Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_07_2019

THURSDAY 7th November, 2019

No.105814

First crude cargo

by February See stories on pages

02 & 09

…Dr Bynoe says lifting agreement to be completed this week …crude will be sold more or less at a million barrels per lift ...Contract to be signed this week for cost recovery audit

The Liza Destiny, Guyana’s Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel

‘Best’ nominee will be PM …President Granger says 03 PAGE

candidate will be subjected to scrutiny

Jordan to advise on year-end bonus for public 15 servants Natural gas for domestic demand by 2023 PAGE

…Dr Bynoe says significant quantities not until 2035

PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

First crude cargo by February …Dr. Bynoe says lifting agreement to be completed this week …crude will be sold more or less at a million barrels per lift

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA’S Crude Lifting Agreement (CLA) is expected to be completed in the coming week even as the country is working towards its first lifting of crude by late February or March 2020.

At a news conference on Wednesday hosted at the National Communications Network (NCN), Director of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe, said that crude will be sold – more or less – at a million barrels per lift. By the time the country is producing at a peak of 120 barrels of oil per day, a new lift would be anticipated every 8 to 10 days.

Should ‘first oil’ be possible in December, Guyana would not lift its first volume of crude until one month after. Dr. Bynoe also explained that the first entitlement of crude will go to ExxonMobil.

He stated, “ExxonMobil is not only a lifter, they’re not only an operator, but they also have refineries. My understanding is, the first

lift often comes with a fair amount of impurities. Impurities in your crude can affect the price that you get for that crude which will not only impact that batch but it could impact subsequent batches.”

He said that it is therefore plausible for ExxonMobil to take and process the first batch so that the integrity of Guyana’s crude can be preserved.

IT’S A PROCESS Even while the country does not yet have its entitlement, from the beginning of ‘first oil’, Guyana will still begin receiving two per cent royalty. Its first entitlement or profit oil will see the country receiving 12.5 per cent of revenues according to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). Altogether, the country will receive a minimum of 14.5 per cent and benefits to Guyana will increase as production progresses. Like Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, Dr. Bynoe reminded that there are four stakeholders in the operations – Guyana, Exx-

onMobil, HESS and its third partner, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited – which are all entitled to certain quantum of crude.

How soon each stakeholder benefits is also dependent on the speed at which they can liquidate the cost pool – the investment costs incurred by the companies.

“Guyana’s lift or their entitlement, their share of the oil is not expected until late February, maybe Early March and the reason for that is…

Director of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe (Adrian Narine photo)

the first lift is going to take about a month for the FPSO to be filled up,” he said. “It will take time for us to begin to see all the benefits we all dream of. Yes, you hear Guyana can become a Qatar [but] Qatar didn’t get to where it is overnight. It took years for them to get there.”

The DoE is working along with the operator and its co-ventures for agreement on the market price, determination procedure and provisional crude oil basket for marketing.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), brent crude oil [sweet light crude oil] spot prices averaged $59 per barrel (b) in August, down $5/b from July and $13/b lower than the average from August of last year. The EIA forecasts that brent spot prices will average $60/b in the fourth quarter of 2019 and $62/b in 2020.

The DoE and Ministry of Finance are also working with the operator and its co-ventures to agree on a process of entitlement reconciliation, in keeping with PSA. Guyana’s crude will be sold under a Free On Board (FOB) contractual agreement which will see the crude being sold to the buyer at the exit point of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, with the buyer taking responsibility for aspects such as insurance and shipping.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s share of exported crude will be sold on a Fee-Per-Barrel basis while the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is providing expertise for oversight with regards to measurement, calibration and testing functions.

“The entity is already receiving bilateral assistance in this regard, inclusive of training under an American Petroleum Institute programme and soon-to-be signed contract with Bureau Veritas,” Dr. Bynoe said. Bureau Veritas is a recognised world leader in testing, inspection and certification services.

GETTING IT RIGHT Back in July, Dr. Bynoe had stated that the department is aware of the risk associated with not getting this right. In all its efforts, the department has stated that industry-standard documents, based on the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators Crude Lifting Agreement (CLA), is TURN TO PAGE 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

‘Best’ nominee will be PM …President Granger says candidate will be subjected to scrutiny …announcement will come in due course

By Svetlana Marshall ADMITTING that a Prime Ministerial Candidate can be nominated ahead of the General and Regional Elections without infringing on the Constitution, President David Granger said when the time is right, he will choose a Prime Ministerial Candidate, who will deliver the best results, based on nominees recommended.

“I am a prudent and wise leader and I will make a choice which I feel will deliver the best results for the people, the best outcome for the people of Guyana. My objective, and I am sure the objective of the six parties, would be to ensure that Guyana gets the best, and we are working on that,” President Granger told reporters on the sidelines of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

Granger is the Presidential Candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition for the much anticipated March 2, 2020 elections. While the coalition has thrown its full support behind him for a second term in Office, the method of identifying a Prime Ministerial Candidate for the coalition has been the subject of active discussion as the APNU and AFC revise the Cummingsburg Accord – the agreement which brought them together ahead of the 2015 elections.

“I want to ensure that we win and once we win, the country is well governed.

Whoever the nominee is would be subject to scrutiny and that announcement will come in due course,” President Granger said while iter-

ating that the best candidate would be chosen.

The Head of State maintained that as the Cummingsburg Accord goes under revision, it is important to uphold the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Under the near expired 2015 Cummingsburg According, the two sides had agreed that the APNU would nominate the Presidential Candidate, and the AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate. However, the APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate has made it clear that it is the President, under the Constitution, who appoints a Prime Minister.

“Once the president is elected, the president has the authority under the Constitution to select a Prime Minister. Now we can have an agreement outside of the Constitution that the Prime Ministerial Candidate or nominees for the Prime Ministership could be made and I will make the choice,” he explained.

“That is why at this stage I don’t want to become involved in personalities. Once the principles are agreed we can move forward. So I don’t want to name names now,” President Granger added.

However, reliable sources told Guyana Chronicle that during the high-level meeting between President Granger and the Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan last Thursday at State House, the two sides agreed that the AFC would nominate the Prime Ministerial Candidate, in accordance with the existing Cummingsburg Accord. According to one of the sources, that was the condition for the AFC to continue negotiation with the APNU on the revision of the

Cummingsburg Accord.

Questioned about last Thursday’s high-level meeting, President Granger, while describing it as very fruitful, said progress was made. “We admit that our partners will have the opportunity to make certain recommendations and Mr. Ramjattan has made some proposals,” he said.

President David Granger (Adrian Narine photo)

President Granger disclosed too that he and Ramjattan received a list of items that the negotiating teams had not agreed upon. The APNU negotiating team is being led

by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence while the AFC three-member negotiating team is being led by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson. The teams had agreed that once there was no consensus on certain matters, those issues would be referred to their leaders.

It was on that basis that President Granger and Minister Ramjattan met.

On Wednesday, the two Leaders met again, this time, at the Ministry of the Presidency. “I hope that we can

move forward, it might not be the final meeting, but we can move forward in resolving those topics which have not been settled,” the President said hours ahead of the meeting.

President Granger, however, did not disclose the key issues that were to be discussed. However, a reliable source told this newspaper that the negotiating teams will, this week, hammer out a formula for the allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

Under the existing Cummingsburg Accord, the APNU was allocated 60 per cent of the seats won by the Government in the National Assembly, while the remaining 40 percent went to the AFC. “Both sides have shifted their starting ratio from 60:40, but no agreement,” the source said.

It was the AFC that had proposed that the 60:40 ratio be maintained, but this was reportedly rejected by the APNU during the talks. After numerous rounds of negotiation, the 70:30 ratio is now on the table, but the sides have not yet agreed on a formula.

“It’s based on the perceived and real reduced electoral strength. I think it’s a reasonable argument. My sense is that the AFC acknowledges this, and would settle for a reduced portion of seats,” the source reasoned.

Added to that, there is no agreement on allocation of certain ministries to AFC beforehand. APNU and AFC have not agreed on who will lead the list. These are among other issues that would be hammered out over the next couple of days.

Ahead of the negotiation, the APNU and AFC had com-

mitted to upholding the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to ensuring that no agreement or action collides with, or contradicts, the articles of the Constitution. In the existing accord, the parties agreed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo would chair Cabinet, but later this proved problematic, as according to the Constitution, Cabinet must be chaired by the President, unless he is out of the jurisdiction, or unable to perform the function.

Meanwhile, as the negotiation continues, President Granger maintains that the established three tier process agreed to by the APNU and the AFC must be adhered to for a fruitful outcome.

“The first part was the agreement on core principles, which had been agreed; the second part is the revision of the accord and the third part is the agreement on the manifesto. In my thinking once the core principles are agreed (to) it would be easier to fit in the elements that should constitute the accord, the review of the accord and the third level, once the principles in the accord are agreed, we move onto the manifesto. After that we can launch,” President Granger explained.

The two sides had also agreed to a number of core principles, and committed to the establishment of a system of inclusionary democracy, and the advancement of the country’s Green State Development Strategy, Vision 2040. They also committed to seeking electoral majorities at the general and regional elections and local government elections, and agreed to select candidates for the aforementioned elections through

participatory and transparent processes which guarantee that candidates enjoy the majority of their respective constituencies, and satisfy all legal criteria for election.

Meanwhile, other aspects of the core principles include the cultivation of respectful relations, and that at all times the parties will act collectively in the best interest of the coalition. They also agreed to speak with one voice on issues of public policy; to support a common manifesto; and to issue joint media bulletins and releases on electoral matters.

Additionally, the parties have agreed to abide by the principle of collective responsibility in respect of decisions emanating from Cabinet, and to holding common positions on Bills, Motions and Resolutions in the National Assembly. Each party also pledged to inform the other in advance of its inability, at any time, to support any measure in the National Assembly.

Other areas covered in the core principles are that of the publishing of a joint manifesto comprising 12 broad fields: constitutional reform, good governance, economic growth and development, education improvement, energy sector, environmental protection, indigenous peoples, infrastructural development, international relations, social protection and social cohesion, security and human safety, women, gender equality and youth. The parties agreed to jointly finance their elections campaign, and also to campaign vigorously either on their own or collectively in each contested constituency.

First crude cargo ... being applied.

The CLA is a document used throughout the industry worldwide to set up mechanisms for allocating the schedule of crude cargo liftings based upon volume entitlements which consider the cost recovery rules of the Petroleum Agreement.

“The Crude Lifting Agreement is being finalised and has advanced significantly. The CLA is expected to be completed in the new week and government will be a signatory as a lifter of crude along with the Stabroek

co-ventures…it is being applied and customised to take the Guyanese context into consideration,” the energy director said.

The CLA will detail guidelines in relation to the use of facilities, technology and how crude samples will be stored on the FPSO. The government intends to pursue a third-party verifier on the FPSO which would ensure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to.

Dr. Bynoe explained: “Even outside of what is stated within the Crude Lift-

ing Agreement, to be able to preserve the integrity of the system and also to reduce potential value leakage is for us to have someone who could verify. So, in the event there is any issue when the fuel is shipped whether quality or quantity wise, we will be able to have our own evidence to push back against that.”

He also noted that workshops, trainings, dry-runs and inspections have been conducted to ensure that the process involving the FPSO will run efficiently from day one. To market government’s

share of crude oil, tender for a Marketing Agent/Company will be issued within the final quarter of the year on a fee-based marketing service.

Added to this, a contract has been signed with a Crude Marketing Specialist through the World Bank Project and a Commercial Specialist who will assist the Department in ‘first oil’ preparations.

The media was made aware that the selling of crude has to take place some two months prior to the expected lift. Similar contracts are being sought out for a Petro-

leum Accounting Specialist and a contract Administration Specialist.

Dr. Bynoe stated that significant works on the part of ExxonMobil, its partners and the DoE, must be completed to make ‘first oil’ in December a reality. These include the installation of water injection lines and production umbilicals, as well as commissioning which involves the process of ensuring all operational requirements are met.

The department is building its own staff compliment

FROM PAGE 2

by working closely with the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Petroleum Unit, GNBS, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and several government ministries. “Ultimately, we want to be able to provide the Guyanese people with a level of comfort that what we’re doing would always be in their best interest,” the director said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

Trump impeachment probe to enter critical public phase next week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump for pressuring Ukraine to investigate a political rival will reach a critical stage next week when a Democratic-led congressional committee holds its first public hearings on the issue.

In a move that raises the stakes ahead of a presidential

election year, Democrats said on Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee would hold open hearings with three career U.S. diplomats who have expressed alarm about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. The public testimony will feature William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George

Kent, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

They will testify on Nov. 13 and 15, said Adam Schiff, the committee’s Democratic chairman who wrote on Twitter that there was “More to come.” The diplomats and others have already testified to lawmakers from both parties behind closed doors.

Televised public hearings featuring U.S. officials testifying in Congress about alleged wrongdoing by Trump could crowd out other issues like the economy and immigration as voters turn their minds to the November 2020 election.

That might damage Trump, though some of his supporters say the impeachment drive could ac-

tually boost his re-election chances by showing him at loggerheads with Washington-based political foes.

Democrats had said they had enough material to move forward with public impeachment hearings, which would be a likely prelude to articles of impeachment - formal charges - against Trump being brought to a vote in the House.

“We are getting an increasing appreciation for just what took place during the course of the last year and the degree to which the president enlisted whole departments of government in the illicit aim of trying to get Ukraine to dig up dirt on a political opponent as well as further a conspiracy theory about the 2016 election that he

believed would be beneficial to his re-election campaign,” Schiff told reporters.

Taylor has provided some of the most damaging testimony to date, telling lawmakers on Oct. 22 that Trump made the release of nearly $400 million in security aid to Ukraine contingent on Kiev publicly declaring it would carry out politically motivated investigations demanded by Trump against former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Taylor said he was told by Gordon Sondland, the U.S. envoy to the European Union, that Trump had linked release of the aid to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy publicly declaring that he would investigate Biden, and his son Hunter Biden, as well as a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election. Joe Biden is a leading contender for the Democratic nomination to run against Trump in the November 2020 election.

TAYLOR TESTIMONY Taylor testified behind closed doors last month that it was his understanding that security assistance for Ukraine and a visit by Ukraine’s president was contingent on Zelenskiy launching investigations demanded

by Trump.

“What I didn’t want to do is have United States assistance to Ukraine blocked or suspended for no good reason that I could see,” Taylor said, according to a transcript of his testimony to lawmakers that was released on Wednesday. He told the impeachment investigators he based his testimony on text messages he exchanged with the U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon

Sondland, and Kurt Volker, the former special U.S. envoy to Ukraine, Ukrainian officials and other U.S. officials, as well as “careful” contemporaneous notes he kept of conversations and telephone calls.

Taylor will testify in public to the House Intelligence Committee on Nov. 13, as will Kent. Yovanovitch will appear before the committee two days later. If the Democratic-controlled House votes to impeach Trump, the Republican-controlled Senate would then hold a trial on whether to remove Trump from office. Senate Republicans have so far shown little appetite for ousting the president.

Trump has blasted the House inquiry as a witch hunt and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him in hope of reversing his surprise victory in the 2016 presidential election. In a tweet on Wednesday, Trump called the probe a “phony scam.”

Democrats have defended the investigation, citing concerns that the president misused his public office for personal gain.

Trump’s defenders say there is no evidence of him and the Ukrainian president engaging in a “quid pro quo” - or exchanging a favor for a favor - in the July call because the aid to Ukraine was released and Zelenskiy never explicitly promised to investigate Burisma, the Bidens, or any involvement in the 2016 election. A quid pro quo, however, is not necessary to prove high crimes or misdemeanors, which is the standard the U.S. Constitution requires for the impeachment of a president.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 7, 2019

Bolivian opposition leaders rally as violence flares

LA PAZ (Reuters) - A Bolivian protest leader will make a second attempt to reach La Paz on Wednesday to demand President Evo Morales step down, a gambit which has sparked a fierce backlash from government supporters while helping rally a split opposition.

Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz, has said he would travel to the capital’s main airport in nearby El Alto, with plans to deliver a pre-written letter of resignation for Morales, following a contentious election the leftist leader won last month.

Camacho, who has become a figurehead for the opposition, has already attempted to reach La Paz, but was barred from leaving the airport in El Alto for several hours on Tuesday as government supporters massed outside. An air force plane later returned him to Santa Cruz.

The new attempt is likely to stoke tensions following weeks of long protests and strikes since the Oct. 20 vote.

Hostilities have ramped up since Tuesday night in La Paz and Cochabamba with clashes between Morales supporters and the opposition. A Reuters reporter at the airport in Santa Cruz was unable to confirm Camacho had boarded a plane by 4 pm local time (2000 GMT), though Carlos Mesa, the runner-up in the October election, was at the El Alto airport waiting for Camacho to arrive.

“I am here to receive

Mr. Camacho and express our solidarity and support for his basic right of free movement and his right to petition,” said Mesa, who has repeatedly raised allegations of fraud against Morales and called for new elections. “I think this is a fundamental moment for the opposition that believes in a democratic response and a peaceful way out.”

BOLIVIANS VS BOLIVIANS With little sign of a political solution, the standoff has worsened. On Wednesday, newspaper headlines decried the violence and pointed to an economic cost of $167 million. “Bolivians against Bolivians” read the front page of one local daily. Wilfredo Chavez, vice minister of public safety, said in a television interview that the government was installing a “larger contingent of police” to control the situation at the El Alto airport if Camacho returned.

“If the gentleman comes we will take every measure to ensure his passage,” Chavez said. A Reuters reporter saw a large number of police wearing protective gear and carrying riot shields arriving at the airport earlier on Wednesday. Morales won last month’s vote with a lead of just over 10 points over main rival Carlos Mesa, handing him an outright win and avoiding a second-round runoff. The victory, however, was marred by a near 24-hour halt in the count, which,

when resumed, showed a sharp and unexplained shift in Morales’ favour.

International governments have called for calm and are backing an audit of the election by the Organization of American States (OAS), which has recommended that a second round vote go ahead.

Morales has agreed the audit will be “binding,” but many in the opposition are now demanding his removal. Since the vote many cities have gone into lockdown with daily marches and road blocks.

Camacho earlier this week called for people to blockade public institutions and the country’s borders in order to hit government incomes. Benjamín Blanco, a senior trade official, said on Wednesday that borders with Peru, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil near the municipality of Epitaciolandia had been affected with hundreds of trucks being stopped.

Morales has defended his election win and said that the opposition is trying to lead a “coup” against him and that his rivals were inciting violence. The opposition has maintained allegations of electoral fraud. In a justice ministry bulletin on Wednesday, Minister Héctor Arce said that United Nations would send a commission to the country to look into human rights abuses, including the incitement to violence by opposition groups.

Travel to Caribbean continues to grow despite powerful storms LONDON, Nov.6, CMC – A study undertaken by ForwardKeys, a travel analytics firm, has revealed that despite the recent ravages of hurricane Dorian and other huge storms in the Caribbean, tourism will continue to grow.

The results of the study were presented at a Caribbean Tourism Organization-organised news conference at World Travel Market here on Wednesday. The study revealed that forward bookings for the winter season, – November 1 to January 31, are currently 1.6 per cent ahead of where they were at the equivalent point last year.

Currently, bookings from the United States, the most important source market are 3.0 per cent behind but bookings from all the other major source markets are ahead – France 9.8 per cent, the UK 0.9 per cent , Canada 8.2 per cent, Argentina 8.1 per cent and the rest of the world col-

lectively 3.2 per cent.

The current leader is the Netherlands, 42.1 per cent ahead.

However, the outlook is not universally positive.

Forward bookings to the top destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, are currently 14.2 per cent behind and those to the Bahamas and Aruba are 6.4 per cent and 1.4 per cent behind respectively.

Encouraging growth is seen from Puerto Rico, 28.0 per cent ahead, but according to ForwardKeys that is really a recovery story, as tourism to the island was hit hard by hurricane Maria in December 2017. This season’s most devastating hurricane, Dorian, which came at the end of August and early September, ravaged the most northerly parts of the Bahamas but left other parts relatively undamaged.

“The result is that some parts of the country saw a

drop in arrivals, where others experienced a significant increase. Travel to Freeport and Marsh Harbour in September fell dramatically, by 50.9 per cent and 67.9 per cent respectively,” the report stated.

Hurricanes have been a major scourge, affecting travel to the Caribbean in recent years, with some islands left badly damaged.

ForwardKeys research shows that recovering from the impact of a major hurricane can take years. “So far, it has taken Puerto Rico 15 months to reach 70 per cent of pre-hurricane arrivals and it has taken St Maarten 20 months. In the case of the Bahamas, ForwardKeys expects the recovery to take less time because the initial rebound in both post-hurricane arrivals has been stronger: just one month after the hurricane, the Bahamas has reached 80 per cent of pre-hurricane arrivals.

Dominicans vote on December 6 ROSEAU, Dominica, Nov 5, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Tuesday night named December 6 as the date for general elections here, ending months of speculation in the country.

He told a meeting of his

ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) that Nomination Day will be November 19. Skerrit, who is seeking to become the first politician here to win four consecutive general elections, called on voters to ensure that the cam-

paign is conducted in an atmosphere of civility and peace. His main challenge will be the United Workers Party (UWP), headed by Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton that won six of the 21 seats in the last general elections..

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Uniting against gender-based violence

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HIS year the UNiTE campaign will mark the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, from 25 November to 10 December, under the theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”

In a release the body said that while the names, times and contexts may differ, women and girls universally experience rape, sexual violence, and abuse, in times of peace or war.

Rape, the campaign said, is rooted in a complex set of patriarchal beliefs, power, and control that continue to create a social environment in which sexual violence is pervasive and normalised. Exact numbers of rape and sexual assaults are notoriously difficult to confirm, due to frequent latitude and impunity for perpetrators, stigma towards survivors, and their subsequent silence.

November 25 too, has been designated by the United Nations as “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” This day must not only mark a date to recount statistics and talk about mistreatment meted out to one of society’s vulnerable, but must also be accompanied by a redoubling of efforts to end the violence and sanction those who perpetrate it.

Violence against women has been declared a global pandemic and a human rights violation. In the male- dominated world-view, the role of women in the family, home, relationship and society have been taken for granted; this taken-for-grantedness has led to the perpetuation of violence in several forms. From seeing women as physically and genetically inferior to men; objectification and promotion

of violence to women in lyrics; unequal pay for equal work; domestic/spousal violence and limitations of opportunities to marginalisation in a nation’s decision-making processes; the list is long and angst numerous. Such acts of discrimination having been ingrained in the society, often come as a shock to even the well-meaning, when these are pointed out as acts of violence. Yet these impact the socio-economic well-being of women and girls, impeding progress in areas such as poverty eradication, HIV/AIDS, peace and security.

According to the World Health Organisation, violence is “The intentional use of physical force or power-- threatened or actual-- against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.” Such as manifested in this classification is distinguished in four modes, namely: physical; sexual; and psychological attack; and deprivation.

This general definition of violence which is based on the same World Report on Violence and Health is further divided into three sub-types according to the victim-perpetrator relationship. These are: 1) Self-directed violence in which the perpetrator and the victim are the same individual and is sub-divided into self-abuse and suicide; 2) Interpersonal violence which is between individuals, and is sub-divided into family and intimate-partner violence and community violence, where the former category includes child maltreatment; intimate-partner violence; and elder abuse, while the latter is broken down into acquaintance and stranger violence and includes youth violence; assault by strangers;

violence related to property crimes; and violence in workplaces and other institutions; and 3) Collective violence which is committed by larger groups of individuals and can be sub-divided into social, political and economic violence.

Every member of society, including woman and girl, man and boy, needs to be educated on what constitutes violence against women, since this is the first and most important step in moving to eliminate the violation. In this regard, it becomes even more important for women to play a leading role in shaping, influencing and developing laws and executing national policies and programmes that would be shaped out of recognition of the problems and measures needed to eliminate the problems.

In our society, women comprise more than half of the population and also make up more than 50 per cent of the electorate. Theirs is a potent voice and force with the power to change political fortunes and the circumstances of their lives and family; this is, however, achievable only in an atmosphere where there is an absence of fear, violence is eschewed, and women stand up and demand their rightful and equal place in society, be it in politics, government or non-governmental organisations, in the community, in the home, and towards self and each other. To this end, this newspaper is pleased to associate itself with the UNiTE campaign and urge all to share your photos, messages and videos showing how you are participating in the campaign on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, using #OrangeTheWorld and #GenerationEquality.

Belgrave was prevented from Exxon New York trial is a sideshow for Guyana attending TUC conference Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

W

HEN a prominent person passes on some try to put words in their mouths that they had never uttered and/or attribute actions to them that they never performed. This is often done to distort events, history, or to promote something or the other.

I see this is happening to my comrade and friend, Cyril Calvin Belgrave, who only recently passed away. In the Sunday ‘Kaieteur News,’ Mr Lincoln Lewis wrote a very long piece about an incident at a TUC conference involving Comrade Cyril Belgrave.

I believe that Mr Lewis must have mistaken someone else for Belgrave.

After all, according to him, that event occurred in 1982. His memory must be failing him. Cyril Calvin Belgrave, even though he was a giant in the labour movement and a person loved by the workers at large, but more particularly, those workers whom he represented on the waterfront, never had the opportunity to attend a Guyana Trade Union Congress conference. Belgrave defeated every opponent who came against him for chairman of the waterfront branch of the Guyana Labour Union.

This included Mr Fowler, a leading person in the PNC at the time and one of its parliamentarians.

The PNC always supported Fowler, but he was regularly beaten by Belgrave.

Because of Belgrave’s political convictions and an open leader of the PPP, the union headed by Forbes Burnham and later Desmond Hoyte never selected Belgrave as a delegate to the TUC conference; that was how undemocratic they were. Instead, they always chose Fowler as a delegate. Therefore, Mr Lewis has made a monumental mistake in identifying Belgrave as supporting the PNC’s Kenneth Denny. It never happened. If it is not a mistake, then Lewis is trying to turn Belgrave into a PNC supporter after his death.

I hope the latter is not the case!

Regards Donald Ramotar Former President

T

HE trial between ExxonMobil and New York’s attorney general is playing out a long way away, but the ripples are everywhere.

Exxon’s operations span the globe, and anywhere there is a well, rig, vessel or vehicle with their name on it, people are wondering “what does this mean for us?” While I will watch the proceedings with interest from afar, my ultimate concern lies with my country. For Guyana, the most important thing is the company’s ability to extract oil from deep ocean waters.

That isn’t what the New York case is about. At the risk of oversimplifying, the New York AG accuses Exxon of misleading its investors over the expected

cost impact climate change would have on the company and investors’ dollars. Exxon claims that the AG is deliberately misrepresenting a simple planning and budgeting process. Either way, the trial kicked off as a blockbuster fight over climate change, but has degenerated into bickering over accounting.

If there is a case to be made, the world must trust the New York AG to make it, but reports from this weekend indicate that the AG struggled to produce any definitive evidence At this stage, we cannot predict which way the New York court will decide. Either way, the verdict won’t change the fact that Exxon is the global standard for deep-water development.

The company boasts talented scientists, geologists, engineers, and more. Its safe-

ty culture is renowned for its intensity and discipline.

Even critics of the project here in Guyana acknowledge that Exxon is one of the only companies in the world qualified to safely develop our resources. Other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and Norway, also place their trust in Exxon.

As it stands, the trial in New York has little bearing on Guyana. Oil production could start here as early as December, according to reports. That means that revenues will begin flowing sooner as well. Guyana is about to take the first step on a new and transformative journey. We should focus our attention on the work that is left to be done here and now.

Sincerely, Clement Smith

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Ramkarran’s misleading criticisms of GECOM plan exposed Dear Editor,

R

ALPH Ramkarran, S.C. gave his Conversation Tree Column a somewhat poignant caption. “The ghost of Esther Perreira” (Sunday Stabroek, November 3, 2019).

Poignant, because as I will explain below, the Esther Perreira election decision by then Justice Singh (now Chairman of GECOM) suffered a constitutional death. With his politician’s blinkers of a presidential aspirant, Ramkarran seeks, like the risen Christ, to resurrect the Esther Perreira case to haunt the GECOM chairperson, in GECOM’s compilation of a credible official List of Electors (OLE) for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections (GREs). (Dr Leslie Ramsammy also with his politician’s blinkers has joined the choir, “Guilty of Voters Suppression,” Kaieteur News 2019-11-05; his deserves only mention, not forensic examination).

Ramkarran’s misleading criticism and disingenuity must be exposed. Ramkarran as I show below is also wrong about his other view that GECOM’s plan to exclude from the OLE the names of some 25,000 persons who have not since 2008 uplifted their ID cards is “unlawful.”

Readers, the constitutional demise of the Esther Perreira case (EP) in which the 1997 GREs was vitiated for ID card unconstitutionality happened this way: you see, at the time of the 1997 GRE, there was no article 159 (2) (c) in our Constitution [only article 159 (2) (a) and (b) which constitutionally limited qualification for voting to being 18 years and upwards, and citizenship]. But after the 1997 GRE, and perhaps because of its vitiation, that state of the law was changed when the Constitution was altered/amended by the introduction of a sub article (c) to article 159 (2). That newly introduced article 159 (2) (c) about qualifications of voters provides that they “satisfy such OTHER qualifications as may be prescribed by, or under ANY LAW.” Here, then (unlike as was the case for the 1997 GRE) was, and is, the constitution’s own permission for parliament by principal legislation; and

GECOM by subsidiary legislation (SL) (as the case may be) to ADD “other” qualifications [to those of age and citizenship (article 159 (2) (a) and (b)] which had to be satisfied for eligibility to vote, by any elector and by necessary implication to be on an OLE. So the disability which affected Parliament/ GECOM in the Esther Perreira case, has been effectively removed by that article 159 (2)(C)alteration.

Parliament can now provide inter alia, for ID card, and being “resident IN Guyana (a difference from being a resident OF Guyana)” as an added/”other” qualification.

So, contrary to Ramkarran’s assertion, EP does not hover over any post-1997 GRE. Unlike as with Esther Perreira, now we have a combination of express constitutional and permitted statutory qualifications; being when prescribed “such other qualifications as may be prescribed by or under ANY LAW” within the meaning of article 159 (2) (c). And “any law” for all practical purposes and intent would include not only Acts of Parliament, but also SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION (SL) [see article 232 (1)which defines “law” as including “instrument having the force of law”] made

by GECOM, provided such SL is not inconsistent with an Act of Parliament (see section 20 of Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Cap 2:01) or, of course, the Constitution.

All notices, orders etc duly made by GECOM and gazetted are SL, and as SL they have the same force of law as Regulations (which are also SL) All in all, the EP constitutional demise and its post-1997 GRE non-applicability are aptly expressed by the legal maxim: Cessante Ratione Legis, Cessat Ipsa Lex (if the reason for a law ceases to be valid, then let the law itself cease).

I turn now to the question of whether GECOM (including the Chief Election Officer) has the vires to exclude in its preparation or compilation of the OLE for the March 2020 GRE, names of persons who have not uplifted their ID cards since 2008.

Ramkarran, SC., purportedly relying on the CJ (ag) ruling in the recent Christopher Ram case, argues that any

such exclusion is a method of compilation that is “patently unlawful.” Such “a patently unlawful project,” ominously, portends the wrecking of “any prospects of an acceptable election process and the acceptability of the election results.” Put into context, this is the ominous warning of a hopeless presidential aspirant, with obvious vested political motive. I dissent from, and entirely disagree, with his view.

It is fallacious. It is predicated on the fallacy of ignoring GECOM’s potential delegated legislative facilities and capabilities.

Upon a close analysis, it is not supported by the CJ (ag) ruling in Ram. In a close analysis, one starts with the very restrictive wording of article 159 (1) of the Constitution itself viz “No person shall VOTE at an election UNLESS he or she is REGISTERED as an elector.”

Words clear and simple and unambiguous. The next step in this analysis, is to draw attention, again, to article 159 (2) (c) which is quoted and discussed above. (I pause here to state unequivocally that the only document wherein a person can be “registered as an elector” is the OLE; not the NRR, not the PLE. I remind that “any law” in article 159 (2) (c) would include, relevantly, SL duly prescribed by GECOM, as SL is an“instrument having the force of law” [article 232 (1)]. Mr Ramkarran must be aware, also,of article 162 (1) (a), and the generality of GECOM’s capacities thereunder. Registration is but a step or stage in the process of compilation of the OLE. There is an obvious mischief (antidemocratic) which registration aims to cure or avoid. Generalities aside, art.159 & 162 are silent as to means whereby registration is effected.

The means is left to statute law in the making of which, as a matter of sheer common sense and constitutional logic, the Constitution’s creature GECOM, must have a leading, decisive role. Any other argument would make a mockery of GECOM’s constitutional status and electoral purpose.

And little wonder that the Constitution itself (as with the four service commis-

sions) in clear words has shielded GECOM from overreaching, intrusive judicial review. The OLE is not some matter of theoretical, abstract niceties. It is, as a voting matter, of the constitutional logic and common sense of exclusion of deceased persons. The DECEASED has no democratic right, cannot vote, nor can anyone lawfully vote for a DECEASED person. The deceased has no constitutional right to be on the OLE. Seen this way, the true issue for GECOM is not at all about uplifting ID cards (the deceased cannot uplift ID cards); the true issue is and must be, about proof of a person, otherwise entitled to be on the OLE, being deceased, and as such his/her exclusion from the OLE. So, if this is the thinking of GECOM regarding non- collection of ID cards, it cannot be faulted. Surely, non-collection over a period of some 11 years prompts in the mind of any rational person the question: is he/ she dead? Of course, there are other reasonable hypotheses of varying degrees of cogency.

This issue was not directly raised before the CJ (ag) in the Ram case. But in her ruling at para [158] of her transcripted judgment the CJ (ag) did observe obiterviz_“In order to assist in effecting changes to the register, the regulations provide for the Register General . . . to provide reports to GECOM as regards the names of persons who would have died . . .

Apart from removing the deceased which the NRA permits . . .” So, it is not open to senior counsel to argue by reference to Ram that it would be a “patently unlawful project” given what, in substance, must be what is presumably GECOM’s thinking, and what is intended by GECOM’s exclusion from the OLE of deceased persons. And it may well be the case that had this issue of exclusion of names of persons who have not uplifted their ID cards since 2008 been raised and articulately argued, the CJ (ag) would on general principles of law of the PRESUMPTION OF DEATH and a sensible application of that principle, might have been persuaded to rule that “deceased” encompasses death provable

by any such method as is permitted by the laws of Guyana (including regulations, but not limited to regulations).

A death certificate issued by the registrar general is not exhaustive and exclusive, but is one such method of proof.

Another legal method of proof of death is, I submit, the well established Common Law (rebuttable) presumption of death (POD), (proof by presumption). Its essential feature is seven continuous years unawareness by persons likely to have seen or heard from the person whose death is in question, if alive. And, this seven-year period, falls well within the 11-year time line plan by GECOM, starting in 2008. It is all about a legally permissible method of proof of an ID card issue having become “deceased” (as observed by the learned CJ(ag) at para [158] ibid). On one possible view of the matter, non-upliftment of his/her national ID during a continuous period of seven years might be circumstantial evidence, and a circumstance, warranting GECOM’s due-diligence consideration of the POD. I can think of no reason in principle why POD would be inappropriate to our election laws and not operative extra judicially by a constitutional creature such as GECOM. In our laws there is no presumption of continuance of life. So, being on the National Register of Registrants (NRR) is, it is submitted, no barrier to GECOM acting on a POD law in respect of persons who have not collected their ID cards. It is for GECOM to make gazetted notices/order, declaratory of the Common Law POD, and to act on such SL. In this way, the POD is given the imprimatur of STATUTE. Any one aggrieved by an exclusion from the OLE would have locus standi to timeously challenge by personal appearance his/her exclusion. If, ex hypothesi, an excluded person were to appear at GECOM’s office and satisfactorily prove his/her identity, then the POD is ipso facto, and ipso jure rebutted; that person’s name must be then included. Mass media (particularly newspapers) mode of inquiry would seem necessary also (the anyone knowing whereabouts of a missing person type).

It is for GECOM to timeously have a suitable, workable SL drafted, passed by resolution and gazetted. The matter is complex, but the legal tools are all available and not beyond a lawyer’s ingenuity, pursuant to power conferred by the very crucial and enabling article 159 (2) (c) of the Constitution (the learned reader would find the analogous Jamaican election case of Thompson v Forrest and Another (1967) 11 WIR, 196 illuminating and instructive reading on the question of the constitutionality of GECOM’s planned omission from the OLE, of persons constitutionally qualified to be registered as electors).

En passant, well known personalities/ who have not, inexplicably, uplifted their ID cards, would be treated as an exceptional circumstance

by GECOM as prescribed in an SL. All of this exposes the fallacy of Ralph Ramkarran’s precipitous and pre-emtory criticisms (even as I here acknowledge that I hold no brief for GECOM and my standing in this public matter is that of a learned –Guyanese citizen-elector, on a matter of extraordinary and far-reaching importance, in the public interest).

I end with this: the whole beneficial purpose of the constitutional restriction of a right to vote being contingent on being “registered as an elector,” is to promote and achieve the democratic idea and ideal of one man, one vote.

This is not about vote suppression! Far from it. This is about vote credibility, integrity, and veracity. And who can be against that?

Human frailty does not allow for perfect election machinery with divine prescience. Yet, it is GECOM’s constitutional, peculiar and exclusive supervisory duty (which it must not abdicate by yielding to unfair, oppressive criticisms) by timeous use of its delegated legislative capacities, ensure this democratic ideal is not thwarted by phantom registrants being included on the ultimate OLE, and deceased (actual or presumed) persons, mysteriously, voting in our March 2, 2020 GREs. Regards, Maxwell. E. Edwards

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

Regional police divisional system a win-win for ranks …Region 10 commander says move allows for enhanced crime prevention exercises

WITH the introduction of the Regional Divisional System by the Guyana Police Force, Commander of Region Ten Division, Su-

perintendent Hugh Winter, posited that ranks are now given more scope to get involved in crime prevention exercises, rather than to

No plan to replace mining in Guyana - Min. Trotman Guyana developing National Action Plan for ASGM sector THE Government will not replace, nor will it neglect the country’s mining sector, Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources has assured.

Delivering remarks at the opening of a two-day National Inception Workshop and Training on the Development of a National Action Plan for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Guyana, Minister Trotman stated that for as many years gone by, Guyana’s artisanal small and medium-scale gold mining sector had aided in the country’s development in a significant way and continues to do so.

Thus, indicating that the government has no intention of replacing mining in Guyana.” “In Guyana, the artisanal small and medium-scale gold mining sector is significant to the national economy. The ASGM sector accounted for 6.1 percent of Guyana’s GDP last year,” Minister Trotman revealed.

According to the Natural Resources Minister, in 2019, the government also generated 33 per-cent of the foreign exchange earned from gold production. It was also the main source of employment and revenue for hinterland communities including Indigenous ones. “(The ASGM Sector) provides direct employment for over eighteen (18) thousand persons and indirectly thirty (30) thousand persons,” he revealed. However, with that being said, the sector also uses mercury in the process of gold production and this needed to be curbed, Minister Trotman noted. “Mercury, its use and effect has become a buzz topic and is high on the national agenda

of the Government of Guyana. We can, therefore, neither postpone nor avoid this discussion and the action that must be taken.” Min. Trotman declared.

Adding that “The Government of Guyana remains committed to implementing practical, effective and efficient measures for the reduction and elimination, where feasible, of the use of mercury in the ASGM sector and materialization of His Excellency’s 2027 vision and commitment.”

Minister Trotman said as his ministry promotes responsible mining initiative and the country’s green living strategy, it has adhered to the August 2019 deadline of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the management of the importation of mercury into Guyana, now further steps must be taken to curb and eventually stop the use of mercury in Guyana. This, he says, must be done with as little effect as possible to mining operations. “Journey to a mercury-free Guyana.”

Min. Trotman.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. Following Tuesday’s workshop, which outlined the National Action Plan to stakeholders, the team will travel across the country educating Guyanese miners and Indigenous communities on the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and on Guyana’s own plan to stop the use of mercury.

(DPI)

Dr Max Hanoman passes away

Doctor Carl Max Hanoman passed away on Wednesday after a brief period of illness while being treated at the Balwant Singh Hospital.

Hanoman a medical doctor by profession, previously served on the Georgetown Public Hospital board as its chairman. He was also a one-

Dr Carl Max Hanoman

time political leader of the United People’s Party (UPP).

have all their time exhausted in crime fighting.

Since his appointment, he said that his team is engaged in building trust through community outreaches and bridging the gap between Linden, where the divisional headquarters is located and the outlying communities of Region Ten. Winter outlined that with the Regional System, there is less territory to cover and therefore more time to get down to the grass root level in meeting the people and finding the source of crime.

“It is very effective, because the burden on the Commanders is less. Before it was regionalised, the division started from Dora (on the Linden Soesdyke Highway), and now that it is regionalised, it starts from Moblissa (closer to Linden), and therefore my team and I are already on the ground, engaged in community outreaches, building trust and bridging the gap between the communities,” he said. In less than a month after his appointment, Winter said he visited all stations and outposts in the Region.

The Commander said that he feels it is important to par-

Superintendent Hugh Winter leading the cancer awareness march as part of the Division’s building trust activities

ticipate in social activities as it is a means of building trust with the residents. Policing is not only about crime fighting, he asserted.

Only last week, at the annual cancer walk, the Commander led a contingent of 41 ranks who participated in the event and were awarded with three trophies. The ranks are also engaging in home visits, where they seek to console grieving family members of victims of fatal accidents and other crimes.

In his mission to bridge the gap between Linden and the outlying communities, Winter underscored that this is a priority, as not one part of the division is more im-

portant than the other, particularly those communities, where there are no police outposts. Region Ten is one of the vastest regions and the only region where all three of the main rivers, straddle through. There are many riverine villages, most of these located up the Berbice River, that need attention and residents there, too, must feel as safe and protected as residents in Linden, with regular police presence through community outreaches.

The general focus of the Division however, is to keep the crime rate relatively low, which was successfully done by his predecessors. Earlier in the year, the Division

was enjoying a 20% decrease in all categories of serious crime. Activities that contributed to that state included traffic sensitisation programmes, anti-crime enforcement, mass patrols, road blocks, stop and search, raid and eradication of marijuana fields.

To better serve the division however, Winter believes that capacity building is very important and therefore strives to maintain a good rapport with his junior ranks through training and other daily activities. One of these is through physical exercises. “It must not only be in a formal setting, but we get to interact, through morning exercise, we interact amongst ourselves and we interact with the residents as well that we meet along the way.”

The Regional Divisional System was officially enacted last month which is aligned with the GPF’s mission, in keeping the national crime rate relatively low with better management and control of jurisdiction.

This change will also create better opportunities for officers to be trained and promoted.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

New coconut processing farm for Guyana THE newly-launched Amazonia Expert Services Ltd (AES) will soon be opening up some 700 acres of land for the growing and processing of coconuts therefore providing numerous job opportunities for Guyanese.

AES Chairman Dr. Arlington Chesney told the media Monday, on the sidelines of a joint venture signing with Ghana-based Unicon Western Holdings Limited (UWHL), that the project is expected to start-up by early 2020. The company has obtained a 20-year lease for land in Wales, on the West Bank Demerara, and is now seeking out a lease for a processing facility which would seek the coconuts being used for its water.

Working in collaboration with a Dominican Republic group, AES also hopes to

produce desiccated coconut for the country’s industry.

“What we’re trying to do is to find innovative projects that will help the countries,” Dr. Chesney explained.

“The coconuts aren’t going to be here for anoth-

AES’ Dr. Arlington Chesney talking about plans for the proposed coconut processing farm

A typical coconut grove

er two years, so we have to phase the cash growth requirements,” he said.

AES also plans to develop a greenhouse facility which would produce high-quality food to supply the off-shore oil operators and the country.

A “spin-off relationship” with selected farmers will come from this project, whereby they will be employed to benefit from the initiative. The company will also be utilising other parts of the coconut to develop other useful byproducts for the gardening and lawn industry. “We already have some contracts, but that’s down the road,” Dr. Chesney said, adding: “If we do the desiccated coconuts, then that will come in a little faster.” At peak, he stated, some 45 workers will be employed.

Contract to be signed this week for cost recovery audit - Dr. Bynoe The over US$460M in pre-contract cost racked up ExxonMobil while searching for oil in Guyana will soon be audited following the signing of a contract with an international audit firm expected this week.

Director of Energy at the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe, on Wednesday, made the announcement at a news conference. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has stated that pre-contract cost incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015 amounted to US$460,237,918. They broke this down stating that the drilling of the Liza 1 well cost US$230M; seismic surveys on 20,000 km of ocean floor cost US$140M; US$25M on overhead costs and the payment of critical persons such as geo-scientists, engineers and geologists amounted to over $65M. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed, with the successful discovery of oil, these expenses will form part of cost-recovery which will allow for the redeeming of operating costs.

International lawyer, Melinda Janki had speculated that cost

incurred for 2016 stood at over US$500M which would bring the total owed in exploration costs to some US$960M. Since 2018, several persons in Guyana’s private sector raised the question of whether ExxonMobil could have overstated its pre-contract costs.

Just recently, Stabroek News reported that Dr. Bynoe said that an international firm will be hired to assist the State audit office and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with an audit of the pre-contract costs.

On Wednesday he expounded: “The contract for the firm to complete the cost recovery audit for the historical costs is expected to be signed by the ending of this week. The Department and the GGMC will be working along with the Guyana Revenue Authority on this project.”

The Energy Director said that the department will also secure legal expertise to assist in the auditing process. ExxonMobil has welcomed the audit stating that it would help to demonstrate transparency and build trust. Compared to what the more than US$7B in royalty and profit oil revenues expected to be generated by the Liza Phase 1 project alone, it does not make it impossible for Guyana to repay the aforementioned

costs. However, determinations must be made on how much at one time and how soon these costs are recovered.

Ways in which this can be done include tax allowances, a share of production and ring fencing. Conscious that the lower the recoverable costs the greater will be Guyana’s profit oil, the department has been actively pursuing with CGX Energy Inc. (CGX) already taking the lead. Rig sharing involves an agreement between operators for the sharing of an oil rig over a specific period of time or for an agreed number of well to increase efficiency and flexibility in drilling operations.

“It’s something that the department has been looking at not only based on what I mentioned here but even prior because anywhere where we can share or consolidate resources is what we’re aiming for so that we’re not driving additional costs into the pool,” De. Bynoe said. “We have encouraged --- and it has happened since --- the operators the operators to be able to form a grouping amongst themselves where they can discuss not only matters of rig sharing but how do you deal with potential oil spills; how are you going to share assets amongst yourself.”

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

Republic Bank apologises to customers for transition woes REPUBLIC Bank Limited has apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers as it transitioned into a new banking platform.

“We transitioned to our new Banking platform effective November 4, 2019. As with the introduction of any new system, we are experiencing some challenges. We recognise the impact to our service delivery, and wish to assure you our valued customers and stakeholders, that we are committed to resolving these challenges in the shortest timeframe possible,” the Bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We do apologise for any inconvenience caused and take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your

patience and understanding during this transition.

We thank you for choosing Republic Bank and assure you of an enhanced customer experience as we look forward to being of continued service in the future. Should you have related queries, please visit your nearest Republic Bank branch or contact our Customer Care Official at 223-7938 to 49 Ext. 2620 or via email at gyemail@rfhl.com.”

Guyana Chronicle reported on Wednesday that days after the bank reopened its doors following a three-day shutdown of all services to facilitate the upgrade to its banking platform, some customers are complaining that some services are still not available at the popular city

bank. Customers are reporting the unavailability of the Visa Travel Card, and of the telebanking and online banking services being down; another customer reported some $80,000 missing from her account when she checked it on Monday evening, after the bank’s reopening.

On checking with the bank, she said she was told someone using her ID card withdrew the money in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and she would have to refer to that branch to clarify the situation.

“The last time we withdraw money was the evening on the 30th [October], right before the bank closed and our account was intact and the day it reopens which was [Monday] it’s short,” report-

Republic Bank Camp Street office

ed Anastasia Caesar on Tuesday. “At Water Street, whole half day, and after back and forth conversation and begging them to see the slip, the alleged person signed to withdraw the money from the teller. They said we have

Locally made Ventriz plantain chips to hit market soon THREE family members have teamed up to establish a major plantain chip packaging business called Ventriz Flavoured Plantain Chips.

Ventriz Flavoured Plantain Chips offers three flavours to consumers. At a simple but impressive launch at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10 Boardroom, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian hailed the initiative as timely.

He said it is an indication that progress is being made by young and innovative entrepreneurs within the region and congratulated founder, Garth Nelson, who teamed up with a cousin and another relative to start the business.

“This business that is rolling out today is certainly a testimony of the determination and commitment of many Guyanese who are determined to contribute in a very meaningful way to the growth and development of this country. I therefore congratulate this young man and his cousin, David Forde, who, together with the sixyear-old son of David, Deicrick Forde, have formed a great team in rolling out this plantain chip packaging business, thus being a business with a great difference,” the regional chairman said.

He said the plan of the company to buy plantain chips from suppliers will create both direct and indirect jobs for persons in the region.

The RDC, Morian said, welcomes the investment, noting that many times things are launched but take weeks or months to roll out.

The business provides an

opportunity for farmers in the region to cultivate plantains, which it will buy. This partnership will stimulate economic activities in the region and save the business money if it had to purchase plantain from outside the region.

Nelson related that some months ago, he and Forde were brainstorming what business they could get into that would be sustainable and create employment when they arrived at the idea to enter the plantain chip business.

LOVE PLANTAIN CHIPS “I do not talk much as I love eating plantain chips and I can tell you that I eat a lot of plantain chips and about four months ago, we created the new flavours: - tomato ketchup, cheddar cheese and vinegar. I can tell you that while I have no background in cooking, the chips taste really well,” Nelson said.

The businessman, who holds a degree in computer science, said his cousin, who is completing his degree in finance and accounting joined with him to make the business named after their maternal grandmother a reality.

“While David and I got together, we decided that we were going to buy the plantain chips from within the community so as to provide an avenue to those persons selling chips to also benefit economically as this is our way of giving back to the community,” Nelson said.

He added: “We are not selling these chips retail as our primary focus is to provide it at wholesale prices, thus aiding young and other innovative businessmen and women to make a profit from this product,” he stressed.

Garth Nelson, founder of the Ventriz Flavoured Plantain Chips, explaining the product at the launch

Garth, who currently works in the US at a hospital, is happy about the new product and the positive feedback he has received thus far.

MORE COMING His business partner, Forde, said three additional flavours will be introduced in another eight months and their product would be similar to Pringles.

“Just like how Pringles are to potato so would Ventriz be to plantain chips as we will be introducing probably after eight months more flavours and with our chief tasting officer advising us on the taste, we would be geared towards ensuring that the product is not only of a very high quality but one that is pursued aggressively by children,” Forde said.

The chips are being packaged in a tightly sealed zip-

lock bag, affording users an opportunity to reuse the plastic bags for storage and other usage.

“The great thing about this plantain chips bag is that after eating it you can use the same bag to either put a snack or juice for your child, thus saving parents money and time. I can tell you that it is very convenient as I do it myself and the ziploc bags are very strong and sturdy,” he reassured those at the launch.

The plantain chips will be sold wholesale for $100.00 per bag and are expected to hit the shelves at stalls and local supermarkets by next week. The business is currently producing some 300 bags per day but with increased staff and space for production, they are hoping to increase the production number significantly.

to go to New Amsterdam.

They said everything change and they don’t know what’s going on up there. They said the person used my ID card.

I recently took my husband’s last name legally, so I don’t have an ID card yet.”

Following widespread notices, the bank closed its doors and all services were unavailable from Thursday, October 31 at 14:00hrs until Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 16:00hrs. In an explanatory statement, the bank had said that it was done in order “to enable increased transaction efficiency, enhanced product offerings and an overall improved customer experience, while positioning the bank to better serve you.” Monday when the bank reopened its doors, the various branches were flooded with customers, leading to lengthy transaction times at the various service counters. Some staff noted having issues with accessing the “new software,” compounding the issue.

Teen remanded for illegal gun and ammo A TEEN was, on Wednesday November 6, 2019, remanded to prison by Magistrate Faith McGusty, on gun and ammo charge.

19-year-old Shamal Plass appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the two charges when they were read to him.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on November 3, 2019, at Laing Avenue, he had in his possession one .38 revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, and at the same place, he had 3 live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

“I went to buy powder and pampers for my baby and Sherwin Fordyce come n give me a black bag to hold and I check it and see the gun in a cloth. I take it out and put it in my waist cause I didn’t know what to do with it, and the police pull up and snatch me,” Plass said.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told the court that, on the day in question, around 06:30 hours, the police received information and based on the information received

Shamal Plass

they went to Laing Avenue where they found Plass sitting on the corner.

Brummell added that, the police approached Plass and asked that he subjected himself to a search and the gun and ammo were found in his pants waist. Plass was told of the allegation and was later charged.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to both the Prosecutor and Plass, remanded Plass to prison and ordered that he returned to court on November 21, 2019, for the presentation of a probation report.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

MACORP’s Learning Centre Administrator, Weneta Pooran

IN KEEPING with the Administration’s vision of ensuring Guyanese are empowered with the skills and knowledge that will make them employable, 50 persons will benefit from free Online courses in heavy-duty machinery repairs and maintenance.

This is according to Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes during a charge to participants who attended an event that was a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP).

The courses will be facilitated by MACORP through its Caterpillar ‘Technicians for the Caribbean’ programme, while the ministry will provide support to access computer systems and the Internet.

The certified training programme was officially launched on Monday evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where persons of all ages, including women, turned up in their numbers to officially register.

T h i s y e a r, M A C O R P signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Ministries of Public Telecommunications and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to offer training to Guyanese youths.

Thus far, 961 persons have been registered, and to date, 41

50 being equipped with employable skills

were certified and moved on to the practical aspect of the programme.

Minister Hughes noted that with the new and emerging oiland-gas industry and growing mining industry, these skills that are being offered ‘free of cost’ will be in great demand.

She said that with the money expected from the oil sector, the government will be in a position to offer more scholarships to meet the growing needs of the labour market.

“We know that the oil-andgas industry will not employ hundreds of us,” she said, “but the key to it is all the additional services that will

be required. And already this government has a policy that we are not looking at oil alone; oil and oil reserves are a means to do so many other things…

When you have additional monies coming into your economy, then you can give more scholarships. Our vision is to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, and that means that when it comes to the industries we want to build, we must have the technical persons.”

Noting that today’s youths are very versed when it comes to technology, she wasted no time in urging that they put that kind of expertise to good

use. “You have no excuse; we are going to help you to learn,” Minister Hughes said.

Akeem Boston, who is employed with Big Boss Transportation Services, said he was elated to be able to access the programme.

GOOD OPPORTUNITY “This is something a lot of youths don’t have access to,” he said. Being in the transportation business, young Boston said he is very committed to the programme, and that once he would have completed the course and increased his knowledge base, he plans to advance his career.

Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes

Shaundel McBeth, 17, is one of the few women who showed an interest in the programme. She said that after completing the programme, she plans to pursue a career in the said field at MACORP. Asked what she thought of the programme, Shaundel said: “It’s a great opportunity for young people to get involved in training opportunities, and it’s a great way to empower youths. And they learn a new skill as well.”

The government has established over 170 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs in communities across the country.

Some of the people that will benefit from the free Online courses being offered by MACORP

Those hubs, along with the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, will be used as centres for the training programme, in that facilitators will be at the various locations to help guide the process along.

Weneta Pooran, MACORP’s Learning Centre Administrator, noted that the company is committed to the development of Guyana through training and youth empowerment as part of its social responsibility. The programme, she affirmed, will transform the education and labour sectors.

Pooran explained that all the courses are virtual, and can be accessed from the comfort of the participant’s home or school, a library, an Internet hub, or from anywhere there is an Internet connection.

The curriculum consists of 18 courses: Four introductory ones; 10 Level-Ones and four Level-Twos. It can be completed within three to six months. Upon completion, participants will be certified and can then move on to the practical aspect of the programme at MACORP. According to MACORP, participants can use their newly acquired knowledge and Certificate of Completion to gain employment in the auto, trucking or heavy equipment field, or get promoted if they are already employed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Natural gas for domestic demand by 2023 …Dr. Bynoe says significant quantities not until 2035

By Navendra Seoraj WITH the oil and gas sector set to come on stream sooner than expected, the Department of Energy has been making preparations to get natural gas on shore by 2023, but the gas would not be available in “significant quantities” until 2035.

This is according to Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, during a press briefing held in the studio of the National Communications Network (NCN), on Wednesday. “In the discussions around gas, the petroleum agreement speaks to the fact that the priority is oil recovery and in the discussion with the operators, they indicated that to enhance oil recovery you would have to use some amount of reinjection of gas,” said Dr. Bynoe.

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe

Considering this fact, he said gas is not likely to be available in significant quantities until 2035 and beyond.

Although gas would not be available in significant quantities until then, the oil and gas operators have indicated to the department that they can make enough gas available to meet the domestic demand. This, Bynoe said, would generate about 188 megawatts of power.

With the possibilities already laid out, the department has started to examine potential sites where a “gas pipeline” can land. The department is looking to land the pipeline by 2023 and 2024.

In making preparations to land the pipeline, Dr. Bynoe said the department would have to consider a number of factors.

“There are a number of considerations when we start speaking about gas, you do not want to be building a pipe now and then realise the pipe is too small for when more substantial gas becomes available ,” he said.

In addition, the department would also have to consider “building out,” in the sense of having an industrial park so that there can be subsequent or additional industries. “When we start speaking about petro

chems, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), bitumen, then the whole discussion will involve issues of exportation…We have to start thinking about access to water to make that possible,” said Dr. Bynoe.

In that regard, he said preparation involves more than just a plant, it also includes strategic decisions that have to be made. Dr. Bynoe reiterated that the department will, however, be working actively to get gas to shore by 2023.

It was reported early this year that the infrastructural landscape of Guyana is set to undergo a significant shift with the extraction of oil and gas from 2020. The Department of Public Information (DPI) had reported that concerning energy production, the coalition government will be using the nation’s newfound natural gas to bolster GPL’s electricity grid.

“So, we have gas. What we are doing is building out the architecture. It comes in by pipeline and we will have a 188megawatt power plant,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, in the report.

This initiative will comply with the Government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Vision 2040, which seeks to ensure oil extraction in association with natural gas production is done most beneficially.

With the new power plant in operation, it is expected to produce a surmountable amount of energy unlike any existing power plant in Guyana. Also, the new power plant will result in astronomical savings for the country since power generation costs will decrease.

Natural gas is said to be a mixture of gases which are rich in hydrocarbons. All these gases (methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) are naturally found in atmosphere. Natural gas reserves are deep inside the earth near other solid & liquid hydrocarbon beds like coal and crude oil.

Natural gas is not used in its pure form; it is processed and converted into cleaner fuel for consumption. Many by-products are extracted while processing natural gas like propane, ethane, butane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and so forth, which can be further used.

It was reported in sections of the international media that in the week ended November 1, natural gas prices surged 18 per cent.

This was reported as the largest weekly gain for natural gas active futures since the week ended January 24, 2014.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

President accredits several diplomats

Diplomats from Jamaica, Malaysia and the Holy See presented their Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday at the Ministry of Presidency, thereby accrediting them as High Commissioners and Apostolic nuncio to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell were among officials present at the accreditation ceremonies.

During the first of the three accreditation ceremony, His Excellency Arthur Williams presented his Letters of Credence to President Granger, appointing him Non-Resident High Commissioner of Jamaica to Guyana.

President Granger, while alluding to the fact that Guyana and Jamaica established diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966, said the two countries have significantly strengthened their relationship over the past 53 years as member states of the Caribbean Community (GECOM).

“I expect that your accreditation today would act as a catalyst to renew our efforts at collaboration in the fields of food security, trade, investment and public security,” President Granger told High Commissioner Williams.

He noted that he had positive discussions with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness in July 2018, on the margins of the

President David Granger (second right) with His Excellency Arthur Williams, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Jamaica to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (second left), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings (left) and Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell (right).

39th Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“Guyana and Jamaica remain strongly committed to renewing the Bilateral Agreement on Economic, Technical and Cultural Cooperation and the reactivation of the Guyana-Jamaica Joint Commission,” he said. The Head of State also acknowledged that the two countries face similar challenges in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.

“Although we are not an island state, we are a low-lying coastland and we are moving towards the establishment of a ‘green state’.

We will support initiatives that encourage the preservation of our biodiversity, the protection of our environment, the promotion of the generation of energy

from renewable sources and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” the President explained. Guyana, he said, remains committed to working with Jamaica to implement policies aimed at combatting crime and enhancing regional security.

High Commissioner Williams, in his remarks, acknowledged too that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Jamaica, they have maintained strong relations at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. “I wish to reiterate Jamaica’s commitment to the further deepening of the integration process and strengthening of the mutual beneficial partnership for the development of our countries and the region and for the betterment of the lives of our people,” he said. He posited

Social protection ministers to meet Troy Resources today

By Tamica Garnett

The Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) and the Department of Labour (DoL) will meet executives of the Australian-owned gold mining company, Troy Resources Inc as investigations continue into the death of geologist, Ryan Taylor.

Taylor died at the company’s Karouni Gold Mine operations in the Cuyuni Minister with responsibility Mazaruni Region. for Labour, Keith Scott Minister with responsibilFollowing his death, inity for Labour, Keith Scott, vestigations were launched confirmed the meeting, which by the Guyana Police Force is scheduled to be held at the (GPF), the Guyana GeoloEast Street office of Minister gy and Mines Commission of Social Protection, Amna (GGMC) and the OccupaAlly.

“Minister Ally and I will tional Health and Safety be meeting with Troy Re- Department (OHSD) under sources tomorrow at her of- the MoSP while the company was said to have also fice,” Scott affirmed.

The company has been launched its own investigain the spotlight since Taylor tion.

Minister of Natural Redied at the company’s “Hicks sources, Raphael Trotman, One Extension” pit while on confirmed that he had reduty. He was buried beneath ceived the GGMC report on the rubble of part of the min17 October while Minister ing pit which had collapsed.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally

Scott said the OSHD’s report “is being finalised”. Minister Trotman said the situation is now being handled by the MoSP. “It’s all in the hands of the MoSP, and that’s all I can say right now,” Trotman explained, in response to questions on Tuesday.

Trotman shared that he still plans to visit the company’s Karouni Gold Mine operations in the Cuyuni Mazaruni Region and hopes to do so later this month.

that Jamaica, like Guyana, is on an upward economic trajectory.

In a separate accreditation ceremony, the Head of State received Letters of Credence from Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, appointing him Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Guyana.

“The Holy See has placed great attention to the urgency of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation and encouraging efforts by global leaders in delivering Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement. Guyana, in recognition of the global challenges to earth’s environment, is moving towards establishing a ‘Green State.’ Our ‘Green State’ will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our

changes.

Guyana established diplomatic relations with the Holy See 22 years ago on June 9, 1997. The two states share a deep commitment to the values of justice, the preservation of peace and the promotion of universal human rights. Relations between Guyana and the Holy See are founded on the principles of mutual non- interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of world peace and security.

Also presenting his Letters of Credence to President Granger was Datuk Lim Juay Jin, appointing him High Commissioner of Malaysia to Guyana. President Granger, in his address, said the two countries, though separated

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Guyana Datuk Lim Juay Jin presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger .Photos by Adrian Narine

biodiversity, the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” President Granger said in his address. The Head of State said it is his expectation that their shared commitment to confronting the challenges of climate change will contribute to the strengthening of their bilateral relations.

Archbishop Nwachukwu, in his remarks, said Pope Francis is committed to making the world a better place.

“The pope’s warm personality and approach have brought a freshness to the way in which the Holy See and the entire Catholic church carry out their mission, especially with regard to the defence of the dignity of the human person at every stage of human life, notwithstanding the persons, particular social, economic or other circumstances,” the Archbishop explained.

He added that Pope Francis has been persistent in his call to reach out to the more vulnerable members of the world. Archbishop Nwachukwu said Pope Francis has also challenged world leaders to do more to protect the world from avoidable disasters especially those caused by human actions which provoke consequences that translate into interpersonal and international conflicts, wars, migration flows and climatic

by over 17,000 km, are bound together through cooperation

countries have long coastlines and are both vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Here in Guyana, he said the country is transitioning into a ‘green state’ which will see increased emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

“Our shared commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change will be an impetus for the strengthening of the friendship between our two countries,” President Granger told the Malaysian High Commissioner, noting that Guyana looks forward to working closely with Malaysia at both the bilateral and multilateral levels to ensure international peace and security, and to encourage increased global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Datuk Lim Juay Jin said Malaysia is committed to the South-South cooperation, noting that the partnership which spans across various sectors, thereby contributing to each other’s development.

He said Malaysia stands committed to offering its support as Guyana embarks on a new era of economic development. “Economic cooperation continues to be the core expectation of

President David Granger in discussion with the Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Apostolic nuncio of the Holy See to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (left) and Bishop Francis Alleyne (right).

in the Commonwealth of Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations.

“Guyana and Malaysia have advanced cooperation in the field of rice production and development. A team from the Malaysian Agriculture Research & Development Institute (MARDI) visited Guyana in March 2019. The meeting with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) helped to update the implementation of a Reverse Linkage Project between Guyana and Malaysia to further improve rice industry,” President Granger detailed.

He noted too that both

our relationship, as Guyana embarks on a more rapid and sustainable development progress, Malaysia stands greatly in offering the necessary expertise and sharing of best practices in this regard,” the High Commissioner said.

Guyana and Malaysia established diplomatic ties April 26, 1976. Their relationship is founded on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Jordan to advise on year-end bonus for public servants

PRESIDENT David Granger said Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, would advise the Cabinet as to whether government would be paying an end-of-year bonus to public servants.

“I cannot, at this point in time, say whether funds will be available for payments of public servants. So, I am not saying no but after the next Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Finance will be able to make an announcement on that matter, but I don’t want to hold up any hopes because we are in an interim administration mode,” President Granger said.

He was, at the time, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. The Head of State explained that as a result of the no-confidence motion passed against his government in the National Assembly last December, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has restricted the administration from embarking on expenditures or agreements which are likely to collide with the convention of an interim government. Government, he said, has accepted that it is now in an interim mode, and, as such, has not signed onto any major agreement.

Since taking office in May 2015, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has offered public servants both bonuses and wage increases. In December 2015, public servants, who were at the time earning less than $500,000 monthly, received a one-off tax-free bonus of $50,000. Additionally, public servants whose gross basic monthly salaries were more than $50,000 received a five per cent salary increase; while those with salaries equal to or lower than $50,000 were given an eight per cent increase.

The minimum basic salary of $39,540 was also lifted to $50,000, effective July 1, 2015. At the time, more than 30,700 public sector workers, among them nurses, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services and semi-autonomous agencies, benefitted from the bonus.

In December 2016, the government paid a one-off, tax-free bonus of $25,000 to all public servants who are earning less than $500,000 per month. In October that year, public servants who were earning $99,000 or less benefited from a 10 per cent increase; while persons who were earning between $100,000 and $299,000 were offered six per cent increase. Public servants who were earning between $300,000 and $799,000 were offered five per cent increase while those who were earning between $800,000 and $999,000 were given a two per cent increase. Those earning more than $1M at the time were given a one per cent salary increase.

Meanwhile in 2017, approximately 14,000 public servants benefitted from a $3.5B payout when government increased their wages and salaries, while increasing the minimum wage to $60,000. In addition to increasing the minimum wage, public servants who were earning between $55,555 and $99,999 received an increase of eight per cent, while a six per cent increase was offered to persons earning $100,000 to $299,999.

Public servants who were earning between $300,000 and $499,999 received a five per cent increase while those who earned $500,000 to $699,999 got a four per cent increase.

Those who were within the $700,000 to $799,999 bracket received a two per cent increase. For those who earned $800,000 to $1M, a 0.5 per cent increase was offered to them.

Though it offered no Christmas bonus in 2018, the government approved increases for all public servants ranging from 0.5 per cent to seven per cent. Public servants who earned up to $100,000 received a seven per cent increase while public servants that acquired salaries

between $100,000 and $299,999 received a 6.5 per cent increase. Public servants whose salaries ranged between $300,000 and $499.999 at the time, received a five per cent increase; those that fall within the $500,000 to $699,999 bracket received three per cent increase; $700,000 to $799,999 – two per cent increase; $800,000 to $999,999 – one per cent; and those who were earning one million dollars and above received a 0.5 per cent increase.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Speeding caused deadly Friendship accident -President says Top Cop given clear directives

THE inquiry into the deadly Friendship accident which claimed the lives of five persons, has confirmed that speeding by the police was a major contributing factor, President David Granger said on Wednesday.

“There is clear evidence that the police vehicle was driving at an excessive rate, which was not necessary at that time. It was not part of my convoy…the road was clear, there were no obstacles, and again I don’t want to name names, but there is an element of culpability and the commissioner of police will take action in that regard,” President Granger said.

At the time he was responding to a question posed by the Guyana Chronicle on the margins of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Surveillance footage nearby captured motorcar PPP 515 moving at a moderate pace when a police vehicle with flashing lights, slammed head on into it.

On the point of impact, the police vehicle spun several times before coming to a halt in a nearby drain. Five persons – Ronel Barker, Policeman; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Leon Tucker; Lovern Stoby, a special constable attached to the Guyana Police Force; and Herbert Josiah and his wife Denise Josiah – were killed in the accident while two persons survived. Barker was the driver of the police vehicle at the time of the accident while Tucker was driving the private car in the company of his aunt,

Stoby and the Josiahs.

The Board of Inquiry report which was compiled

by Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams with support from Senior Superintendents Calvin Brutus and Linden Isles, addressed the use of sirens by police and other emergency vehicles.

President Granger said he has written Commissioner of Police Leslie James, and has provided clear directives. “As you can see, he has already initiated action in terms of enforcement of some traffic regulations and I expect that there will be greater vigilance, not only now, but during the Christmas period,” he said.

Upon hearing about the horrific accident, the President visited the scene, and within hours had ordered an inquiry. He had assured then that whatever the cause of the accident, the Government of Guyana, the administration of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, the Cabinet and the National Security Committee will take every step to ensure that the roads are used safely by all members of the security forces.

He had said steps would be taken to ensure that regulations, standard operating procedures, inspections and the careful selection and training of drivers, are measures which are put in place so as to prevent a recurrence.

Describing it as a “great tragedy,” President Granger on Wednesday said the accident ought not to have happened. “The police have been warned and I expect

Miner crushed by tree at Isseneru

A 35-year-old man died on Monday after a tree fell on

Shamlall Moralis

him at Isserenu Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River.

Dead is Shamlall Moralis, a miner of 180 Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Reports are that on Monday, at around 11:00hrs, Moralis was working along with others, close to an excavator whose operator struck a tree. The tree fell and fatally struck Moralis.

The man’s body was taken to Olive Creek and later flown to the city.

Police are investigating the incident.

that there is going to be more care not only for human life on the road, but also care of the vehicle,” he said.

Days after the accident had occurred, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said stern actions will be taken against ‘rogue’ cops, who are bent on abusing the use of sirens and continue to engage in the reckless use of the country’s roadways resulting in accidents, some – deadly.

Ramjattan said Barker -- policeman – who was driving one of the vehicles involved in the accident, could have demonstrated greater care, caution and consideration that fatal day.

According to Minister Ramjattan, it was “recklessness” that caused the Friendship accident. He said though police officers have been continuously cautioned about their use of sirens, some, nonetheless, abuse the system.

As of October 29, 2019, 85 persons, among them six children, were killed in road accidents for 2019 – an increase, when compared to the deaths recorded in 2018, Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Ramona Doorgen, said Doorgen explained that in 2018 a total of 92 road fatalities were recorded from 79 accidents. Already for 2019, 85 deaths were recorded from a total of 75 accidents. The number of children killed in these vehicular accidents has also increased. Doorgen pointed out that in 2018 three children were killed in road accidents while noting that the figure has since doubled.

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

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

drivers to drive within the ‘Speed Limits.’

To prevent accidents, especially those involving emergency vehicles – be it a police car, ambulance,

fire engine or prison van – the National Road Safety Council is working with Clarke’s Productions and the National Road Safety Council of Trinidad to

develop a training programme proposal for submission to the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Police Force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

Building safer communities …CCSP inks contracts to boost social crime prevention programmes in Berbice

Works to the tune of some $5M in several East Berbice, Region Six communities under the Rapid Impact Programme of the Ministry of Public Security are expected to commence soon.

The contracts for these projects were officially signed

by Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) Project Manager, Dr. Clement Henry and contractors in the communities of Canefield/ Adelphi, East Canje and Kilcoy/Chesney and Bushlot/ Adventure (Kildonan) on the Corentyne.

The signing of the contracts represents the next phase in a partnership between the International Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme’s (CSSP) Rapid Impact Project.

It seeks to make communities safer, mainly through youth empowerment by pro-

viding an environment where youths can enjoy recreation and benefit from vocational training and educational programmes.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at the Kildonan Multi-purpose Community Centre, Dr. Henry said based on the needs assessment conducted in several communities, it was found that a lack of ‘safe spaces’ for youths to engage meaningfully often result in many turning to a life of substance abuse or crime.

As a result, the MoPS came up with the Rapid Impact Project that seeks to provide areas where young people can be engaged in a sport or learn a trade that will benefit them and make their communities safer.

In the Bush Lot/Adventure District, works will be executed at the Kildonan Multi-purpose Community Centre to refurbish a kitchen to boost a catering/cooking class targeting young mothers, most of whom are single parents,

as well as convert a concrete tarmac into a basketball court for the youths. Both projects are pegged at around $1.6M in total.

In September of this year,

CCSP Project Manager, Clement Henry, hands over a contract to contractor Mohammed Ahamad in the presence of a community representative for works at the Kilcoy-Chesney area

under the same project, a

‘Silver Place’ for Destination Guyana at ITTA Ceremony ON Tuesday evening, Guyana was awarded the Silver Place in ‘Best of Adventure’ from the International Travel & Tourism Awards, for its Sustainable Adventure practices and framework communities have embodied.

In March 2019, Guyana was named #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world, leading ecotourism destinations like Sierra Gorda, Mexico and Tmatboey in Cambodia.

The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany. The second annual “Best of Top 100” Awards is a selection of the finest top 100 destinations selected by a panel of experts who reviewed sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide.

The newly created “Best of Ecotourism” category was added in 2019 and put Guyana up against very well-known and experienced ecotourism destinations like Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Brian T. Mullis, accepted the award on behalf of Guyana in March 2019, and stated that Guyana had expended considerable effort in recent years, not only to develop new and innovative eco-friendly tourism products as a part of the national Green State Development Strategy, but also to incorporate sustainable tourism

best practice into all aspects of its strategy, planning and programming while educating the world about its deep commitment to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism.

Guyana is positioned as the next must-see destination for travellers. With daily nonstop flights already available from New York, Miami and Toronto and direct routes available from Europe through

quantity of equipment and kitchen utensils were donated and with the kitchen now being refurbished, the women are poised reap the benefits of having their individual

sister Caribbean countries, being the only English-speaking country in South America, travellers can experience the vibrant indigenous culture, rich history, and hospitable and friendly people in the language both parties know best.

Guyana recently became the first country to adopt the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification and Performance Standards.

The Award which Guyana received from the International Travel & Tourism Awards

catering businesses setup by Christmas.

The existing concrete tarmac will be re-capped, fenced, equipped with lights, hoops will be installed and a quantity of basketballs will be handed over to the community. Over in Chesney/Kilcoy area, the community also received a quantity of sporting equipment in September and the contract signed on Tuesday will allow for construction of a multi-purpose hard court for the youths.

While in East Canje, contracts for several small projects such as the fencing of a playfield, installation of washroom facilities and the construction of a volleyball court will enhance the recreational facilities in the Canefield/Adelphi area.

All the contracts in the various communities have six weeks duration and were awarded to contractors within the area.

Henry was keen to mention that moving forward, work will be done with groups to have more organised activities at the completed facilities. Among the things in store would be workshops and coaching sessions. So far, the three communities have benefitted from over $7M collectively under the Rapid Impact Programme. In September, this year, sporting equipment, kitchen appliances and stationary items were donated to the communities to the tune of US$10,000.

Meanwhile, Colin Moore, NDC chairman for the #28/Bushlot Adventure district, expressed gratitude to the MoPS for heeding the call of the youths in the community and providing solutions to their needs. Moore, a youth leader in the community, said the enhancements to the facilities will certainly make a difference in the lives of the younger population.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

India doubles ITEC training slots for Guyana THE Government of India has increased the number of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Training Slots allocated to Guyana from the current 24 to 50, with immediate effect.

A release from the Indian High Commission said the decision of the Government of India as a goodwill gesture towards the Government and people of Guyana emanates from the close and cordial relations between the two countries and long-standing partnership of 55 years in ITEC. High Commissioner of India, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa had assured the gathering at the celebration of the 55th anniversary of the ITEC Day held on October 11, 2019 at India House, that the High Commission will make vigorous efforts to get the training slots for Guyana doubled.

The consistent efforts of the High Commission of India have now resulted in the training slots for Guyana being increased to more than double the existing number. This will help the country to create a large pool of skilled and technical-qualified manpower in various sectors for its emerging fast economic growth as a result of oil and gas discovery and expectations of first oil in December 2019.

India provides capacity building assistance to 160 partner countries and ITEC is considered as a vehicle to share India’s vast and unique experience of growth and development through capacity

building and training.

The courses under ITEC will provide a wide and diverse range of skills and discipline such as agriculture, irrigation, IT and telecommunications, finance and accounts, audit, banking, education, planning and administration, parliamentary affairs, crime records, textiles, rural development, renewable energy, tool design, small enterprises and entrepreneurship development, among others.

High Commissioner of India, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa

“The High Commission would like the Government of Guyana and the people of Guyana to avail the increased training slots fully before 31 March 2020 and to take advantage of these important courses for the country’s economic growth and prosperity. The details of the various courses available under ITEC Training Programme can be checked from ITEC Portal www.itecgoi.in. The

other terms & conditions can be accessed from following links: How to Apply: https:// www.itecgoi.in/how_to_apply.php; “Terms & Conditions: https://www.itecgoi. in/terms_and_conditions. php; and I T E C C o u r s es: https://www.itecgoi.in/courses_listinst. php?salt6=be98430686135,” the release said.

The revised system of ITEC also allows the High Commission to accept applications from persons nominated by private sector companies, chambers of commerce and commercial associations. ommission is happy to receive applications from such individual applicants and process it for providing them the opportunity for training in India and making them skilled and eligible for better job opportunities in Guyana. This way, the High Commission is able to encourage private citizens of Guyana to apply for ITEC training programme and avail the opportunity for training in India,” the release said.

The other countries of concurrent accreditation with the High Commission of India in Georgetown, namely Antigua & Barbuda (five slots), St. Kitts & Nevis (five slots), Anguilla (three slots) and CARICOM (five slots) have also been allocated with training slots under ITEC programme.

Albouystown teen remanded for robbery MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty, on Wednesday November 6, 2019, remanded an albouystown teen to prison on a robbery with aggravation charge.

18-year-old Jomal Hicks appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on November 3, 2019, at Carmichael Street, Hicks, while in the company of others, robbed Pedro Nascimento of a Phone valued at $100,000, a wallet valued at $10,000 and $1,000 cash.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail being granted to Hicks, based on the nature of the offence, and that he was positively identified by Nascimento.

According to information, Nascimento was walking along Carmichael Street, when Hicks and company approached him and stripped him of the items. The matter was reported and the police, along with Nascimento, went to the cathedral where Hicks would normally be.

When Hicks saw the police, he ran and was apprehended some distance away, in a yard.

The court also heard that the phone was found on his person and one of Hicks’ relatives handed over Nascimento’s wallet to the police.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the several statements, refused bail being granted to Hicks and remanded him to prison. The matter was adjourned until November 27, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 7, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 7, 2019

GMR&SC launches Clash of Champions THE hype for the 2019 Clash of Champions is building in the air with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) promising its biggest event yet later this month.

The promise was made by the executive at the launch of the event on Tuesday evening at the GT Motorsports Hall.

In the absence of GMR&SC president, Rameez Mohamed, executive member Carey Griffith told those present at the event that the club has been working assiduously to promote the event.

“We expect the clash of

champions to be one of the largest events in the year, probably that we have hosted as a club. Barbados’ Zane Maloney, the 2019 British F4 champion, will be here.”

Meanwhile, several of the major sponsors were on hand to give brief remarks, with Director General of the Tourism Ministry, Donald Sinclair, saying that they are more than happy to support GMR&SC in this endeavor.

“We see sport tourism as a big thing and this event that the GMR&SC has every year brings in so many foreigners to these shores that we couldn’t pass up the

opportunity.”

KFC, through their Operations manager, Gregory De Gannes, also commented on past successes with the club, adding that they are more than happy to assist the sport for what is expected to be its largest brand.

Ansa McAl, under the STAG beer brand, was represented by Treiston Joseph, the corporate communications officer who spoke of the company’s commitment.

“STAG Beer has been a longstanding supporter of motorsport through our drivers and even to the club

Jones appointed to Cricket...

15 months.

However Jones’ appointment now returns the board to its full complement of nine, with six state-nominated directors and three independents.

“Mel has been an active and inspiring part of the cricket fabric for many years and we are privileged to have her join the board,” Eddings said.

“Australian cricket has been undergoing sig-

nificant change over the past two years and I’ve no doubt Mel’s experience on and off the field will be an asset to the team as we move into our next phase.

“Mel’s commitment to the game and her advocacy, particularly for women in

sport, will only bolster our continued focus on advancing cricket to be the number one sport for women and girls.”

Jones played five Tests and 61 one-dayers for Australia, winning two World Cups.

itself; this year was no different.”

Other sponsors include, B.M Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Tropical Shipping, Valvoline, MOTUL, ExxonMobil, JAPARTS and Air services.

Other sponsors include Prem’s Electrical, AgriParts, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Secure Innovations and concepts Inc., Premier Auto Sales, Bikers Bar, Professional Key Shop, Truck Masters, Palm Court, King’s Jewellery World, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Ramchand Autobody and Tow Truck Service, KGM security, RoyFrom back page

She has remained in the game and filled various sports administration roles since her international retirement in 2005, including in indigenous communities, schools, women’s and pathways cricket.

She is also one of the

al Castle, Ramada Hotel, Readymix, Auto Fashion, Ideal Supplies, Panko Steel Fabrication, Hand in Hand, Windjammer International, Cyril’s Taxi and Century Tamara Energy Service.

The event is expected to feature action in the street and sport tuner class, groups two, three and four and the superbikes as well as the Radical Caribbean Cup. The two- day event is billed for the South Dakota Circuit and is set for November 16 and 17.

Cost of tickets: Adults $2000; Children $1000.

Children under 10 are free. most prominent commentators on the global circuit.

“I have much admiration for the work that has been undertaken over the past 18 months in particular, an incredibly challenging time for cricket, and testament to its place in the hearts of Australians,” Jones said.

(AAP)

New captain Pollard thrilled...

From back page

early wickets [and] not batting 50 overs so today was a conscious effort to bat 50 overs and [there’s no two] better guys to do it but Shai Hope and Roston Chase,” Pollard said.

“Chase [got] that opportunity to bat up the order in one-day cricket and he showed the kind of player he is. Shai Hope, we know he’s a class batsman and what his role is in the team so again, kudos to those two individuals.

“I think they batted well and brought us to victory.

Unfortunate for the couple guys who didn’t get a score but that’s what team cricket

is all about.”

After winning the toss, West Indies executed brilliantly with the ball to dismiss Afghanistan for a modest 194 off 45.2 overs, with fast bowlers Jason Holder (2-21) and Romario Shepherd (2-32), along with off-spinner Chase (2-31), all picking up two wickets each.

Rahmat Shah top-scored with 61 and 19-year-old wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil struck 58 in a 111-run, third wicket partnership but once the stand was broken, West Indies ran through the middle and lower order.

Pollard, playing his first ODI in three years, said the bowling effort was an expression of the ideal type of cricket West Indies wanted to play.

“There are conversations we’ve been having in the last couple of days in terms of how we want to play cricket and then we got the opportunity to bowl first and express ourselves,” he explained.

“And who better to start but our [former] captain Jason Holder and he’s continue to prove he wants to be the number one all-rounder in all formats so that [was 12:15 hrs Cadzand

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a] brilliant spell to open the bowling along with Sheldon (Cottrell).

“And the guys that came in, young (Romario) Shepherd on his debut – being sort of economical – and then Hayden Walsh, I thought it was a total team effort.

“In terms of the field, there were a couple blemishes but we’ll take that because of the effort the guys would have given in the field in terms of the enthusiasm and intensity.”

West Indies will face Afghanistan in the second ODI at the same venue on Saturday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

In swipe at Russia, U.S. says countries can’t be allowed to ‘steal’ Olympic medals

By Karolos Grohmann KATOWICE, Poland (Reuters) - The election of a new president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) should give it the strength to stop countries stealing Olympic medals, the U.S. anti-doping chief said on Wednesday in remarks aimed at Russian state-sponsored doping.

Speaking at WADA’s World Conference on Doping in Sport, Travis Tygart, a strong critic of WADA’s handling of a Russian doping scandal, said the Tokyo 2020 Games would be the fifth Olympics where doping was the main issue instead of athletes’ performances.

WADA is set to elect Polish sports and tourism minister Witold Banka today to succeed president Craig Reedie on Jan. 1.

The London 2012 Games saw scores of positive doping tests years after the event with many medals stripped, most of them from Russians athletes.

Russian track and field athletes were banned from the Rio 2016 Olympics for doping, while Russia’s 2014 Sochi winter Games were tarnished by the country’s elaborate doping scheme to help their own athletes win more medals.

At the 2018 winter Olympics the entire Russian team competed as independents as a result of the doping affair.

“We can do more and we must do more,” Tygart, the head of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), told the conference. “We cannot allow one country to steal medals.”

“We must have a strong and independent WADA and not a weak service provider some have enjoyed in the last few years,” he said.

The Russian sports ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

“WE CAN DO BETTER” Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA was suspended after a 2015 WADA report that found vast evidence of state-sponsored doping in Russian athletics. The country has since struggled to restore its international credibility in sport.

RUSADA’s suspension was lifted in September 2018 amid strong criticism as WADA gradually obtained access to key Russian athletes’ data from the Russian lab.

United States Anti-Doping Agency (USDA) Chief Executive Officer Travis Tygart.

But in September WADA again opened compliance proceedings after finding “inconsistencies” in the vast bank of historical testing data finally handed over in January.

That means RUSADA is again at risk of being non-compliant and thus putting Russia’s participation at the Tokyo Olympics next year at risk.

“Tokyo 2020 will be the fifth Games where state doping and not the athletes are the issue,” Tygart said. “When the microphones are on, we all express our support.”

“But clean athletes want to know what happens when the mikes are gone. Are we still on their team? We can do better.”

In separate comments to TASS news agency that were not related to Tygart’s remarks, Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov said that athletes should be punished for anti-doping violations, no matter where they are from.

“If someone violates anti-doping rules, then of course this person should be punished,” Kolobkov said. “This rule should be applied to any athlete from any country.”

Orlando Cricket Club staging two-day Masters T10 Softball League OVERSEAS-based Orlando Cricket Club will be staging a two- day Masters T10 Softball League for teams on the Essequibo Coast.

The Club is in Guyana and recently participated in the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup held in Georgetown. Several of the players are of Guyanese origin from different villages in the Cinderella county. The matches will be staged on Saturday and Sunday at the Reliance ground with the teams competing being Reliance Hustlers Masters, Imam Bacchus Legends, Invaders Masters and Orlando Florida Legends.

The competition has been organised for over 40 players. Former national T20 All-Rounder Ramesh Narine who was adjudged as the MVP in the Masters’ category of the Prime Minister’s Cup will be the main attraction among a host of seasoned local players including former national youth spinner Beesham Seepersaud along with former Essequibo senior inter-county players Dinesh Joseph, Latchmikhant Narine, Elroy Stephney, Linden Daniels, Dharam Rajah, Roy Gonsalves, Richie Bishop and Trevis Simon among others.

The preliminary matches will be held on Saturday with the semi-finals and final set for Sunday. Attractive incentives will be up for grabs with the Winning team pocketing $300 US, Runner-Up $100 US, Most Valuable Player $50 US, Most Runs $50 US and Most Wickets $50

Ramesh Narine

US and trophies. The Orlando Cricket Club is also expected to present cricket gear as well as a monetary contribution to the Reliance Sports Club towards the restoration of the ground in Reliance.

Matches will begin from 9:30hrs and the public is invited to witness what is expected to be a fun-filled affair involving the Region’s top masters’ players.

Berbice Cricket Board launches `Special Projects Fund’ Edition 2 THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to create headlines as they march towards continued success for cricket in the County, Guyana and West Indies.

The BCB recently launched their “Special Projects Fund” with overwhelming response from three overseas friends of Berbice Cricket. This is the second time that the Board has embarked on this initiative following the “Balls for Second Division Teams in Berbice Project” in 2018.

The first project initiated by Anil Beharry, former BCB president in conjunction with the BCB, was very successful and raised $830,000 which was made possible by Brian Chunilall, Noreen Seubaran-Gaskin, Yasin Mohamed, two friends of the BCB, Ryan and Ian Bhagwandin, Derick and Renick Beharry, Kalvin Somrah, Raj “Rebels” Mathura, Faizal Jaffarally, Bobby and Pamela Kewlachand, Mukesh Matai, Danny Somai, Yadram Bhoj, Sharmila Muneshwar, Javed Raffik, Nazim Hussain, Allan Mangru, Owen Humphrey, Sean Devers, Vijai Dass, Bhim George, Surendra Hiralall, Jack Beharry, Latcho Mohabir, Chetram Seopersaud and Jeffrey Samaroo.

Added to the funds raised directly by the BCB, every cricket club in the county received cricket balls. Some young and promising cricketers such as West Indies Under-15 pacer Isiah Thorne, National Under- 19 opener Alex Algoo among others were also assisted.

The second edition has so far received $165,000 from Tyler and Mia, Kalvin Somrah and Renick Beharry. They all contributed towards the first project . Funds from this project will assist cricket clubs with balls, assist young promising cricketers who need help and the BCB to acquire cricket pitch covers so that key matches, including semi- finals and finals, can be played without any rain interruption as the board strives to spread the game across the length and breadth of the ancient county.

In addition, the board will consider other requests as it sees fit. Former PPP government minister, Leslie Ramsammy, assisted the board with US$2,000 worth of cricket balls to supplement this project.

Arsenal held as Guimaraes grab last-gasp equaliser (REUTERS) - Arsenal conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Portugal’s Vitoria Guimaraes in Europa League Group F on Wednesday.

The Premier League club looked to be on course for victory when defender Shkodran Mustafi headed home Nicolas Pepe’s 80th-minute free kick but Bruno Duarte struck from close range to end Arsenal’s 100% record in the group.

Arsenal’s fourth consecutive draw in all competitions will increase the pressure on manager Unai Emery following a difficult week in which Granit Xhaka was also stripped of the captaincy.

The English team still top the group standings on 10 points and will qualify for the last 32 of Europe’s second-tier club competition if Standard Liege lose to Eintracht Frankfurt today.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 7, 2019

BCB/Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls tournament

Rose Hall Canje beat Guymine to lift New Amsterdam/Canje title

ROSE Hall Canje on Sunday last won the New Amsterdam/Canje leg of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls cricket tournament.

The team, under the inspirational leadership of Ameer Rahaman, defeated the Guymine Sports Club by sixteen runs to lift their first Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) title in over three decades.

Playing at the historic Rose Hall Canje Community Centre ground in front of a sizeable crowd, the home team played as a collective unit to hold off the challenge of Guymine, who was seeking their first title in over two decades.

Guymine won the toss and elected to insert the home team to take first strike.

Openers Michael Campbelle and Jermone Andrews added 24 for the first wicket before Campbelle was caught at the wicket off left arm spinner N. West for 13 in the fourth over. Moonsammy Veersammy soon departed for 03 at 32 for 2. Two more wickets fell in quick succession to leave RHC reeling at 38 for 4. Zameer Hussain struck a massive six in scoring nine but was soon bowled by left arm-spinner, Rocky Hutson.

Skipper Ameer Rahaman and the ultra-aggressive Sasenarine Sukhu then added 65 crucial runs for the sixth wicket with Sukhu hitting six sixes and two fours in a wellplayed 69. He was bowled with one ball remaining by

North Georgetown secures Zone Title, as Grove, Peter’s Hall register wins

Representatives of Let’s Bet Sports pose with the Rose Hall Canje team.

Joel Seitram. Rahaman ended on eight not out as T. Suknanan was run out off the last ball for one as Rose Hall Canje recovered well to end on 128 for 7 from their allotted 100 balls. Former Berbice youth player Joel Seitram and Rocky Hutson were Guymine’s best bowlers with 3 for 16 and 2 for 37 respectively.

Guymine, in reply, started like a house on fire with openers Devon Clements and Charles Grimmond blasting 34 in just three overs. Opening bowler Raymond Vankenie’s first over was taken for 22 runs as Guymine was on course to finish the game early.

Sukhu then returned with the ball to bowl Grimmond for 30 which included five boundaries and one six at 36 for one.

Forty-eight-year-old left-arm spinner Charran Singh then dismissed Kuacy Sinclair (05) and former national junior player Devon Clements (12) to pull back the scoring rate. Boodram

Ramsarran and Rocky Hutson struggled to get the ball off the square against the spinners.

Canje, sensing victory, fielded superbly and bowled well as the required run-rate swelled to twelve per over.

Marlon Sheperd (12) and Jorim De Freitas (15) batted well but were dismissed, trying to up the run-rate.

Guymine were eventually dismissed in the last over for 112 to lose by 16 runs. Sukhu completed a dream Man-ofthe-Finals performance by taking 3 for 17 and Charran Singh supported with 2 for 13.

BCB president Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony, stated that his board was on course to complete the historic tournament within three months. The Let’s Bet Sports tournament includes the hosting of four different tournaments in West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. The four champions would then play a fifth tournament to

decide the overall Berbice Champions.

The hardworking BCB president praised both teams for providing a high-class final and hailed the work of Ameer Rahaman of Rose Hall Canje and Gregory Crandon of Guymine. Both clubs were dormant recently but are now among the top clubs in Berbice at the second division level.

Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney expressed his delight at the high standard of cricket played in the finals and the organizing skills of the Hilbert Foster-led BCB. Toney stated that Foster’s leadership was one of the main reasons why the brand came on board with the BCB. The Brand Ambassador urged the board and clubs in Berbice to uphold the high standard of cricket that is currently taking place in the Ancient County. The winning team, runner-up and Man-of-theFinals received trophy and a financial prize.

Gilchrist gives thumbs-up to TV umpire for no-balls HOW would the addition of another umpire exclusively for making no-ball calls affect the game? If it helps “arrive at the right decision”, the former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist is “all for it.”

Front-foot no-ball calls have been a contentious issue in cricket for a while, with replays on TV broadcasts often showing on-field umpires missing a number of no-ball calls, and only checking with the third umpire if batsmen have been dismissed.

“It is pretty challenging for the on-field umpire to look down there, look up

GCB/CWI Kiddy Progression One Cricket continues

there, have everything else going on,” Gilchrist said at an event organised by Tourism Western Australia in Mumbai. “Surely there was a replay last year that showed it was a no-ball [in the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru].”

As revealed by ESPNcricinfo in August, the ICC is conducting trials to put TV umpires in charge of these calls, which the IPL looks set to emulate in the coming months.

One of the main concerns over involving TV umpires

has been over whether it would slow the game down, but Gilchrist, who works as a broadcaster in Australia with Fox Sports, said it wouldn’t be a major issue given the technology available in the game.

“No, no [I don’t think it’ll slow things down], because they can do it in an instant. I know, I work in broadcast, you can have a replay within five seconds. In football, VAR seems to be slowing it down a little bit,” Gilchrist said, referring to the Video Assistant Referee, which has been a contentious topic in

recent months in football.

“I think, if it’s a line decision [in cricket], you can have a replay like that [in a matter of seconds].”

The modalities, though, will be for the ICC and the IPL governing council to decide. Should the third umpire monitor no-ball calls? Or is there enough justification to bring another umpire in?

Gilchrist is firmly in the former camp.

“Why can’t the third umpire just look at the replay and just go not out?

That should be allowed.

Whether you need a fourth umpire, maybe not”.(ESPN Cricinfo).

The victorious North Georgetown team.

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Cricket West Indies (CWI) Kiddy Progression One Cricket competition continued with matches in Georgetown and the East Bank districts.

In the Georgetown district matches, North Georgetown emerge champions of the Zone after beating Winfer Gardens by 62 runs. North Georgetown Primary batted first and raced to 168 for 2 from their allocated 14 overs.

Openers Dellon Wray and Kareem Caesar added 52 for the first wicket, before Caesar was dismissed for 18.

Wray then put on a further 88 for the second wicket with Samuel Barkoye to steady the innings well. Wray made 56, inclusive of 10 fours and two sixes while Barkoye scored an unbeaten 41, inclusive of six fours.

In reply, Winfer Gardens could only muster 106 for 7, chasing a target of 169. Shane Prince struck two fours and two sixes in a top score of 29, while Joshua Reid made 11 as Caesar took 1 for 1.

Bowling for North Georgetown, Wray took 1 for 3.

The East Bank Demerara zone had their match played at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground, where Grove Primary defeated Covent Garden Primary by 30 runs. Grove took first strike and achieved 102-8 from 14 overs, thanks to openers Dumesh Singh and Shuray Johnson who made 20 and 36 respectively.

Earlier, Covent Garden had restricted Grove to 17 for 3, but failed to capitalize on their penetrative start by allowing Grove’s batsmen to consolidate in their efforts to post their eventual competitive score of 102. Bowling for Covent Garden, Hamid took 2 for 5.

Covent Garden, in reply, could only muster 72 for 7 when their overs allocation expired. Hamid with 10, was the only batsman to score double figures. Bowling for Grove, Daniel Deen claimed 2 for 6. Grove Primary won by 30 runs.

In another East Bank Demerara District match, St. Anne’s Primary took first strike and managed 115 for 6 from 14 overs. Opener Emanuel Lewis blasted 48, while Jeren Hardy added valuable support with 23. Bowling for Peter’s Hall, Kumar Boodhoo starred with the best figures of 2 for 20.

Peter’s Hall, in reply, cruised to 118 after Rameshwar Persaud stroked 31, with support from opening batsman Kumar Boodhoo (18). Bowling for St. Anne’s, Hardy was exceptional, finishing with 3 wickets for just 2 runs as Peter’s Hall won by 2 wickets.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 7, 2019

Beharry, McKinnon outgun rivals ‘Beast’ Mtawarira retires after beauty of a World in Halloween Costume Shoot LOCAL marksmen, Ray Beharry and Ryan McKinnon, dominated Sunday’s 4th annual B.M Soat/Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Costume Match held at the Timehri Ranges.

Under the watchful eyes of Range Master, Dallas Thomas and his team of range officials, Beharry shot an excellent 90.23 seconds in the Production Division while the more seasoned deadeye McKinnon completed his round in 74.30 to headline the Limited Division.

The Limited Division also saw the experienced John Phang shooting 87.31 seconds for his second place while former GSSF president, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon finishing third with her time of 114.24 seconds.

The annual event saw gunners decked out in their best Halloween costumes as participants came dressed as FBI Agents, Police, the Terminator, among other notable char-

Ray Beharry in action during Sunday’s GSSF/B.M Soat Costume Shoot

acters or identities.

The scenario for the shoot saw four (4) different stages being attempted by the pistol men, as competitors shot at 5 individual steel targets per stage. Shooters were scored using an electronic timing device; penalties of added time were applied for any misses after the designated stop plate was shot and the total time taken was the score.

At the opening ceremony, chairman of the Practical Shooting Committee and the match director for this event, Dr. Pravesh Harry, expressed appreciation to Mr. Bashir Mohamed, Mrs. Vimala Priya Mohamed, Mr. Rameez Mohamed and the Management of B.M. Soat Auto Sales.

The Foundation also wishes to thank the Guyana Defence Force, Chief of Staff Brigadier Pat-

rick West; Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ms. Maxine Graham; Superintendent Mr. Guy Nurse, the ranks of TSU; the GPF Armory and the Guyana Police Force for their support during Practical Shoots. (Clifton Ross) Production Division 1st – Ray Beharry (90.23 seconds) 2nd – Andrew Phang (93.12 seconds) 3rd – Michael Blake (126.32 seconds) Limited Division 1st – Ryan McKinnon (74.30 seconds) 2nd – John Phang (87.31 seconds) 3rd – Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (114.24 seconds) Unclassified Beginner Category 1st – Imam Baksh (120.20 seconds) 2nd – Rawlston Adams (147.29 seconds) 3rd – Satya Dayaram (163.25 seconds)

Double Olympic champion Adams retires over sight fears (REUTERS) - Britain’s Nicola Adams, the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal, has announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 37 due to concerns about her eyesight.

In an open letter to the Yorkshire Evening Post on Wednesday, Adams, who

won gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, said she was proud of what she had achieved but added that boxing had taken a toll on her health.

“I’ve been advised that any further impact to my eye would most likely lead to irreparable damage and permanent vision loss,”

said Adams, who won the vacant WBO flyweight title in July.

“I’m immensely honoured to have represented our country - to win double Olympic gold medals and then the WBO championship belt is a dream come true ... But it’s not without taking its toll on

my body.

“Hanging up my gloves was always going to hard, but I have never felt luckier and I’m so immensely proud of how far the sport has come.”

Adams ends her professional career with an unbeaten record of five wins and one draw.

Selman returns to Windies squad for T20I series against India FAST bowler Shakera Selman is back in West Indies’ squad for the five-match women’s T20I series against India, which begins on Saturday in St Lucia. Selman, according to a CWI release, sat out the ODI series as an injury precaution, “to ensure her full fitness and availability for the T20I series.

Allrounder Chinelle Henry, who suffered a concussion during the first ODI in North Sound and was ruled out of the second and third ODIs, is also back in the squad.

Hayley Matthews, who

came into the squad for the second and third ODIs as a replacement for Henry, keeps her place for the T20Is. “Following the Colonial Medical Insurance ODI Series, the majority of the squad has been retained,” Ann BrowneJohn, lead selector of the women’s and girls’ panel, said . “Chinelle Henry will hopefully be fit and ready to go again after being sidelined through concussion after the first ODI. Shakera Selman will bring her experience to this team to add more

The experienced Shakera Selman is back in West Indies’ t20 squad.

fire power to the bowling attack.

“The team has always had good performances in T20 matches and this series is vital preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.” West Indies T20I squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Shakera Selman, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Stacey-Ann King, Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean, Shabika Gajnabi, Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond.

Cup win for South Africa

South Africa prop Tendai Mtawarira, at 34, announces his retirement from international rugby.(Getty images)

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) South Africa World Cup winner Tendai Mtawarira announced his retirement from international rugby on Wednesday and bows out as the most capped prop in Springbok history.

The 34-year-old, whose ball carries led to affectionate chants of ‘Beast’ in stadia around the world, was a stand-out performer as the Boks beat England 32-12 to lift the Webb Ellis trophy in Yokohama on Saturday, the last of his 117 tests.

He won a number of scrum penalties on the loosehead side as South Africa dominated the set-piece to lay the platform for their third World Cup title.

“I am grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by many top coaches at the Springboks and the Sharks, and grateful to my numerous team mates in green and gold, and black and white, over the years,” Zimbabwe-born Mtawari-

ra said in a statement from South African Rugby.

“But most of all, to my wife Kuziva, and our two beautiful children, Talumba and Wangu, for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dreams. I really appreciate it immensely.

“I’ve been blessed to have been part of teams that achieved so much success over the years, and I have many memories to cherish forever, but I can honestly say that winning the Rugby World Cup is the perfect ending and cherry on top.”

Mtawarira retires as the third most capped Bok behind former lock Victor Matfield (127 caps) and wing Bryan Habana (124).

He won his first cap in 2008 and also has the most appearances of any South African in Super Rugby with 159, all for the Durban-based Sharks.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 07, 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) England (The Oval, 1973) (2)Scotland (Benoni, 2009)

Today’s Quiz:

(1Who has scored most T20 International runs for

the WI to date? How many?

(2) Who has scored most T20 International runs for Afghanistan to date? How many?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27 27

GUYANA GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRONICLE,Thursday, ThursdAYNovember NOvember7,7,2019 2019

Chase, fifies hand Chase, Hope Hope fifties hand Windies Windies easy win win LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – Roston Chase narrowly missed out on three figures while Shai Hope kept up his heavy scoring in One-Day Internationals with another half-century, as West Indies effortlessly strolled to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening match of the three-match series here Wednesday.

Asked to chase a modest 195 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Chase carved out a polished 94 and Hope, an unbeaten 77, to guide West Indies to their third win in seven ODIs against the Afghan side.

The Windies were tottering on 25 for two in the eighth over at one stage before Chase and Hope came together in a third wicket stand worth 163, to erase any doubt over the result.

Chase played positively from the outset to hit 11 fours in 115 balls at the crease while Hope emerged from an uncertain start especially against off-spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, to lash five fours in 133 deliveries.

Right-hander Chase looked poised for his maid-

en ODI hundred but missed a pull at one from Mujeeb and was bowled in the 44th over, with just seven runs required for victory.

West Indies had earlier restricted the hosts to 194 all out in the 46th over after choosing to bowl first, with Rahmat Shah top-scoring with 61 and 19-year-old wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil carving out 58.

With the two cantering along in a third-wicket stand worth 111, Afghanistan looked well poised for a competitive total at 126 for two in the 27th over.

However, once the stand was broken, West Indies controlled the second half of the innings, taking the last eight wickets for 68 runs as fast bowlers Jason Holder (2-21) and Romario Shepherd (2-32), along with Chase (2-31) all claiming two wickets each.

Inspired by Holder, West Indies reduced the hosts to 15 for two in the sixth over after left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell bowled Hazratullah Zazai leg-stump for nine in the fifth and Holder forced Javed Ahmadi (5) to edge

one to Nicholas Pooran at second slip.

However, Rahmat and Ikram halted the slide in an enterprising stand which frustrated West Indies, and carried Afghanistan past three figures.

The right-handed Rahmat looked a class act in stroking six fours and a six off 80 balls while Ikram produced an identical boundary tally in a 62-ball knock before perishing in bizarre fashion the 27th over.

He grounded his bat at the striker’s end after completing a run to mark Rahmat’s half-century but then ambled out of his crease, apparently to congratulate his partner, before the ball was ruled dead.

Wicketkeeper Hope promptly broke the stumps and Ikram was adjudged run out.

Three balls later in the same over, Najibullah Zadran (0) nicked a forward defensive prod at Chase for Holder to take a sharp chance at slip, and suddenly Afghanistan were 126 for four.

Rahmat tried to rebuild

in a 26-run, fifth wicket stand with Asghar Afghan, who made 35 off 52 deliveries, but he too fell to Chase, caught at Holder around the corner trying to scoop a delivery in the 33rd over.

Debutant Shepherd, whose four-over opening spell cost 25 runs, came back strongly with two wickets at the end as West Indies snared the last six wickets for just 42 runs.

In reply, there were some concerns when Evin Lewis played back to Mujeeb and was trapped lbw on the backfoot in the fifth over for seven and left-hander Shimron Hetmyer (3) nicked a peach of out-swinger from seamer Naveen-ul-Haq to be caught at the wicket three overs later.

But Chase and Hope steadied the innings, first negating the threat posed from Mujeeb and then leg-spinning captain Rashid Khan, before accelerating to ensure the Windies domination.

Hope was the first to his landmark at the end of the 27th over, raising his 14th half-century by working Rashid Khan to the mid-wick-

SCOREBOARD

AFGHANISTAN Hazratullah Zazai b Cottrell 9 Javed Ahmadi c Pooran b Holder 5 Rahmat Shah c Holder b Chase 61 +Ikram AliKhil run out 58 Najibullah Zadran c Holder b Chase 0 Ashgar Afghan run out 35 Mohammad Nabi c Cottrell b Holder 1 Gulbadin Naib c Chase b Walsh 17 *Rashid Khan c wkp Hope b Shepherd 0 Naveen-ul-Haq c Pollard b Shepherd 1 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 0 Extras (lb2, w5) 7 TOTAL (all out, 45.2 overs) 194 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Zazai), 2-15 (Ahmadi), 3-126 (Alikhil), 4-126 (Zadran), 5-152 (Rahmat), 6-158 (Nabi), 7-191 (Naib), 8-192 (Rashid), 9-194 (Afghan), 10-194 (Naveenul-Haq)

Bowling: Cottrell 7-0-33-1 (w1), Holder 10-2-21-2, Joseph 5-0-42-0 (w1), Shepherd 6.2-0-32-2, Chase 10-0-31-2 (w3), Walsh 7-0-33-1.

et ropes for his fourth boundary.

Chase, meanwhile, reached his half-century –

only his second in ODIs – at the end of the 31st over when he cut Naveen to point for his fifth four.

WEST INDIES *S Hope not out 76 E Lewis lbw b Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman 7 S Hetmyer c wkp Ikram Alikhil b Naveen-ul-Haq 3 R Chase b Mujeeb-ur-Rahman 94 N Pooran not out 8 Extras (lb4, w4) 8 TOTAL (3 wkts, 46.3 overs) 197 Did not bat: *K Pollard, J Holder, A Joseph, S Cottrell, R Shepherd, H Walsh.

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Lewis), 2-25 (Hetmyer), 3-188 (Chase) Bowling: Rahman 10-1-33-2, Naveen 8-1-30-1 (w1), Rashid 10-0-43-0, Nabi 10-0-44-0 (w2), Naib 5-0-28-0, Ahmadi 3.3-0-15-0

Thomas ton flattens defending champions CCC DEVON Thomas’ second List ‘A’ ton helped the Leeward Islands Hurricanes trounce defending Champs Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by a massive 199 runs when the Regional Super50 bowled off yesterday.

Sent into bat first at Basseterre, St Kitts, the Lee-

ward Island Hurricanes exhibited style and aggression as their top-order batsmen stroked decent scores to help them pile on a whopping 292-7 at the end of 50 overs.

The former West Indies wicket-keeper/batman Thomas, was the guiding light for his team with a

top knock of 105 from just 94 balls, decorated with 10 fours and one six.

Support came from Windies opener Kieran Powell who stroked 4 fours in his 30 while the stylish Amir Jangoo cracked 39 with four boundaries and a six; to lead the prolific batters list.

CCC bowlers did well to keep the wickets falling but it was a relatively ordinary outing with Larry Joseph starring with two wickets for 26 runs from his 10 overs.

The chase was horrific for CCC who were knocked over for 94 in 31.3 overs

thanks to West Indies all-rounder Rakeem Cornwall’s off-spin which yielded figures of 4-21, putting the brakes on things for the Champs.

The all-rounder snapped up three huge wickets that of ; openers Romaine Morrison and Guyanese Akshaya Per-

saud who both departed for 2 runs apiece along with the dangerous Paul Palmer (6).

Jarlnarine Seales resisted with 39 as his teammates misfired terribly during their first outing of the tournament. Meanwhile Thomas for his century was adjudged Manof-the-Match.

Windies concede ODI series 2-1 to extend two-year winless streak NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Not even the return of all-rounder Haylew Matthews and another half-century from captain Stafanie Taylor could spark West Indies Women as they suffered a six-wicket thrashing in the final One-Day International here Wednesday to concede the three-match series 2-1.

Choosing to bat first at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the hosts could only muster 194 all out off their 50 overs, with Taylor stroking 79, Stacy-Ann King getting 38 and Matthews chipping

in with 26, in her first outing following an eight-match ban for indiscipline.

In reply, the Indians made light work of the target, with openers Smriti Mandhana (74) and Jemimah Rodrigues (69) slamming up tempo half-centuries, to get their side over the line in the 43rd over.

Matthews snatched three for 27 to put a dent in an otherwise polished performance from the visitors, but West Indies found it difficult to rebound after being hurt by an opening stand of 141.

West Indies have now lost 12 of their last 17 ODIs

and have not won a series since they beat Sri Lanka in the Caribbean two years ago.

They lie seventh on 13 points in the eight-team ICC Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the 2021 ICC World Cup. Hosts New Zealand and four other top teams in the standings qualify automatically while the bottom three move into a qualifying event.

There was no ideal start for West Indies, crashing to 50 for four in the 18th over, as India seized the early initiative. Matthews gathered

an exciting 39-ball 26 with three fours and a six before being unfortunately run out in the 14th over going for a quick single with Taylor, even though replays showed wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia breaking the stumps without gathering the ball.

Taylor then anchored two key stands to keep the innings afloat, putting on 34 for the fifth wicket with lefthander Kyshona Knight (16) and another 96 for the sixth wicket with King.

Already with a half-century in the first match, Taylor notched another – her 36th

– facing 113 balls and counting five fours and two sixes.

She was eventually sixth out in the 48th over with the Windies desperate for runs, smashing a low catch back to leg-spinner Poonam Yadav (2-35).

King followed in the next over after punching two fours and a six off 45 balls, bowled off-stump by a slower ball by pacer Jhulan Goswami (2-30), as the last five wickets went down for 14 runs.

Left-hander Mandhana, in her first match since arriving in the Caribbean last weekend after recovering

from a fractured toe, then took the attack to West Indies in an innings laced with nine fours and three sixes and requiring a mere 63 balls.

She was well supported by 19-year-old Rodrigues whose innings came from 92 deliveries and included six fours.

Together they raised the hundred in the 20th over as the run rate bounced along at over five runs per over and by the time Rodrigues missed a charge at Matthews in the 26th over and was stumped in the 26th over, the match was long gone.

GMR&SC launches Clash of Champions 23 PAGE

Sponsors and GMR&SC executives at the launch of Clash of Champions on Tuesday night.

Jones appointed to Cricket Australia board FORMER women’s Test player Mel Jones has been appointed to fill the vacant director’s role on Cricket Australia’s (CA) board.

CA on Wednesday confirmed Jones’ elevation as Victoria’s nominee, which makes her the first former female player to become a state-appointed director.

The move officially ends the chapter of one of the most tumultuous periods in the board’s history.

Chairman Earl Eddings had been the previous Victorian nominee, but moved to fill one of the three independent roles earlier this year.

That came after he lost the backing of his state when he took over from David Peever as the game’s chair amid the fallout from the cultural review last year.

Mark Taylor and Bob Every are two others to have stood down in the past

New captain Pollard thrilled with clinical performance

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23 Jason Holder (right) and Sheldon Cottrell produced an incisive opening spell.

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23 Two-time World Cup winner Mel Jones becomes the first former female player to become a state-appointed director.

LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – West Indies Kieron Pollard has praised the professional performance by his side after they trounced Afghanistan by seven wickets in the opening One-Day International here Wednesday.

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Pollard, in his first series as captain after replacing Jason Holder two months ago, said he was pleased with how West Indies executed their run chase after being set 195 for victory at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium.

Roston Chase top-

scored with 94 while Shai Hope struck an unbeaten 77 – the pair adding 163 for the third wicket – as the Caribbean easily overhauled their target with 21 balls to spare.

“It’s something that has been haunting us for a very long time, losing THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2019