit in split captaincy with limited-overs stalwart Rohit as the whiteball leader.

Rohit captained India to Asia Cup victory last year and, with Kohli resting, will lead the side again in the three-match Twenty20 series against Bangladesh starting in New Delhi on Sunday.

Rohit has also polished his leadership credentials by leading Mumbai Indians to four Indian Premier League titles but was not too hung up on permanent captaincy in the shorter formats.

“Look, these are beyond our controls,” Rohit, the only

batsman with three 200-plus scores in one-day internationals, told reporters on Thursday.

to lead the team, and it’s a great honour. I have captained team in the past and it was a good experience.

Rohit Sharma

“Captaining India is a massive honour, be it for one match, 10 matches or 100 matches. When we were younger, the dream we had was of playing for India, not of leading India.

“I got this opportunity

“I never think ‘why did they make me captain for just one series or two series. Why not for a full year?’

“I don’t think or even talk about these things. Whenever I get these opportunities, I happily shoulder the re-

sponsibility and try to set an example.”

The 32-year-old Mumbai player has revived his stop-start long-format career by reinventing himself as a test opener in the 3-0 rout of South Africa earlier this month.

Rohit, who was adjudged man of the series after finishing as the top scorer, will face a new challenge in the two-Test series against Bangladesh, which will include a day-night test in Kolkata.

“It will be very exciting, it being our first test in pink ball,” he said.

“I can’t talk about others but I played a Duleep Trophy match with pink balls and it was a good experience.

“We have been waiting to play a test with pink balls and finally the opportunity is here. We will try to do well and get all 60 points (under World Test Championship).”

Nadal marches on in Paris, Djokovic wins

By Julien Pretot PARIS (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The Spaniard, who will take over as world number one from Novak Djokovic on Monday, converted two of his three break chances to claim his 19th win in 22 encounters against the Swiss.

The 19-time grand slam champion will next face local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat German Jan-Lennard Sruff 2-6 6-4 7-6(6), making the most of his wildcard status in Paris.

The result ended Wawrinka’s hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, leaving only Frenchman Gael Monfils and Italian Matteo Berrettini with a

chance to grab the last of eight tickets for the Nov. 1017 showdown.

Monfils, who takes on Moldovia’s Radu Albot later on Thursday, needs to reach the last four to leapfrog Berrettini in the race to London after the Italian was eliminated in the second round at Bercy.

Djokovic had to dig deep

in the opening set as he reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6(7) 6-1 win against Britain’s Kyle Edmund.

The 16-time grand slam winner was kept on his toes before racing to victory to set up a meeting with seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek beat Australian Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-4.

Serbian Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

bagged the first set on his seventh opportunity and he did not look back after breaking for 2-1 in the second with a booming forehand winner.

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was knocked out following a 6-3 6-2 defeat by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov who will play his first quarter-final at a Masters event since Canada 2018.

Dimitrov, who had been struggling since reaching the semi-finals at the U.S. Open, played brilliantly throughout, taking advantage of Thiem’s fading condition after the Austrian won the title in Vienna last Sunday.

Dimitrov next takes on Chile’s Cristian Garin, who beat local favourite Jeremy Chardy in three sets.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev also exited after being beaten 6-2 5-7 6-2 by Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

Afghanistan can upset anyone, warns Simmons

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons

LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – Newly-appointed West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons, has warned his charges of the threat posed by his former side Afghanistan, and says execution and consistency will be crucial to success in the upcoming series.

West Indies arrived here this week for a six-match limited overs series – three Twenty20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals – but are aware that even though Afghanistan are one of the youngest international sides, they will be dangerous in familiar subcontinent conditions.

“It’s a positive thing that I know much about the rivals but they are a young and energetic side who can upset anyone,” cautioned Simmons who stepped down as Afghanistan coach following the ICC World Cup back in July.

Over the last many years, they have become quite a confident unit. They will be playing on home turf; it’s not going to be easy for us. We have to make sure we are ready for what comes to us while facing an aggressive opposition.

“On both the occasions when Afghanistan beat West Indies, I was their coach, and this time I would like to see things in the reverse order. It would be important to see how the West Indies boys execute plans.”

He added: “If we really need to come up in the ladder, we need to have a consistent showing in all the series. We have a new captain (Kieron Pollard) and let’s see what changes he wants to make for the good.”

Simmons was named as West Indies coach earlier this coach, returning for his second stint in four years after the first one ended in acrimony.

Under his guidance, the Caribbean side captured the T20 World Cup in 2016 but in his absence they have slumped to number 10 in the format – below the Afghanis now ranked eighth – and number nine in ODIs. Simmons, who has penned a four-year contract, said he hoped to see the return of a winning culture during his tenure.

“It’s a big responsibility on my shoulders after three years and it is different too,” said Simmons, who played 26 Tests and 143 ODIs during his career.

“I would love to start with what is necessary for now. As a coach I have a goal for myself and I want my team to be a consistent winning unit. West Indies should win more matches instead of losing more matches.”

He added: “We have won the World Cup twice and finished runners-up once and now all the stakeholders need to work hard to get things right once again.

“It’s about getting the balance right, discipline right.

Once we have all this, we can hope for a turn-around in fortunes for West Indies cricket.”

West Indies take on Afghanistan in the first ODI here next Wednesday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, November 01, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Chris Gayle-10,425 runs (298 matches) (2) Mohammad Shahzad-2,727 runs (84 matches) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who has taken most ODI wickets for the WI to date? How many?

(2) Who has taken most ODI wickets for Afghanistan to date? How many?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

Simmons throws support behind Windies captains Holder and Pollard

RETURNING West Indies coach Phil Simmons has backed his two captains’ ability to get the most of their players, and suggested that Jason Holder will benefit from the decision to hand the white-ball reins to Kieron Pollard.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Simmons said that Pollard who was appointed captain of the limited-overs teams in September despite not having played an ODI since 2016 - is capable of “leading from the front” with the bat.

“It showed in the T20Is with India,” Simmons said.

“He took the reins and led in those. That’s what I expect from him: that responsibility of being captain is going to make him want to always be on top of the runs and leading from the front. He is that kind of a leader - even though he asks you to do something, it is not something he wouldn’t do or he wouldn’t want to do.”

Pollard was the leading run-scorer in that series with scores of 58, 8* and 49, and Simmons said that he expected that form to continue.

“I expect a lot of runs to come from him. Hopefully he doesn’t get to bat where he’s batting much because the top order should be performing now - they have been around for a while in both those two forms.”

And Simmons pointed to Pollard’s career as evidence that he stands up whenever he is under pressure.

“A lot of people write him off,” Simmons said. “The pressure always makes him stand up. If you look at his career, every time he’s under pressure he stands up and he shows ‘look, I’ve had a blip, but I’m back’.

“His experience in general, and not just the knowledge, but also his ability to involve all the players and his ability to give players challenges but at the same time be on their side - that natural leadership

is there. It is something that he will bring a lot to the team.”

Pollard takes over as ODI captain after a difficult World Cup, in which Holder’s side

Cariah will lead the side with Melius as his deputy, a move which chief selector Roger Harper said was based on experience.

“Yannic Cariah is recommended as captain because his experience better positions him to lead and help guide this young team,” Harper explained.

CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams.

“Kimani Melius is recommended as vice-captain for succession planning purposes. He is the West Indies Under-19 captain and the intention for the exposure is to give him a greater opportunity for learning and growth.”

Floyd Reifer, who up

that is something that he has got to answer that question,” he said. “He’s the No. 1 Test allrounder in the world, so he has shown that he has learned a lot

Kieron Pollard muscles a slog-sweep (AFP)

won just two matches and finished ninth in the ten-team round-robin group stage.

That disappointment led Cricket West Indies to set up

Emerging Players squad crucial aspect of development: Adams ST JOHN’S, Antigua, ( CMC) – Director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, believes the West Indies Emerging Players squad’s inclusion in the Regional Super50 is a crucial development initiative.

The former West Indies captain said the move provided young players the avenue to express themselves at a competitive domestic level, which served to further enhance their skills.

“A young player may miss out on selection at their franchise if they are up against two or three internationals with similar skill-sets,” said Adams.

“The Emerging Players squad aims to provide the platform for these players to perform and reward the hard work they have been putting in following their stints at the West Indies High Performance Centre.”

The squad comprises the likes of exciting Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves, dashing stroke-maker Kimani Melius and promising fast bowler Jermaine Levy.

Leg-spinning Trinidadian all-rounder Yannic

a task force to revamp their selection process, which recommended replacing Holder as captain, but Simmons thinks that “relaxing a little

until last month served as head coach of the West Indies side, will take over the helm of the unit, and said he would be looking for improvement in every department. “[The main goal] would be seeing development of the players, seeing steady improvement as we make our way through the tournament,” he pointed out.

“Improvement in fitness standards. Improvement in attitudes toward the game.

Improvement in the understanding of the game. This is a squad of emerging talent, so it’s about bringing the players closer towards selection for their franchise, West Indies “A” and West Indies senior teams.”

The side will have their hands full in Group B where they have been pitted against hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, last year’s losing finalists, Guyana Jaguars, Windward Islands Volcanoes and United States.

The tournament runs from November 6 to December 1.

bit more” in white-ball cricket will allow him to maintain his impressive Test match form.

“It might be [beneficial] but

in that format, and he is going to continue to lead this team.”

Holder was first appointed captain of the Test side back in 2015 at the age of 23,

and Simmons said that his experience in the role meant he could now afford to demand performances of his players.

“With the experience he has now, he should be putting more pressure on a lot of the players to perform. So his role slightly changes, and he gets to relax in the other two formats because sometimes you could see that mind thinking on the field, and then when it comes to batting, the pressure is on.

“Now with him relaxing a little bit more in the other two formats, maybe you’ll see a lot more coming from him in the Test matches.”

Pollard’s first assignment as permanent skipper is a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in India, followed by three T20Is. Holder will then lead the side in a one-off Test against the same opposition in Lucknow, before they play another white-ball series against India, which comprises three T20Is and three ODIs.

DDL Junior Chess tournament set for this weekend

Action in a recent Junior Chess tournament

THE first of six junior chess tournaments, planned by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and sponsored

by DDL TOPCO juices, is set for tomorrow at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. Admission is free for all players and registration starts at 9:00hrs at the same venue on tournament day.

The GCF successfully clinched a renewed sponsorship package earlier this week with beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) under its TOPCO juices brand for the junior

competitions.

DDL TOPCO juices has committed $320,000 to the chess body to cover prizes for the six competitions and Sharda Veeren-Chand, DDL Marketing Director, was pleased to disclose the approval of the sponsorship.

The company played a dominant role in the sponsorship of tournaments previously. The six junior tournaments will be staged by the GCF during November and December, 2019.

Frankie Farley, president of the GCF, thanked DDL for its involvement and the important role of the com-

pany in the development of local chess.

“Your generous contribution will be instrumental in making our vision a reality by helping to offset part of the cost associated with the implementation of the various planned initiatives,” Farley asserted.

The upcoming one-day tournament consists of 12 rounds. Each player will be allotted 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment per round. Interested players can contact Rashad on 6583004, Davion on 656-4032 or Anthony on 613-2083 for more information.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 1, 2019

4th EBFA / Ralph Green U-11 League

Riddim Squad and Vurlon Mills Academy to square off in final tomorrow

THEY have both played undefeated to date and have duly earned the right to contest the final of the 4th edition of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League, sponsored

by USA-based Guyanese, Ralph Green, which be contested tomorrow at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, EBD. Vurlon Mills Academy, which topped Group ‘A’ and then moved on to the semi-finals where they trounced Kuru Kururu Warriors 5-0, will take on Riddim Squad, which won Group ‘B’ and went on to take care of their semi-final against last year’s champs, Ti m e h r i p a n t h e r s , 2 - 0 .

While the Academy boys are exposed to consistent training on a weekly basis at the new Vurlon Mills Academy, the Riddim Squad lads have been doing their thing at the Mo-

cha Ground and fancy their chances of taking the champion’s trophy come tomorrow.

The respective coaches, former ‘Golden Jaguars’ Vurlon Mills and Shawn Maloney will no doubt be putting in some extra work as they seek to end the tournament on a high as one of the two teams to keep their unbeaten record intact; which team that will be is anybody’s guess.

Sponsor Ralph Green will be attending tomorrow’s matches along with GFF President Wayne Forde and GFF Executive Member with responsibility for the EBFA, Dion Inniss.

The Third place match will commence at 09:30hrs with the final at 10:15hrs.

Players from the first and second placed teams will each receive replica trophies whilst third and fourth attracts medals; the

Most Disciplined Player, Best Goal Keeper, Most Promising Player, Top Goal Scorer and Most Valuable Player, The Best Coach and the Team receiving

The Sportsmanship Award will all be presented with plaques.

The tournament had commenced on Sat-

Vurlon Mills Academy

Riddim Squad

urday, September 14 last with 12 teams placed into two groups. Group ‘A’ consisted of Vurlon Mills Academy, Timehri Panthers, Fruta Conquerors, Eagles FC of Stewartville, Diamond United

and Samatta Point/Kaneville.

Group ‘B’ was made up of Riddim Squad, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Swan FC, Friendship All Stars, Grove Hi Tech and Agricola Red Triangle.

MACORP/ISG Golf invitational set for tomorrow Curry breaks hand in Warriors’ 121-110 loss

Members of the head table yesterday pose with the trophies ahead of the MACORP/ISG invitational on this weekend

MACORP and ISG yesterday hit a milestone with their 13th annual Golf Invitational scheduled for this Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

At the handing-over ceremony in the new ISG headquarters building on the main road in Peter’s Hall, CEO Guillermo Escarraga, flanked by his executive team of Miguel Oviedo, Angel Amaris and Jordi Pinol, spoke eloquently about the passion his company has for golf and sports in general.

“MACORP is dedicated to the growth of all Guyanese and we see sports as a way to help kids, despite their circumstances, to escape the daily challenges and create opportunities for themselves” he said.

The CEO added that, “I especially want to thank the President of the club, Aleem Hussain, for his dedication to making the standards of the

LGC to mirror those of our company”.

Present were members of the management team including Finance Manager, Anita Ramprasad, who was pleased to hear that the company-sponsored lighted driving range was available for night practice.

LGC President Aleem Hussain thanked the company and its team, referring to its past leader Jorge Medina who was instrumental in getting the company involved with the LGC. “Many companies have supported the LGC but in terms of partnerships on which you can count on, during my term there was none better than MACORP. We look forward to great things in the years ahead and though the faces at this table will change, the philosophies will stay the same.”

Mr. Hussain shared that

golf presents unique opportunities for women and children with scholarships at major universities being one of the benefits of learning the game.

“Companies can also use the game as a recruiting tool to determine how potential managers and employees react under stress and interact with others to resolve problems immediately without passing blame. This has been an exceptional year for the game and again our thanks to Macorp and ISG for all they have done for the sport and the LGC.” Mr. Bonard Joseph and Kevin Bacchus were on hand to showcase the prizes for categories 0-9, 10-19, and 20-36 with awards for longest drive, nearest to pin, best gross and net overall.

The tournament starts at 12:30 and members of the public are invited to come witness the country’s best golfers in action.

(REUTERS)-Ricky Rubio hit two of Phoenix’s five 3-pointers in a 21-0, first-quarter run Wednesday as the Suns ran away from Golden State 121-110 in San Francisco on a night when the Warriors lost Stephen Curry to a broken left hand.

With the Warriors already down 83-54 in the fourth minute of the third period, Curry collided with Suns center Aron Baynes on a drive to the hoop and fell hard on his left arm. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player was taken immediately to the locker room, and the Warriors later announced he had broken his hand in the incident.

The Warriors have now endured major injuries to Kev-

in Durant (ruptured Achilles tendon), Klay Thompson (torn ACL) and Curry in their past six non-exhibition games, dating back to last spring’s NBA Finals. Durant left in the summer as a free agent, signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

Baynes totaled 24 points and 13 rebounds while Saric (16 points), Rubio (14), Cameron Johnson (12) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (11) also scored in double figures for the Suns. Rookie Eric Paschall had 20 points to lead the Warriors, who fell to 0-2 at their new home, the Chase Center.

Rockets 159, Wizards 158 James Harden scored 59 points and hit a free throw with 2.4 seconds left to lift

Houston to a wild win over host Washington.

After Bradley Beal sank three free throws to tie it with 7.7 seconds left, Harden drove, got the foul call and made the first free throw. He missed the second, and Washington was unable to get off a shot.

Harden was 18 of 32 from the field. Russell Westbrook had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, and Clint Capela added 21 points for the Rockets, who shot 53.4 percent from the field.

Beal led the Wizards with 46 points on 14-of-20 shooting.

Rookie Rui Hachimura had 23 points and Davis Bertans 21. Washington shot 62.6 percent from the field.

San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) helps up guard Stephen Curry (30) after an injury during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center. (Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sport)

PM T20 Softball Cup bowls off today

Marketing Manager of Dyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints, Eon Vieira (left) hands over the branded tops to President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, Ian John

s

e pir

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m u ing t t utfi o ’s a n Dy

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Trophies, up for grabs, on display at the GNIC ground last evening.

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Jaguars hoping to get over mental Terrence Alli National Open boxing punches off tonight hurdle in upcoming Super 50 Page

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Guyana Jaguars … hunting their first domestic 50-overs title in over a decade GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars are hoping the upcoming Super50 will be the time they break their jinx in the regional domestic 50-overs tournament.

Last year, Jaguars stumbled at the final hurdle, surrendering to eventual champions Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners by six wickets in the final in Bridgetown, to miss out on their eighth title but first in 14 years.

Head coach Esuan Crandon, who has overseen Jaguars’ domination of the first class championship, believes the struggles in the Super50 is a mental block.

“We have not managed to win it for a long time. We would have played really well up to the final match and to cross that last hurdle has been a struggle for us over the years,” Crandon said.

“We have highlighted a few

things. For me, I think it is just being able to manage that final game and the expectations around us and winning and going through the same processes which we had done during the group matches and the semi-finals.

“It’s more a mental hurdle for us, I think, and it’s just for us to be ready and mentally prepared, switched on and able to control our emotions, so we are focussing on some of these things during our preparations and we expect to do much better when we get to the final stages of the tournament.”

Jaguars, who will be again led by out-of-favour West Indies batsman Leon Johnson, have been hard at work in recent weeks putting the final touches on their preparation.

They have also had the benefit of their local white-ball

league which has ensured valuable competitive practice, and allowed several players to find their touch.

“Preparations have been going well so far. We were affected a bit by the weather a few months ago, but we were able to step things up about six or seven weeks ago and start doing some white-ball preparations which has gone well for us and the weather has been good,” Crandon noted.

“We have been able to get in some quality work. We have focussed on game scenarios and getting the players to understand their roles, rotation of the strike and getting the players to take more responsibility from a batting perspective.

“We have started our fran-

TURN TO PAGE 27

From left: Dennis Thomas, Keevin Allicock and Asheer Al Azeem from the USA. (Delano Williams photo)

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