Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_14_2019

THURSDAY 14th November, 2019

Big pay hike No.105821

See stories on pages 2, 3, 8, 13, & 14

for public servants …as President Granger announces 9, 8.5% salary increases

…minimum wage moves to $70,000 …retroactive increases to be tax-free …overall increases at 77 per cent since the coalition took office …Sweeper-cleaners now earning $70,000 per month

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

FLASHBACK: President David Granger stands with the 2017 graduating class of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service (Adrian Narine)

Towards a highly motivated public service …President says salary increases aimed at securing good life for Guyanese

By Lisa Hamilton A WELL-PAID, highly motivated and professional Public Service in Guyana stands to benefit all Guyanese and the coalition government is determined to achieve this.

President David Granger hit home this message on Wednesday during an address to the nation. Included in his address was the announcement of an increase in the minimum wage to $70,000, bringing the overall increase to 77 per cent since the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition’s accession to office.

President Granger has long emphasised that a wellequipped public service is crucial to the economic prosperity of Guyana, as well as its institutional stability, national security and social cohesion.

At the 23rd Biennial Congress of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) this year, he underscored that a proficient Public Service is a necessity for the delivery of quality and timely services to the general public.

During the announcement on Wednesday, he noted that this is why the government will always work to ensure that payments and benefits keep abreast with positive economic changes in the country; this is with a view to ensuring that public servants maintain satisfactory standards of living.

“Public servants – including teachers, nurses, doc-

tors, members of the Defence Force, Police Force and the security services – will benefit from these permanent salary increases,” the Head of State said.

“Increases in salaries and wages have made a positive impact on the performance of public servants themselves, on their households and on the national economy as a whole.

Public servants provide public goods and services which benefit everyone and every sector of the economy. The APNU+AFC coalition is committed to creating a proficient, professional, highly motivated and well-paid Public Service.

Your government is committed to good governance and to ensuring that all Guyanese can enjoy the good life.”

The Public Service pro-

vides administrative services to the entire country, offering agricultural services; birth, business and death registrations; immigration services; port health services; postal services; legal and local government services; public education health, infrastructure, telecommunications, security and social security, among other services.

Understanding the importance of these individuals, very early into his presidency, President Granger launched a Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service. Speaking at the swearing-in of the Public Service Commission (PSC) back in 2018, President Granger emphasised a, “Public Service Commission (PSC) that is to ensure the establishment and existence

of an impartial Public Service by insulating public servants from political interference and influence.” He also stressed a public service that is free from political dictate and control, reiterating that not only should the Public Service be neutral, but that a public servant must also be appointed on merit.

This does not suggest that the public servant is not entitled to political affiliation, as Guyana is a democracy, with its constitution bestowing such a right on every citizen. But the public servant is expected to be professional in his/her day-to-day functions, serving whatever party is in government.

Giving extension to this understanding should also include the seamless transfer of government, with a ready

FLASHBACK: President David Granger and his delegation chat with President of the GTUC, Ms Coretta McDonald, who is flanked by Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott (DPI photo)

pool of professional public servants who are there to ensure continuity. As according to President Granger, “They should not be threatened by or interrupted for political reasons or upon a change of government”. This is the ideal and is accepted; however, it should not be expected, as in Guyana’s case, that those public servants who would have been found to commit all kinds of misdemeanors would be retained, as well as being made to face mandatory prosecutorial action.

The Bertram Collins School of the Public Service, a visionary initiative of President Granger and his coalition government, has already commenced this much needed and overdue re-orientation of the Guyana Public Service, with its first graduation of public service cadets who are already in place, and have begun to lead the charge for a better, efficient, and impartial public service.

In the past, President Granger visited the headquarters of various labour unions, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all workers; this, regardless of the industry in which they are working, or which union is representing them.

In June 2019, 51 public servants drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies within the public sector were honoured by the Department of the Public Service for their years of service.

BETTER SALARIES, BETTER SERVICE With increases in salaries and benefits over the years, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has asserted that better salaries must mean better service.“Irrespective of our impending new status, more money will mean nothing to us, will not result in our advancement, if we are not disciplined in our approach and outlook,” he said.

Likewise, the President has called on public servants to upgrade their training continuously if they are to remain relevant to the new economy.

He has also called on trade unions to play a greater role in the well-being of their workers.

Meanwhile, others such as Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, while he was Minister of State, also spoke to the government’s overall vision for the private sector.

“A new public service… is envisaged by our administration. One that is accessible, one that is relevant, one that is reliable, one that is resourceful, and one that is responsive to the needs of the people; that is equally effective in all regions of Guyana, be it on the coast and hinterland, and all communities rural and urban,” the former State Minister said.

As new graduates from the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service are churned out each year, President Granger has urged them to be politically neutral and to perform with integrity, intelligence and professionalism.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Big pay hike for public servants …as President announces 9, 8.5% salary increases …retroactive increases to be tax-free

…overall increase at 77 per cent since the coalition took office PRESIDENT David Granger announced on Wednesday that public servants earning between $100,000 and $1M will receive an 8.5 per cent increase; those earning less than 100,000, a nine per cent increase and those earning a minimum wage of $64,220 will receive in their December pay cheques $69,336, a sum in excess of their basic salaries.

The Head of State’s announcement came on the heels of an earlier announcement by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who stated that the minimum basic salary in the public service will climb from $64,200 to $70,000.

All of the increases will be tax-free and will be retroactive to January 1, 2019.

will be increased by nine hundred percent from $500 to $5000; uniform allowance for health sector workers will be increased from $13,000 and $22,135 to $15,000 and $30,000; and On-call allowance for doctors will also be increased.

Happy public servants The announcement was met with much appreciation from the public which has been receiving annual increases in their wages and salaries consistently since 2015. The increase in the minimum wage represents a nine per cent increase for 2019 and an overall increase of 77 per cent since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition took office. In an address to the nation on Thursday, the President said that the deci-

and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams – proposals were examined prior with a team from the Guyana Public Service Union, comprising President Patrick Yarde and Vice-president Dawn Gardener.

“The Cabinet has always been concerned about public servants’ working conditions. It has been reviewing and raising the salaries and wages of public servants continuously since 2015. It will continue to pay keen attention to ensuring that emoluments keep abreast of economic changes in society, so that public servants could maintain satisfactory standards of living,” the President stated.

“Public Servants have received annual increases in their wages and salaries consistently since 2015.

A Georgetown resident thanks Minister of Finance Winston Jordan for a salary increase back in 2018

Additionally, Cabinet recommended, also, significant increases in the following allowances for health sector workers: Station Allowances will be increased by over 260 per cent from $2,800 to $10,000; Hinterland allowances will be increased by between 100 per cent and 600 per cent from between $4000 and $12,000 to $24,000; Risk allowance

sions were made following the November 12 Cabinet meeting, during which Minister Jordan reported on the regular annual review of public servants’ allowances, salaries and wages.

Through a team of government ministers--including Minister of the Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally

Personal allowances have increased significantly, the income-tax rate has been reduced and the tax on employees’ contributions to NIS was removed, over the last four years. Special attention was given, also, to certain categories of workers such as teachers, sweeper-cleaners and engineers, among others. Increases in salaries and wages have

made a positive impact on the performance of public servants themselves, on their households and on the national economy as a whole.”

ing less than $500,000 per month received a tax-free bonus of $25,000, while those earning $99,000 or less benefitted from a 10 per cent increase; those

who earned up to $100,000 received a 7 per cent increase while public servants that acquired salaries between $100,000 and $299,999 received a 6.5 per

Among the thousands who will benefit are teachers, nurses, doctors, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), the security services and more. After taking office in 2015, the administration increased the minimum wage from $39,540 to $50,000, benefitting over 30,700 in the public sector at the time.

Public servants, who were at the time earning less than $500,000 monthly, received a one-off tax-free bonus of $50,000; those with salaries of more than $50,000 received a five per cent salary increase, while those earning $50,000 or less received an eight per cent increase. In December 2016, public servants earn-

earning between $100,000 and $299,000 received a six per cent increase; those earning between $300,000 and $799,000 and more.

Meanwhile in 2017, the minimum wage was increased to $60,000. Also, public servants earning between $55,555 and $99,999 received an increase of eight per cent; a six per cent increase to those earning $100,000 to $299,999; five per cent to those earning between $300,000 and $499,999 with smaller increases for those on a higher scale.

In 2018, while no bonus was offered, the government approved increases for all public servants ranging from 0.5 per cent to 7 per cent from $60,000 to 64,000. Public servants

cent increase along with smaller increases for those on a higher scale.

On the other hand, it took the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration nine years to move the minimum wage from $26,070 in 2006 to $39,570 in 2015.

The Head of State said on Thursday: “Public servants provide public goods and services which benefit everyone and every sector of the economy. The APNU+AFC Coalition is committed to creating a proficient, professional, highly-motivated and well-paid Public Service. Your government is committed to good governance and to ensuring that all Guyanese can enjoy the good life.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Trump ‘cared more about Biden probe than UK’

A top US diplomat has told impeachment hearings President Trump d i re c t l y a s k e d a b o u t Ukrainian investigations into his Democrat rival Joe Biden.

In previously unheard testimony, Bill Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine, said a member of his staff was told Mr Trump was preoccupied with pushing for a probe into Mr Biden.

He was speaking at the first public hearings in the impeachment inquiry.

Republicans branded the Democrat-led hearings a televised “spectacle”.

Mr Trump is accused of withholding US military aid to Ukraine in order to pressure the country’s new president to publicly announce a corruption inquiry into Mr Biden, among the favourites to take him on in the 2020 presidential race.

Mr Trump denies any

wrongdoing and describes the impeachment inquiry as “another witch hunt”.

During a detailed opening statement which largely set out information already in the public domain, Mr Taylor said a member of his staff had overheard a telephone call in which the president inquired about “the investigations” into Mr Biden.

The call was with Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the European Union, who reportedly told the president over the phone that “the Ukrainians were ready to move forward”.

When asked about Mr Sondland earlier this month, the president said: “I hardly know the gentleman.”

Wednesday’s hearing began with testimony from George Kent, a top US diplomat charged with overseeing European affairs.

He told the committee that President Trump’s private

lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, ran a “campaign to smear” the US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, before she was recalled from her post.

Bill Taylor, 72, is a decorated Vietnam War veteran (BBC News)

Much of Mr Taylor’s testimony repeated evidence he gave to private Congressional impeachment hearings, but he added new detail to the accounts in the public domain.

The career diplomat,

who has served under Republican and Democratic presidents, reiterated his understanding that the Trump administration threatened to withhold military aid from Ukraine unless the Ukrainian president agreed to publicly announce an investigation into Mr Biden.

He testified that he told Mr Sondland and Kurt Volker, previously the US special envoy to Ukraine, that it would be “crazy” to withhold security assistance for the sake of domestic politics.

He also gave additional detailed information about a meeting between a member of his staff and Mr Sondland, which he said he learned about last week.

He said an aide, who he did not name, was present at a meeting between Mr Sondland and a top Ukrainian official on 26 July. Following the meeting, the staff member heard

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

a phone call between Mr Sondland and Mr Trump, where Mr Trump asked about “the investigations”.

After the call, the staff member “asked ambassador Sondland what President Trump thought about Ukraine”, Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor said: “Ambassador Sondland responded that President Trump cares more about the investigations of Biden.”

The hearing was opened

by Adam Schiff, the Democratic Chairman of the Intelligence Committee overseeing the impeachment inquiry. He said the purpose of the inquiry was to establish whether Mr Trump “abused his power and invited foreign interference in our elections”, adding: “If this is not impeachable conduct, what is?”

The senior Republican on the Intelligence Committee, Devine Nunes, who is a staunch ally of the president, denounced the inquiry as “a televised theatrical performance staged by the Democrats”.

The US House of Representatives is trying to establish whether Mr Trump abused the power of his office for personal gain.

In a phone call in July, the Republican president asked his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate Democratic White House contender Joe Biden. His son,

Hunter Biden, worked for a Ukrainian gas firm while his father was US vice-president.

The US congressional inquiry has already heard that Mr Trump dangled nearly $400m (£327m) in military aid and a White House invitation in order to prod Ukraine’s leader to announce a corruption inquiry that might have caused political embarrassment to Mr Biden.

It is illegal to ask foreign entities for help in winning a US election.

Mr Trump has denied the allegations and branded the impeachment hearings a “phony showtrial”.

Impeachment is the first part - the charges - of a twostage political process by which Congress can remove a president from office. If, following the hearings, the House of Representatives votes to pass articles of impeachment, the Senate is forced to hold a trial.

A Senate vote requires a two-thirds majority to convict and remove the president - unlikely in this case, given that Mr Trump’s party controls the chamber.

Only two US presidents in history - Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson - have been impeached, but neither was convicted.

President Richard Nixon resigned before he could be impeached. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Bolivian senator assumes interim presidency Bolivian opposition senator Jeanine Áñez has assumed the interim presidency of the South American country following Evo Morales’s resignation.

Ms Áñez said she was next in line under the constitution and vowed to hold elections soon.

Her appointment was endorsed by Bolivia’s Constitutional Court.

Lawmakers from Mr Morales’s party boycotted the session, and the former president branded Ms Áñez “a coup-mongering right-wing senator”.

Mr Morales has sought asylum in Mexico, arguing that his life was in danger.

He resigned on Sunday after weeks of protests over a disputed presidential election result. He said he was forced to stand down but had done so willingly “so there would be no more bloodshed”.

At Wednesday’s news conference in Mexico City, Mr Morales said: “If the people ask me, we are ready to return to pacify [Bolivia].”

He also called for a “national dialogue” to resolve the

crisis and rejected the legitimacy of the interim president, AFP news agency reports.

Ms Áñez, 52, is a qualified lawyer and a fierce critic of Mr

As the deputy Senate leader, Ms Áñez took temporary control of the body on Tuesday after Bolivia’s vice-president and the leaders of the senate

cotted by lawmakers from Mr Morales’s leftist Movement for Socialism party, who said it was illegitimate.

“Before the definitive ab-

Jeanine Áñez proclaimed herself interim president with the backing of the Constitutional Court (BBC News)

Morales. She was previously director of the Totalvision TV station, and has been a senator since 2010, representing the region of Beni in the National Assembly.

and lower house resigned.

That put her next in line for the presidency under the constitution.

The parliamentary session to appoint Ms Áñez was boy-

sence of the president and vice president... as the president of the Chamber of Senators, I immediately assume the presidency as foreseen in the constitutional order,” Ms Áñez

said to applause from opposition lawmakers.

Bolivia’s highest constitutional court backed her assumption of power.

Writing on Twitter from Mexico, Mr Morales condemned the “sneakiest, most nefarious coup in history” and lawmakers from his party, who hold a majority in Bolivia’s legislative assembly, have threatened to nullify her appointment.

Mr Morales, a former coca farmer, was first elected in 2005 and took office in 2006, the country’s first leader from the indigenous community.

He won plaudits for fighting poverty and improving Bolivia’s economy but drew controversy by defying constitutional limits to run for a fourth term in October’s election.

Pressure had been growing on him since contested election results suggested he had won outright in the first round.

The result was called into question by the Organization of American States, a regional body, which had found “clear manipulation” and called for the result to be annulled.

In response, Mr Morales agreed to hold fresh elections.

But his main rival, Carlos Mesa - who came second in the vote - said Mr Morales should not stand in any new vote.

The chief of the armed forces, Gen Williams Kaliman, then urged Mr Morales to step down in the interests of peace and stability.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Morales said he had taken the decision in order to stop fellow socialist leaders from being “harassed, persecuted and threatened”.

He fled to Mexico after three weeks of protests in which seven people were killed, according to the latest official figures.

After arriving in Mexico City on Tuesday, he thanked Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, whom he credited with saving his life.

“While I have life I’ll stay in politics, the fight continues. All the people of the world have the right to free themselves from discrimination and humiliation,” he said. (BBC)

Clashes in Chile amid national strike

Mass protests and a nationwide strike have brought parts of Chile to a standstill as discontent over inequality in the country continues.

The unrest began almost a month ago, originally triggered by a now-suspended rise in the price of metro fares in the capital Santiago. But protests quickly spread across the country, reflecting wider anger against the government.

The strike on Tuesday was supported by unions in various industries. It drew widespread participation across the country, while large demonstrations were held in several cities.

The action came as the value of the national currency hit a record low.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Santiago to protest against the government of President Sebastián Piñera. People waved the flags of Chile and the Mapuche indigenous group during the demonstration.

Here, a group of protesters stand underneath graffiti saying “inequality” as they demand greater social reforms.

Chile is one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries but also one of its most unequal - it has the worst lev-

els of income equality among the 36 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Marches also took places in other parts of the country on Tuesday, including the city of Concepción. While many marched peacefully, clashes once again broke out in the capital between groups of protesters and police. Protesters were seen throwing rocks at security forces, while riot police used water cannons and tear gas in an effort to disperse them. The clashes continued as night fell, with some pro-

People waved the flags of Chile and the Mapuche indigenous group during the demonstration

testers setting up burning barricades. Similar unrest broke out in other cities, including Concepción, where a government building was reportedly evacuated after a fire broke

out. The coastal city of Valparaíso ground to a halt amid the strike, with mass protests there also turning violent. Mr Piñera made an address to the nation amid the protests.

Previous efforts by the president to quell the unrest - including increasing the minimum wage and basic pension - have not appeased the demonstrators. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Jobs, development, and capital towns

P

RESIDENT David Granger, even before he was elected to the presidency in 2015, has repeatedly emphasised that the purpose of government is to provide a good life for all citizens. Since being elected, that message has not changed, if anything, the president has been even more emphatic in iterating the vision that his government’s ultimate objective is to provide a good life for all Guyanese regardless of where they may live. That seemingly simple objective would, obviously, require radical changes, major adjustments, and the introduction of innovative and transformative policies in virtually every sector and facet of society.

After all, the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime had scant regard for the welfare of ordinary Guyanese, Instead, that party’s officials, while the PPP held office, were busy building mansions, establishing fat bank accounts, and, otherwise, treating Guyana as though it were their own personal property to sell or give away to their cronies as they saw fit. Of course, that was simply untenable and unacceptable.

After the APNU+AFC Coalition was elected into office under the leadership of President David Granger, the necessary changes, adjustments, and policy transformations were immediately introduced. One of the most radically visionary policy changes was the introduction of the idea of the establishment of a capital town in each of Guyana’s ten regions.

Upon closer examination and analysis of that policy, one can clearly see how that transformative idea would benefit Guyanese directly, tangibly, and significantly.

President David Granger unveiled the idea on the occasion of his Address to the Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Georgetown, on March 24, 2016. During his speech, the president noted that, “Guyana will develop only if regions are strong. Our regions must no longer be viewed as mere administrative appendages of the central government. Our regions must become motors of economic growth. The potential of our regions is indisputable.” President Granger pointed out that “Guyana’s regions are rich. None is desert.

None is tundra. None is swamp. Every region is blessed with natural and human resources which can be exploited for the benefit of its people. Local government elections, therefore, laid the foundation for a new partnership between central government and local government with the aim of building stronger regions.”

Based on that indisputable rationale, His Excellency announced that, “A capital town will be established in every region. Bartica will be the ‘capital town’ of Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

Lethem will be the ‘capital town’ of the Rupununi. Mabaruma will be the ‘capital town’ of Barima-Waini. Mahdia will become the ‘capital town’ of Potaro-Siparuni. More suitable sites will be identified to transform the compounds into ‘capital towns’ in the coastal Demerara-Mahaica, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara and Mahaica-Berbice regions. ‘Capital towns’ will spearhead the development of the regions.” Since that announcement, the four capital towns that the president mentioned were established. The President explained that the capital towns are intended to

be the engines of economic growth. This is a most welcome development since economic growth translates directly to more, better-paying jobs for residents.

Further, President Granger has articulated his greater vision that the capital towns will be hubs where all major government services will be offered. No longer will residents of Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni or Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo have to spend thousands of dollars in order to travel to Georgetown to obtain a passport, birth-certificate, or firearm-licence; Those services will be available right there in the various regions.

Evidently, the great idea of establishing capital towns would benefit citizens immeasurably. Jobs would be created, tourists would visit, and the savings that result from not having to leave the region to obtain government services would put money directly into the pockets of residents. The ultimate result would be a better quality of life.

As Guyanese know, the regions in which capital towns have already been established are growing economically, socially, and culturally at unprecedented rates. And, we can expect that the same thing will happen in the other regions as they get their own capital towns. Indeed, Guyanese can finally expect to have a bright future, good jobs, more money, and a good life – but only if we stay the course. We must not allow anyone to derail our development; we must not permit anybody to take away our jobs and our money. Guyanese now have an honest, trustworthy, visionary president. We should do everything in our power to keep him in office.

Government should regulate, distribute marijuana through dispensaries A Dear Editor,

NY government has the right to criminalise or even regulate the use of cannabis. This recent proposal to Cabinet, which will allow the removal of custodial jail sentences for the possession of up to 30 grammes of cannabis (as part of its move to reduce prison populations) should raise concerns for the future marijuana laws of Guyana to be in accordance with international standards.

If Guyana were to adopt laws similar to that of the United States of America and Jamaica, this new marijuana proposal would also spark questions on local imports and exports of legal quantities of the drug. Were Guyana to act in accordance with this international standard, the country would definitely see the establishment of cannabis licensing authorities and regulating bodies, i.e, if the Government of Guyana does not decide to regulate cannabis on its own, which would be something great, because somewhere in this local plea bargain is a farmer reaping and distributing cannabis in large quantities (Guyana has one of the best climates and high-fertility soils for growing marijuana), and this should not be allowed through the new law, except, of

course, with a licence. With this having been said, the majority of cannabis in Guyana is locally farmed, and it is these farmers who would be the main cause of the local marijuana possession; and if nothing will be done about them, marijuana quantities will be on a greater scale in Guyana than ever before.

So, henceforth, I would like to propose that the Government of Guyana regulate and distribute marijuana through dispensaries, outlets etc., so that people can have a safe way to fund what is mainly nowadays a recreational habit, or if not, a medical or medicinal support or requirement, and thereby prevent the local need of mixing with the criminalised local marijuana sources and going to the “blocks” or “farms”’ for marijuana. If not the government, it would be great to have licensed cafes and marijuana shops as is seen internationally, with “experienced” people who actually know about what they have and not just anybody with an interest in selling or money; and as straight to point as can be, the person should have experience and knowledge of marijuana through its ingestion.

Now one of my major concerns with this proposal is that no real discussion or public forum has been launched to highlight the outcome of such a law, as Guyana would have to look at

international marijuana laws as guidelines, e.g The United States of America and Jamaica. There is a lot of international research and data which promotes it as a medicinal herb with a variety of positive benefits, which can be ingested in many ways, and it is used by people of all races and cultures. So if Guyana’s laws were to allow half of what Jamaica is allowing, without decriminalisation, local steps must be taken to authorise marijuana sales and even regulate its use.

I think Guyana should follow in the steps of the United States of America, and work towards marijuana laws that are similar to theirs (Jamaica would have followed this) and create grounds for the legal and recreationally used ‘’medicinal marijuana,’’ which is authorised and regulated by the government. International laws have also created ways that allow recreational purchases of marijuana in legal quantities, as not everyone who uses the herb is medically in need of it and therefore would not be able to acquire a medical certificate to purchase it.

Yours sincerely, Michael Khan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Teixeira’s mixture of political deception and fallacy Dear Editor, MP Gail Teixeira’s letter published in Stabroek News, Sunday, November 10, 2019, captioned: “Betrayal of Walter Rodney falls at the feet of his trusted comrades”, is a mixture of political deception and fallacy. Her missive was in response to WPA’s statement in support of Mrs Pat Rodney’s call for the Guyana government to formally published the COI report on Walter Rodney assassination.

On careful reflection, Ms Teixeira ‘s letter seems to have been written in anticipation of the WPA’s non-response to Mrs Rodney call. She could not conceal her disappointment that her expectation did not materialise.

In reading Teixeira’ s letter it was clear that it was in no way driven by any sincere concern for Rodney, but a desperate endeavour to put forward an erroneous defence for the PPP/C and Dr Cheddi Jagan’s inaction to establish a COI into the assassination of Rodney soon after coming to office in 1992. And this refusal was in spite of Jagan’s commitment to Shaka Rodney as a condition for him to end his protest fast calling on the new government to set up a commission of inquiry into his father’s assassination.

Her reference to the following observation in WPA statement confirms my judgement: “It is an undeniable fact that Rodney has been victimised both in life and death by the action and inactions of successive Guyanese governments.”

In her futile attempt to absorb the PPPC and Dr Jagan from their traitorous actions in this matter, she attempts to invoke parlia-

mentary gymnastics as a smokescreen to deceive readers.

In dismantling Teixeira’s “smokescreen “, my contention is that if Dr Jagan on ascending to the presidency had moved to use his “presidential authority” to establish a COl, matters cited correctly or incorrectly by Teixeira would have been non issues. To the extent that they have relevance, this has to be seen in the context of the PPP/C and Dr Jagan’s lack of interest over the years in having an inquiry. Probably influenced by their desire to honour the agreement struck with former US President Jimmy Carter in 1992; that is, that no action should be taken against the PNC/R for wrongdoings.

As subsequent events over a period of two decades have demonstrated, the PPP/C’s intention was not to bring closure to the Rodney assassination but instead to use it as a whip to beat the WPA and the PNCR, in essence, to divide and rule. Much of what was cited in Teixeira’s missive, chronicling events over the years, at times incorrectly is a continuation of the PPP/C tactics which the WPA has successfully neutralised over the years depriving the PPP/C of achieving its objectives. This has proven to be beneficial to the nation.

Having established the premise for this polemic I now address some specific issues raised by Teixeira. I begin with her testimony on Jagan/ Rodney relations and activism, “….For Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPPC leaders who had the greatest respect for Dr Walter Rodney both at the many meetings between the two parties and two

leaders as well as on public platforms where both Dr Jagan and Dr Rodney spoke. The image of Cheddi Jagan and Dr Walter Rodney leading thousands of Guyanese, Indians and Blacks (MP Gail Teixeira, please note, we were Africans then and now) and other races, from Buxton to Kitty to the beat of the sounds of the Tassa and African drums, demanding free and fair elections and return to democracy, drove terror into the heart of the Burnham regime. This was the first mass popular demonstration of ethnic and political unity since the early 50s.”

I ask readers to form their own judgement to the above in the context of Dr Jagan’s subsequent remarks at public meetings, after the assassination of Walter Rodney where he triumphantly and callously told the audience that “Rodney promised the Guyanese people a Christmas present – instead, he gives them his head”. This is irrefutable evidence of the PPPC victimising Rodney in death while the party was in opposition. Not a long cry from doing the same when in government.

Where is the revolutionary and comradely solidarity that Gail speaks about? I have never seen or heard of any self-criticism by Dr Jagan or the PPP/C Leadership on this insensitive abuse of Rodney and his family. “Comrade Teixeira” I and the nation awaits your response on this matter.

I now point readers to another self-serving pronouncement by Teixeira: “By the 2011 election, the APNU was formed including the WPA; this time it was forced to make a concession that the party had been stockpiling arms just

prior to Rodney‘s death.

This was a most shameless betrayal, and all for one seat within the APNU.” Here again, Teixeira is being her “old PPP self” – the tiger can’t change her stripes. She claims that the WPA was forced to make a concession, that the party was stockpiling arms.

These are her words, not the WPA or I who gave evidence at the COl that the party had acquired some small arms for self-defence. The truth of the matter is that the WPA did not as a collective participate in the COl but individual leaders and members did so. For Gail to conclude that my admission that the WPA had weapons was the result of the PNCR’s demand for the party to do so as a condition for being in the APNU is political insanity of the highest order.

I repeat for the benefit of readers what I said in my opening remarks in the witness box in the Rodney COl. I pointed out that this was the first occasion that the WPA Executive has failed to agree on how to deal with a matter relating to the Walter Rodney assassination. I also said that the Executive agreed that members who wanted to take part in the inquiry should do so. The only stipulation was that they tell the truth. It was the consensus that we were more likely to achieve our goal of getting justice for Walter if we were truthful and in doing so avoid contradictions. And in the end, our approach won the day.

So, Gail, your preposterous idea that WPA was forced to make concessions is a fallacy of your mind.

Ms Teixeira also stated: “… the Working Peoples Alliance leadership, whilst affirming its ‘Rodneyite’ credentials had cultivated

a back – to – back relationship off collaborating with the PNC bureaucracy”.

The public record will show that WPA had stated in the early 1990s before the breakup of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) that if the PNC agreed to free and fear election and accept the results of those elections we will see their action as a profound development and welcome them to the democratic fold. It is important to note that at the time neither Dr Jagan nor anyone in the PPP leadership spoke out against the party’s position. And for the obvious reason, they saw it as been beneficial to the PPP winning the elections.

The final point that is worthy of response is Teixeira’s contention why the PCD failed to reach agreement on an electoral alliance to contest the 1992 elections. She states in her letter: “…The WPA’s reluctance to support Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP as a presidential candidate because of his ideology and race.” In those negotiations, the WPA never made Jagan’s ideology an issue for the obvious reason that we were Marxist. It was the DLM that was strong on what they called the ideological problematic. And on the question of Jagan’s race, we never made it an issue. Our point was that over the years Jagan had developed an antagonistic political relationship with the African community to the point of that community fearing his politics. And we also had to bear in mind an African dominated military. Pertinent to this aspect of the debate is the fact that the WPA had changed its opposition to Dr Jagan’s presidency, so the claim that is was the WPA objection to Jagan’s candidacy

that was the problem is far from the truth. It was the failure of the parties to agree on a formula for representation in the parliament and government.

And this failure rests with the PPP’s callous treatment to the smaller parties. On every occasion, after the talks resumed the PPP reduced the allocations to the other parties. In short, their attitude was the longer you take to agree the less you get. After the WPA walked away the DLM and others continued the negotiations in a futile attempt to get the PPP to be reasonable.

Some years ago in a polemic with either a PPP/C or an Indian rights activist on why the PCD did not reach an agreement I pointed to Jagan’s visit to Washington and his meeting with State Department officials who informed him of the new US policy of no opposition to him and his party. Armed with this assurance Jagan had no need for the PCD. I also point out that while the PCD negotiations were taking place Jagan was having secret talks with the recently formed Guard civic movement of which Samuel Hinds was a member.

I end this polemic by reiterating the call I made in the above-mentioned letter for Gail Teixeira who was the PCD secretary and the custodian of the organisation records to make public the minutes of the PCD negotiations. I had also posed the question to Gail and the PPP leadership, was Jagan’s rapprochement with the US, his historic enemy, a betrayal? The nation deserves to have your answers to these matters.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

A more proficient Public Service (Address to the Nation by His Excellency, President David Granger) Guyanese,

A proficient Public Service is essential for Guyana’s economic prosperity, institutional stability, national security and social cohesion.

I addressed the 23rd Biennial Congress of the Guyana Public Service Union on 25th September, pointing out that a proficient Public Service was a necessity for the delivery of quality and timely services to the general public and for ensuring a better quality of life for everyone.

The Cabinet has always been concerned about public servants’ working conditions.

It has been reviewing and raising the salaries and wages of public servants continuously since 2015. It will continue to pay keen attention to en-

suring that emoluments keep abreast of economic changes in society so that public servants could maintain satisfactory standards of living.

I was happy that Cabinet, at its statutory meeting on Tuesday 12th November, received a report from the Minister of Finance on the regular annual review of public servants’ allowances, salaries and wages. Cabinet, as a result, authorised a team of government ministers – including Minister of the Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams – to meet a team from the Guyana Public Service Union, comprising President Patrick Yarde and Vice-president Dawn Gardener to examine

certain proposals.

I am pleased, therefore, to make the following announcements of increases, all of which will be tax-free and will be retroactive to 1st January 2019: Public servants’ minimum wage will be increased to $70,000 from $64,220 per month. This represents a nine percent increase for 2019 and an overall increase of seventy-seven per cent since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government entered office in 2015 when the minimum wage stood at $39,540; sweeper-cleaners in the Public Education System will now receive the new minimum wage of $70,000.

Public servants earning between one hundred thousand dollars and under one

million dollars will receive an 8.5 per cent increase; Public servants earning less than one hundred thousand dollars will also receive a 9 per cent increase in their salaries; and Public servants earning a minimum wage of $64,220 will receive, in their December pay cheque $69,336, a sum in excess of their base salaries.

Public servants – including teachers, nurses, doctors, members of the Defence Force, Police Force and the security services – will benefit from these permanent salary increases.

Cabinet recommended, also, significant increases in the following allowances for health sector workers: Station Allowances will be increased by over 260 per cent from $2,800 to $10,000;

Hinterland allowances will be increased by between 100 per cent and 600 per cent from between $4000 and $12,000 to $24,000; Risk allowance will be increased by nine hundred percent from $500 to $5000; uniform allowance for health sector workers will be increased from $13,000 and $22,135 to $15,000 and $30,000; and On-call allowance for doctors will be increased, also.

Public Servants have received annual increases in their wages and salaries consistently since 2015. Personal allowances have increased significantly, the income-tax rate has been reduced and the tax on employee’s contribution to NIS was removed, over the last four years. Special attention was given,

President David Granger

also, to certain categories of workers such as teachers, sweeper-cleaners and engineers, among others.

Increases in salaries and wages have made a positive impact on the performance of public servants themselves, on their households and on the national economy as a whole.

Public servants provide public goods and services which benefit everyone and every sector of the economy. The APNU+AFC Coalition is committed to creating a proficient, professional, highly-motivated and well-paid Public Service. Your government is committed to good governance and to ensuring that all Guyanese can enjoy the good life.

Dengue in the Americas LHC CEO contract Jury delivers manslaughter reaches highest number verdict in ‘wedding not renewed of cases ever-PAHO house’ murder Dengue in the Americas has reached the highest number of cases ever recorded, with more than 2.7 million cases and 1,206 deaths so far this year, according to a new epidemiological update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The largest previous dengue epidemic was in 2015, but the number of cases registered until October this year is 13 percent higher. Despite the increase in number of cases, the fatality rate, or proportion of deaths in dengue cases, was 26 percent less in 2019.

The four dengue virus serotypes are present in the Americas and co-circulation of all four was reported in Brazil, Guatemala, and Mexico in 2019. Simultaneous circulation of two or more types increases the occurrence of severe cases of dengue. Brazil, given its large population, had the highest numbers in this update, with 2,070,170 cases reported. Mexico had 213,822 cases, Nicaragua reported 157,573 cases, Colombia had 106,066 and Honduras 96,379 cases.

But the countries with the highest incidence rates, which link case numbers to population, were Belize with 1,021 cases per 100,000 population; El Salvador with 375 cases per 100,000 population; Honduras with 995.5 cases per 100,000 population, and Nicaragua, which had 2,271 cases per 100,000 population. The fifth country with highest incidence rate in the Americas is Brazil, with 711.2 cases per 100,000 population.

Given the increase in cases of dengue in several countries in the Americas, PAHO is recommending that countries strengthen their disease surveillance as well as their surveillance and control of mosquito vectors of dengue, involving communities in prevention and control activities.

PAHO is also providing detailed advice on how to manage and treat cases of dengue, noting that “Early recognition of warning signs at different stages of the disease is critical in order to provide necessary health care and prevent progression to severe disease.”

PAHO also notes, “Risk communication and information to the public is essential during outbreaks to reduce adverse impact, decrease domestic breeding sites, and for affected persons to seek timely medical assistance, and therefore prevent severe cases and deaths from dengue. Communication messages should focus on the identification of warning signs and obtaining timely medical assistance. In addition, communication campaigns should raise public awareness on the importance of vector control interventions at home, identification of febrile cases, and special measures for vector control”.

A 12-member mixed jury, on Wednesday, at the High Court, found a man guilty for the killing of Aliston Henry, who was beaten to death at a ‘wedding house’ in 2017, at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Rajen Dindial, a former resident of Section ‘C’ Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD, was charged for the capital offence of murder, but was found not guilty by the jury. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter.

Dr. Mohammed Riyasat

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), Dr. Mohammed Riyasat, is presently on administrative leave and at the conclusion of same, he will not be returning to serve in the capacity. This was relayed to him via email, he told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, as a response to an application he submitted to return as CEO. “I had applied to go back, my application was denied basically he said....I was told I attained the age of 60 and my contract would not be renewed,” Riyasat said.

Riyasat said that one of the main reasons he wanted to return, was to see the completion of some projects that were started under his tenure. Many of these were already budgeted for and Riyasat said he spent all monies in a clear, accountable and transparent manner.

In 2016, over 100 staff members including nurses, doctors and administrative staff had signed a petition, calling for the renewal of Riyasat’s contract, since another doctor was being prepped for the post. The petition was backed by former board member and Industrial Relations Officer of the Guyana Public Service Union, Maurice Butters, who dubbed Riyasat as the only senior and experienced doctor at the time, who would have effectively dealt with issues facing the hospital. Dr. Riyasat is one of the veteran doctors in Linden. He served at the hospital from July 1991.

Rajen Dindial

His attorney, Nigel Hughes, requested that a probation report be prepared for his client before sentencing. The state is being represented by State Prosecutor Sarah Martin. Trial Judge Jo-Ann Barlow deferred sentencing until November 28, 2019.

According to reports, on September 3, 2017, at Sarran Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, while at the wedding house celebration, Henry had a misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable toilet which was nearby.

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

The injured Henry was then taken home by public-spirited citizens and, subsequently, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries several days later.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, ThursdAY NOvember 14, 2019

9

Police to review EBD traffic management today

A TEAM of senior police officers is to be present along the East Bank Demerara carriageway today where they would be reviewing a decision by the force to cease operating a third lane which has, over the years, helped to ease the early morning rush-hour traffic heading to Georgetown from south of the Demerara Harbour Bridge and West Demerara.

This was communicated

to this publication by Traffic Chief Linden Isles on Wednesday morning when contacted. On Tuesday, the first official working day of this week after a prolonged holiday weekend, motorists and commuters were greeted with the long lines of traffic which were backed up for hours, causing many persons to be late for work and other engagements.

There was no notice issued by the Guyana Police

v

Force informing the public about this move. The posture which previously existed allowed the traffic heading north of the East Bank carriageway to use the western lane as well as the western half of the eastern lane to head to Georgetown.

The traffic heading to West Demerara was also held up as the police allowed the traffic coming from West Demerara to use the entire

Demerara Harbour Bridge as a two lane passage, to allow the thousands of persons heading from that region to the East Bank Demerara and Georgetown to get over the bridge.

All of that was abruptly ended without any consultation or notice to the commuters, thus throwing the entire carriageway along the West Bank in chaos. On Wednesday, the traffic Chief would

not say whose decision it was to abandon the three-way traffic to Georgetown during the morning rush hour. He did, however, admit that its abandonment has seen some problems and as a consequence, the decision would be reviewed on the ground, today.

“Tomorrow (today), we are going to review this thing, the third lane, we are not using the third lane

presently, but we are going to review it tomorrow” Traffic Chief Isles noted.

In the meantime, while the traffic is backed up for miles on the East Bank and West Coast and West Bank of Demerara, the traffic heading south (towards Timehri) continues to enjoy a free flow as the volume is not as significant as what exists on the other side of the carriageway.

Backed up traffic on the East Bank Demerara

Police are to review the traffic management situation on the East Bank of Demerara today

IDB urges Caribbean to accelerate export diversification

GCCI applies for observer status for elections

Against the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, Latin America and the Caribbean should increase non-traditional exports, particularly services with high-added value, according to a new report from the Inter-American Development Bank .

The annual study Trade and Integration Monitor , which analyzes trade flow trends in the region, reports that the value of exports from Latin America and the Caribbean fell 1.3 percent in the first half of 2019, compared with the same period in 2018, confirming the end of the expansion phase of just over two years.

The value of exports of goods from the region had grown on average 8.8 percent in 2018, according to the report. “The synchronized slowdown of advanced and emerging economies and the contraction of the terms of trade in the region indicate that Latin America needs an insurance policy to protect itself from external risks,” said Paolo Giordano, principal economist at the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector, who coordinated the report.

“It will not be possible to reactivate trade expansion without putting the challenges of competitiveness in international markets at the center of the development agendas of the countries of the region,” he added. The change in trend was mainly

driven by the drop in prices and a slowdown of export volumes, in a context of widespread weakness in commodity markets.

Only the Pacific Alliance, made up of Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, registered a slight increase in external sales, mainly driven by extraregional exports from Mexico. In the rest of the integration blocks, the contraction of total exports was the result of both the fall in intraregional shipments and sales to the rest of the world.

In MERCOSUR, the decline in sales among its members – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay – contributed decisively to the contraction of total exports.

The 8.4 percent fall of intraregional shipments in the first half of 2019 impacted the weak trade performance of the region in that period, consolidating a medium-term trend marked by the reduction in the intensity of intraregional trade. This contrasts with exchanges within the region in 2018, which increased 6.9 percent.

Under-diversified export profile Despite some notable progress in exports of services, the region still shows a profile characterized by a lack of diversification and some competitiveness failures. In the first half of 2019, exports of services registered a slight growth of 0.4 percent, compared with 2.4

percent for that same period in 2018.

In 2018, the contribution of exports of services from the region to total shipments (13.7 percent) was below the world average (23.2 percent) and was concentrated in traditional sectors, such as travel and transportation. However, knowledge-intensive services exports are rapidly gaining ground, especially in business and information technology services.

A medium-term analysis of the competitive profile of exports of services in the region reveals that, between 2012 and 2017, only 5 percent of the value of external sales came from strategic segments, such as information technologies, where the region was able to gain market share and global demand grew more than the average.

Reforms and investment to boost the development of strategic sectors, as well as better data to measure cross-border transactions, are essential for the region in order to improve its positioning and performance in global services markets, particularly in a scenario of stagnation of trade in goods such as the current one. Looking ahead, and given the global context of economic slowdown, the report also highlights the importance of advancing in deepening regional integration.

-requests meeting with elections commission THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made an official request to be an observer for the upcoming March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

GCCI had sent an official request to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), said President of the GCCI, Nicholas Boyer during a press briefing, on Wednesday.

“The GCCI has requested a meeting with the commission and has requested to be an observer for the elections,” said Boyer, adding that the elections commission has since confirmed that it received the request, but the chamber has not been able to meet with GECOM as yet.

Although the chamber is yet to meet with the commission, Boyer encouraged GECOM to solicit technical assistance in order to improve its Information Technology (IT) department.

“International partners have reached out to offer assistance, but GECOM has to now reach out and access that assistance in the IT field,” said the GCCI President.

Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh had recently announced that, in

President of the GCCI, Nicholas Boyer

preparation for elections, the commission is working along with the international community for assistance, while local observers will be accredited soon.

“We’re expecting many overseas observers to come in and they will be accredited by the Executive, that’s not GECOM’s function.

GECOM’s function is only to accredit the local observers and we’re just waiting after the President would have accredited the overseas [observers]…” she said.

One of these international observers is set to be the Carter Center through former United States (US) President, Jimmy Carter, who led the first mission to Guyana with the aim of encouraging sustainable development and development

of democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, the commission will also receive two Senior Electoral Advisers from the Commonwealth Secretariat this month, while another individual from Canada is also on board. One of these was a Former Chair of the Guyana electoral body, while another was the former Chief Elections Officer in India and another from Ghana.

“There was much ado where persons were saying that GECOM doesn’t want observers. That is not true.

GECOM welcomes all elections observers,” said Singh.

“These persons will be on board as from sometime this month…they will be here acting as advisers and overseeing what we’re doing in GECOM. They’ll be here before, during and after the elections.”

She assured the public that the commission is not “shutting the door on anybody” and is appreciative of all the help it can receive to ensure credible elections are held. Also addressing the topic, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, stated that the accreditation for local observers is a process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Guyana on cusp of greatness ...Jordan tells graduates of BNTF/Merundoi youth empowerment programme

THE Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), in collaboration with Merundoi Incorporated, hosted the graduation ceremony for its Audio-Visual Skills for Youth Empowerment Programme, on Wednesday. The six-week programme saw 31 graduates receiving national vocational certification.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, encouraged the graduates to use their new skills and qualifications for the betterment of their own country, to give back to the country

that gave them the opportunity to develop and qualify themselves.

“Guyana is on the cusp of greatness; we need you and your new found skill.

It is tempting to migrate but at that time when that temptation is there it is slowly but surely being removed; don’t jump, the country to be is Guyana, everyone is rushing back here; you need to claim your piece of the pie,” Said Jordan.

Further, he reminded the graduates of the importance of persons in the

audio and visual information sector, reminding them that they would play a pivotal role in distributing necessary information to persons all across the world.

Project Manager of the BNTF, Dikedemma Utoh, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to youth development through its various programmes. He related that the government has allotted some $12M for the programme.

“This Audio Visual Skill for Youth Empow-

erment is our second collaboration with Merundoi incorporated under the BNTF. We implemented the training to help realise innovative ventures and entrepreneurship.

The original aim of this project was to provide broadcast-media training to about 30 youths within the Charlestown/ Albouystown area. However, at BNTF we do not discriminate in terms of our target area for any person; as a result, 72 persons were interviewed and 40 of them were able

to secure a position within the programme.”

Best graduating student of the programme, Omallia Thorington, related her experience with the programme saying, “It was fun, I do have a 9-5 job so it was hard coming in every afternoon, Monday to Friday, but I had to make the necessary sacrifices.

“We learnt the basics of a camera, of a microphone, the basics of a speaker, amplifier, mixing board and all of those things; we learnt how to

white balance a camera, like basically how to set up our set, we learnt camera placement and how to tell a story with the camera; the dos and don’ts when it comes to videography and the same with audio.

“I would advise anybody to look out for programmes like these, they are very beneficial; even if that isn’t the field you want to be in, it’s still good to have the training and the certification; it would be an additional revenue for you to earn.”

What a tangled web of deceit Mr. Ramkarran has weaved R Dear Editor,

alph Ramkarran, S.C. has replied to my letter captioned “Ramkarran’s misleading criticisms of Gecom exposed” published in Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, November 7, 2019 (see “would Maxwell E. Edwards accept that Justice Claudette Singh could have erred” Sunday Chronicle, November 10, 2019). Senior Counsel, here is my emphatic, unequivocal, dismissive response – NO. First of all, to be sure and clear: my point is not that article 159 (2) ( C ) is not in the 1980 Constitution. That could not be, and was not, my point. Of course article 159 (2) ( C ) is NOW in the Constitution in the Nandlall Edition (2012) print of the Laws of Guyana. My point, or argument, which is not, but which you have made disputatious, is that article 159 (2) ( C ) was not (by amendment or alteration) inserted into, and was not a provision in the 1980 Constitution, at the relevant and material date i.e 15th December 1997 being the date of the 1997 GREs. It was on that date of our constitutional law, then, that Esther Perreira was decided. Relevantly, I quote: from my letter of November 7 “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)….]. 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 INRODUCED article 159 (2) ( C )” [emphasis now added] “about qualifications of voters provides….”.

True it is, that as MR. Ramkarran asserts I did”not say when it was enacted, nor did he identify the law”. I did not, because generality was sufficient; I could not have anticipated that the pure, simple, easily verifiable fact (no complication of law involved) that sub article “ ( C )” was not in the Constitution in 1997, was to be a source of dispute, contention and callous rejections of my thesis by the learned Senior Counsel. But truth be told, I am no practitioner of legislative history. So, identifying the particular “law”/amendment Act that insertedsubartice“(c)” – that is much too boring, dull stuff for me.It was not necessary for the cogency of my argument.

Secondly, since Mr. Ramkarran (as I understand his letter) seeks to convey in his November 10th letter the erroneous and misleading impression that article 159 (2) ( C ) was in the Constitution from the very beginning when it came into force, on 6th October 1980, here for informational purposes, is the legislative

history: (i) the 1980 Constitution Bill as passed (No 2/1980) was assented to by President A. Chung on 20 February 1980 and came into operation on 6th October 1980 by Proclamation No 2 of 1980 made by the President on 1st October 1980 and published in the official Gazette on the same day [(re) search as Mr. Ramkarran might, he would not find any sub article “ ( C )”only “(a)”, “(b)” in that OG print/publication of 1st October 1980!] (ii) Between 6th October 1980 and 1995 there were some twelve(12) amendments to the Constitution – the last being the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1995 Act No 15 of 1995. [(re)search as Mr. Ramkarran might, he would not find in any of these 12 amendments any reference as to article 159 (2) ( C ) (up to that point there was, simply, no such amendment or change in the law.) (iii) after that 15/1995 amendment, the next amendment/change in the Constitution was in 2000 (Act 2/2000). (iv) So, there was no amendment whatsoever between 1995 and 1999 (the 4 year period within which the 1997 GRE falls).

Third, Mr. Ramkarran makes the embarrassing mistake or error (as if responding to one of Freddie Kissoon’s political diatribe) of not appreciating, or recognizing, that the relevant law that Justice Claudette Singh had to apply in her determination of the legal question of constitutionality of the qualification of voter ID card, was ONLY the law in force on the 15th December, 1997 date of the 1997 GRE. The Constitution does not apply retroactively so she could not apply the law as changed after 1997. (see Attorney General V. Mohamed Alli and others (1987) 41 WIR 176- the local Court of Appeal constitutional law case). For most lawyers, that nonretroactivity is a trite proposition. Yet, Senior Counsel writes flippantly: “I am sorry to disappoint Mr. Edwards.

Article 159 (2) ( C) was in the 1980 Constitution. I can fathom no reason why Mr. Edwards would falsely assert that it was not when a mere cursory glance of the 1980 Constitution would confirm that it was. It was indeed urged before Justice Claudette Singh that article 159 ( 2 ) ( C ) protected the constitutionality of the voter ID law”. Another error.

Well, Senior Counsel, here is the obvious reason, yet, you cannot “fathom”! I have right here now, and before me, (as I did when I wrote the November 7th letter) an authentic, admissible copy of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (1980) “with Amendents Incorporated. Reprinted October 1996.”(And I emphasize that between the gap from 1995 – 1999 there was no amendment whatsoever to the 1980 Constitution; not one jot!) There is NOT in this October 1996 reprint at pages 8687, any article 159 (2) (C) at all. This is my evidence, this is my

proof. [update – I also now have the advantage of seeing the OG, “Legal Supplement – A 20th February 1980, page 80” (the Bill)] Show the readers yours. Readers, by a somewhat Ramkarranian illogicality, his argument proceeds on the erroneous premise or assumption, that the law as is in the Nandlall Ed. (2012) of the Laws of Guyana viz article “159 (2)” (a)”, “(b)”, “(c)”, is the same law as was in the Constitution in 1997. So, rather than do the logical thing and (re)search the Constitution that was in print in 1997, when, had he done so, he would have found only article “159 (2) “(a),” “(b),”, he instead takes a “mere cursory glance” (his words) at the extant Nandlall Ed (2012), and by a somewhat procrustean (as would procrusteas the monster in Greek mythology) method of deduction, torturously, and flippantly treats the extant 2012 state of the law, as if it was, necessarily, one and the same, as the 1997 state of the law. What an error! The issue is: was article 159 (2) ( C ) in the Constitution on the 15th December 1997 date of the 1997 GRE? I say, again, unapologetically, and without equivocation: IT WAS NOT. Editor, I only stir this other point (as this letter is no place for its elucidation): provisions as to qualifications for being registered as an elector for voting is not, and cannot be, as they are worded and provided for in article 159 (2) (a), ( b), ( C ) some matter of procedure. Such, is a matter of SUBSTANTIVE law which, if there is a change in that substantive law between the 1997 GRE, and Justice Claudette Singh’s decision some three years later in Esther Perreira, that new substantive law [ie article 159 (2) (c] has no retrospective applicability, generally.

One final comment. Mr. Ramkarran writes in his November 10th letter: “ Now that Mr. Edwards has been shown the light of day, would he accept that Justice Claudette Singh could have erred”. A baiting, I dismissively reject. Subjecting Esther Perreira now to close forensic examination can serve no useful purpose as regards the present controversy about compilation of the OLE for the 2020 GRE. The “light of day”!

Mr. Ramkarran has attempted to take us down a dungeon of deceit. His, is an obstinate persistence in incredulity, of a comedy of errors. What a tangled web of deceit Mr. Ramkarran has weaved. I will not be trapped. The article 159 (2) ( C ) amendment happened after 1999. The burden of disproof is on him.

Regards, Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney – at – law

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 14, 2019

Mayors brainstorm ways to enhance townships WITH the aim of bringing about greater unity among Guyana’s townships, and lending assistance and guidance wherever needed, the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM), on Wednesday, held its first “Mayors’ Roundtable” at Regency Hotel.

The event was boycotted by a number of PPP-aligned mayors. Guyana currently has some 10 municipalities, four of which came on stream within the past four years.

President of GAM, Waneka Arrindell, said GAM realised the need for the mayors to come together, share ideas and see how they work together for the betterment of each municipality.

“Today is just a starting point in us coming together to identify and to see how we can have a unified voice across Guyana. We realise that mayors have not had the opportunity to come together,” Arrindell note, adding that: “So today’s events focuses on bringing mayors together and having mayors sit down and discuss the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that their municipalities are facing and to see how we can support each other. So if there’s a municipality that’s strong in

one area, that municipality can lend support to the other municipalities. It’s also to find out from the mayors what is their plans for GAM for the next year and to have them say what assistance they need from the association in 2020.”

Arrindell stressed that the event was about development and not about politics. Given that many of the opposition

come. What we want to do is to set the guidelines on how each municipality should function. What the [Chapter] 28:01 means and how we should use that.”

A councillor from the Anna Regina municipality, Daryl Khan, said he decided to attend the roundtable event, even though the Mayor, Rajendra Lall Prabhulall and Deputy Mayor, Rudolph

day done is the tax payers’ money paying them,” Khan reasoned.

“GAM is looking into the matters affecting the municipality, so that we as a body can go back to the Ministry of Communities and see how we can improve the living standard of the people of the municipality.” Representing the municipality of New Amsterdam was Deputy Mayor,

Some of the municipalities’ representatives at the GAM Mayor Roundtable, from left are: Anna Regina Councillor, Daryl Khan; New Amsterdam Councillor, Kirk Fraser; New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor, Wainwright McIntosh; and Deputy Mayor of Linden, Wainewright Bethune

municipalities are among the most recently-formed municipalities, they are the townships that need it the most.

“While we are elected officials, elected on a political slate, GAM has been devoid of politics in the sense that GAM’s role is to look

‘Nuisance’ sentenced to six months in prison A FAMILY nuisance who was ‘slapped’ with two charges, was, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, sentenced to prison by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

43-year-old Edward Rollins appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the allegations against him.

The first charge stated that, on October 8, 2019, he maliciously damaged food items valued at $3000, property of Rhonda Semple and Susan Berkley.

The second charge stated that, on October 11, 2019, at the Albertown Police Station, he behaved in a disorderly manner.

Berkley the sister of the defendant told the court that her brother was a nuisance and had a habit of attacking their bed-ridden mother for money.

She added that, on the day in question, her brother attempted to rob their mother of her pension, and she dealt him several lashes and refused to give him food.

However, shortly after, Berkley heard a commotion and was alerted by her

beyond politics to look at the people who elected us, and to look at how we can develop the livelihood of those persons within those municipalities. It’s sad to say that today we did not get the opposition municipalities on board and most of them are part of the new municipalities,” Arrindell noted.

“They need the training because what we have seen

daughter that her brother (Rollins) damaged the food stand she owned with another sibling.

“I was sitting in a chair and all I hear is Batam! Batam! Batam! And my daughter come crying saying he (Rollins) break up the stand.

When I go and check I see he destroyed me things them,” Burkley explained.

The matter was reported and Rollins was arrested and charged.

Rollins, in a tearful manner, offered to explain the reason for his actions on both occasions. “I fly in a passion and destroy the groceries they did not want give me food,” he stated.

In relation to his disorderly behaviour at the police station, Rollins stated that he was hungry and broke the handcuffs and started banging on the walls with the hope of getting some attention.

“I was very hungry, it won’t happen again,” Rollins stated.

Magistrate McGusty after listening to the statements, sentenced Rollins to six months in prison.

in GAM is that there’s a lot of ‘if it feels right to us we’re doing it,’ in the municipalities. GAM has been visiting some municipalities, and what we’ve seen is persons are more reactive than proactive in the municipalities, dealing with issues as they

Williams, decided not to attend the event.

“I was totally disappointed because the mayor and deputy mayor were invited.

It is the tax payers within the municipality you are representing and politics mustn’t be mixed with that. When the

Wainwright McIntosh, who commended the venture.

“I think it’s a great initiative whereby municipalities can come together and share and discuss issues of common interests. At the end of today’s exercise, I hope that we would be able to share

some common perspective on the way forward and finding solutions to issues we’re experiencing at the level of municipalities,” he shared.

One of the key visions that GAM has for the municipalities, is for the development of ‘individual identities’ and to be able to exist off their respective economic activities.

“Bartica we know has been slated as the “Green Town”, so what and how do you see your municipality.

If we find the identity of our municipality, if we tap into the resources that our municipalities have then each municipality will be unique. But that can only happen if we develop our own identities as townships and I hope that through GAM that we can do that,” Arrindell said.

“The vision for GAM is that each municipality will become self-sufficient that they will be able to provide for the residents that they have, that they would be able to have socio-economic development, so we are hoping that happens within the next couple of years. If development happens at the local level as each municipality and town develops, evidently the country itself will develop.”

Suspected vehicle Man to spend birth thieves remanded anniversary in to prison

prison

A 28-year-old man will be spending his birth anniversary in prison, having been sentenced by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Roylex Williams of Eteringbang appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, on November 8, 2019, at John Street Georgetown, he broke and entered the building of William Bob, with intent to commit a felony.

According to facts presented by Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummel, on the day in question, about 10:00 hours, the caretaker of the said building was standing in front of the premises when he saw the defendant walking past.

A few moments later he went inside where he noticed several louvres missing from a window. He then entered the house and found the defendant hiding in the toilet. The police was

Roylex Williams

contacted and Williams was later arrested and charged.

Williams told the court that he wanted passage to go home and he entered the house hoping to find money but, to his surprise, the owner was at home.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the statements, sentenced Williams, who will be celebrating his birthday in December, to nine months in prison.

A MECHANIC and three taxi drivers, who were ‘slapped’ with several charges, were, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The men, 18-year-old Justin Do Santos, 25-yearold Joe Singh, 25-yearold Miguel Matterdin and 32-year-old Kurt Shepard appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charges against them.

The first charge stated that, on October 12, 2019, at Turkeyen East Coast Demerara, they stole motor car PHH 3889, valued at $700,000, property of Dwayne Simon.

The second charge stated that, on September 23, 2019, at South Vigilance, they stole motor car PFF 7090, valued at $500, 000, property of Oswald Bento.

The final charge stated that, on September 10, 2019, at Diamond East Bank Demerara, they stole a Pitbull minibus, valued at $ 4M, property of Orlando Angust.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to

bail being granted to the men, based on the serious nature of the allegations.

Prosecutor Mansfield added that the investigation was on-going and more was expected to be uncovered.

He stated that a number of vehicle parts, suspected to be stolen, were retrieved and were currently in police custody.

Mansfield noted that, on November 6, 2019, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) went to Kuru Kururu and made contact with Do Santos and Shepard. The men were cautioned and a search was conducted on Shepard’s residence and several motor car parts were found.

A further search and investigation were carried out and several vehicles were recovered and the other two defendants were arrested.

Prosecutor Mansfield added that the defendants assisted the police in recovering a number of vehicle parts in the Kuru Kururu area following their arrest.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the Prosecutor’s statements, remanded the men until November 18, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

1 in 3 women experience intimate partner violence ― Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey Report found

By Tamica Garnett More than one in three Guyanese women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and some 20 per cent of women in Guyana have experienced non-partner sexual abuse (NPSV) in their lifetime.

Around 13 per cent experience the latter form of abuse before the age of 18, the Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey Report noted.

The two-part report launched on Wednesday also included a qualitative component: “Women’s Health and Life Experiences: A Qualitative Research Report on Violence Against Women In Guyana”.

The survey was executed as a collaborative project between the government, the UNDP and UN Women; USAID, Inter Development Bank (IDB), the University of Guyana, the Global Women’s Institute of George Washington University, and the Canadian Institute of Health Research.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the present state of violence against women and girls in Guyana and look at the social structures that contribute to the issue.

The initiative represents the first of national-level prevalence data on violence against women and girls (VAWG) being collected in Guyana, and is seen as an essential tool as Guyana strives towards a national plan to tackling domestic and gender-based violence

countrywide.

“It is a crucial and long overdue report on violence against our women and girls in Guyana. This report marks a huge advancement for women’s health and rights for the first time,” commented Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, as she delivered the key address at the launch.

SAD SITUATION “Many Guyanese women and children are suffering physical and mental hurt within their homes through verbal abuse, threats, harassment, bully and violence. Yet too often fear and misplaced shame are preventing those victims from breaking the silence on which these forms of violence thrives. All of us

owe it to the women who suffer from domestic violence and the women to step up, speak out and end domestic violence now.”

Patriarchal norms in which the social status of men and boys is higher than that of women and girls, is said to be a primary contributing factor to VAWG. Minister Ally pledged that the recommendations coming out of the study will be looked at and means of implementation of recommendations initiated, including a multi-sector collaborations.

“This report proves that there is a clear need to improve efforts across a range of sectors both to prevent violence and to provide nec-

essary services for women experiencing violence. It is my hope that this report will serve as a unified call to action for all working towards building nation without violence against women and girls. Government remains committed to addressing root causes of gender inequality to empower women now and in the future. Enabling them to have a voice, choice and control over their own lives,” Ally said.

She added: “It may appear to be too ambitious to think we can reduce domestic violence to zero but we should set that as our aim regardless. Right now we can and should reduce domestic violence from where it is and as much as it is realistically

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (third from left); representative from UN Women Multi-Country Office-Caribbean, Alison McLean (second from right) and other stakeholders display copies of the Guyana Women’s Health and Life Experiences Survey Report and Women’s Health and Life Experiences: A Qualitative Research Report on Violence Against Women In Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

possible.”

The report was created following a household survey interviewing some 1498 women across the country, between the ages of 15 – 64 years old; while the qualitative report involved 24 key stakeholder interviews and 13 focus group discussions involving 153 male and female adult participants.

The report found that all it takes for a female in Guyana to be at risk of sexual violence is for her to be young, with Guyanese women between 15 – 24 reporting statistically higher rates of NPSV, including rape, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching and sexual harassment.

Approximately 55 per cent of the surveyed respondents, who had ever had a male partner, have experience some form of IPV during their lifetime.

ACTION NEEDED “These findings present an urgent and compelling call for action. All forms of violence described are a serious cause for concern. Some are intergeneration violence,” commented Alison McLean, representative from the UN Women Multi-Country Office-Caribbean, who also delivered remarks at the event.

The survey found that women who begin their first relationship at a young age, lack of family support or have a controlling partner, have higher risks of experiencing physical and or sexual IPV. Few women report NPSV to the police or to a health

care provider, and among those who did, their experiences were inconsistent. For those who did seek help the results are not encouraging.

Less than half said that a case was opened in response to their police report, one in five leave the police without a report being taken, for the women who report the abuse to health care providers, fewer than one in 10 receive counselling, the survey found.

The harms of IPV can span generations, the report said.

“Women who witnessed violence against their mothers in childhood or have a partner who witnessed such violence are at significantly higher risk of experiencing IPV, continuing the cycle of exposure and IPV through their children,” the reports noted.

The victims themselves, community members and stakeholders, all contribute to Guyana women’s reluctance to seeking help,” the survey found.

Other factors it said include inadequate support structures to ensure victim safety; inconsistent and harmful institutional responses; and a lack of coordination between sectors.

The report calls for programmes that focus on changing patriarchal cultural norms and gender attitudes, including through educational initiatives in primary, secondary, technical, vocational education and training and tertiary level educational institutions.

Virginia Mayor calls on Foreign, State ministers Mayor of Purcellville, Virgin- currently working alongside expertise and best practices in ia, Kwasi Fraser on Wednes- the town of Linden to share the areas of strategic alignment day paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Karen Cummings.

They discussed an initiative to foster collaboration between the town of Purcellville, the state of Virginia and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Minister Cummings expressed her gratitude to Mr. Fraser, a Guyanese by birth, for his interest and noted that the Government was committed to is delivering a better standard of living and quality of life to Guyanese. Mr. Fraser, in turn, shared that he was committed to making available the intellectual capital and resources at his disposal to ensure the successful transfer of knowledge and skills to Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Fraser also met with Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings- Williams at Mayor of Purcellville, Virginia, Kwasi Fraser receives a the Presidency. Mr. Fraser is gift from Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings- Williams

and comprehensive planning and development.

Minister Hastings- Williams made a request for

Mayor of Purcellville, Virginia, Kwasi Fraser and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings

additional partnerships to be developed with the others towns across the country, particularly the four new towns that were gazetted by President David Granger.

Fraser on Wednesday concluded a week-long trip to Guyana during which he sought to explored the possibility of forming a town twinning arrangement with Linden and establish close cooperation with the city of Georgetown on comprehensive planning and zoning. He indicated that his visit stemmed from a discussion with the Senator of Virginia, Richard H. Black, on the Guyana’s future in light of the recent discovery of hydro-carbons. Through cooperation, they hope to highlight alternate revenue streams to the oil and gas sector in addition to opportunities within the information technology realm.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 14, 2019

239M Linden to Kwakwani road making life easier

What took residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) hours to travel from Linden to Kwakwani and their environs, has now become a “walk in the park” and for this, they are beyond grateful.

Life has been made a whole lot easier for residents, with the rehabilitation of the once impassable road.

In May 2018, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) through the Ministry of Natural Resources, awarded contracts for repairs to the road for $240M. The works included ditching, excavating, section repairs of soft spots and filling with laterite. The works benefitted communities on both sides, including residents of Ituni and Aroaima.

On Sunday, a meeting with Minister of Natural Resource, Hon. Raphael Trotman heard residents of all communities expressing hearty gratitude for the significant improvements to their lives.

“Ituni never had a road.

For 23 years, we never had a road,” Clement Boyle, a logger from Ituni told Minister Trotman. “You’d have to be blind to not see the infrastructural developments that are taking place in this country. You’d have to be totally blind,” Boyle stressed.

According to Boyle, before 2015, he bought a pickup truck way that was “broken up by the Ituni road. Not only his vehicle but several others,” he contended. “If somebody from Ituni isn’t

The Linden to Kwakwani road passing through Ituni

seeing the interest this government is taking to making our lives comfortable, I am sorry for them,” he said.

Another logger, Richard James said what he had no-

ticed the ease with travel as students have been leaving the community to further their studies. The students can now travel because they can afford to drive in and out

in a timely fashion. “That was moving, that was sweet,” James said to loud applause.

Over at Araoima, Herman Williams said among the numerous infrastructural

developments in the interior communities, he is grateful for the newly rehabilitated road.

“The trail, let’s you make your trip in an hour and 15 minutes, and if you are a quick driver, you make it in an hour. And it is being maintained even when it rains. I want to commend the government,” he said.

Back in June 2018, travel time was roughly between two to five hours from Linden to Kwakwani. This has significantly been reduced to anywhere between one hour and 15 minutes.

Minister Trotman said he had undertaken to maintain the road. A contract has already been signed to ensure that it is maintained.

(DPI)

Two killed while ‘drag racing’ Health workers’

KIM Cato, 64, of Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma, North West District reportedly died on the spot, on Wednesday, when the car she was travelling in slammed head-on into a truck that was heading in the opposite direction.

Also killed in the accident was the driver of the car, Lennox Jones of Fitztbury, Port Kaituma, North West District.

Police sources told Guyana Chronicle that the driver of the truck, James Welcome of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara was driving at an accelerated pace as he made his way up a hill, approximately five miles from Port Kaituma.

It was reported that Jones and another driver were ‘drag racing’ down but the other driver made a manoeuvre which caused Jones to take evasive action which took him into the path of the truck.

Both Jones and Kim were pinned in the vehicle which ended up under the truck. By the time persons were able to remove the car from under the truck, the two were already dead. The driver of the car who was racing with Jones did not stop to render assistance to him.

The driver was subsequently arrested by police and is assisting them with their investigation.

allowance up significantly

Dead: Lennox Jones

A scene of the deadly accident on Wednesday

Dead: Kim Cato

Health workers, such as doctors, and nurses will also enjoy an increase in their monthly allowances.

During his address to the nation on Wednesday, His Excellency, President David Granger made the massive announcement of an increase in the overall salary scale. According to the Head of State, the Cabinet recommended the significant increases in health workers’ allowances.

“Station Allowances will be from $2,800 to $10,000; Hinterland allowances will be increased from between $4,000 and $12,000 to $24,000. Risk allowance will be increased from $500 to $5,000 Uniform allowance for health sector workers will be increased from $13,000 and

$22,135 to $15,000 and $30,000 respectively, and On-call allowance for doctors will also be increased.”

Meal allowances will also be increased to $8,000. However, it should be noted that those who are already receiving meal allowances between $10,000 to $12,000 will continue to receive the same. The announcement of the wage increase follows a fruitful meeting between Minister of the Public Service, Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Amna Ally and Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams and a team from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), comprising President Patrick Yarde and Vice-president Dawn Gardener on Tuesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Better pay for sweeper-cleaners -as gov’t announces new minimum wage of $70,000

SWEEPER-cleaners, in the public education system, will get better remuneration starting December, as Government announced that those workers will benefit from the new minimum wage of $70,000.

Public servants’ minimum wage will be increased to $70,000 from $64,220 per month. This represents a nine per cent increase for 2019 and an overall increase of 77 per cent since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government entered office in 2015, when the minimum wage stood at $39,540.

“Sweeper-cleaners in the Public Education System will now receive the new minimum wage of $70,000,” said President David Granger, in his address to the Nation, on Wednesday.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry interacting with several sweeper-cleaners of CV Nunes Primary School back in May this year

For years, sweeper-cleaners, in the public education system, have called for ‘better pay” because they felt that they were underpaid for the work they did throughout the year. The news of the new benefit was well received by sweeper-cleaners, who did not hesitate to say how the increase would benefit them.

The Guyana Chronicle was able to gain an on-theground insight on how the salary increase would benefit persons who earn a minimum wage. One sweeper-cleaner, Marcia France, said the increase will be beneficial to her household so she was grateful to the government

for making sure that the workers got what they deserved.

Another sweeper-cleaner, who spoke in anonymity, said she was overjoyed by the announcement of the increase because it will do a lot for her at home. “It’s a really nice initiative, knowing that after all these years, you’ve been going and then finally you get something good. I think it’s really nice,” said the sweeper-cleaner, adding that the increase will give her the opportunity to save money for rainy days.

Since before 2013, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has been pleading

with the government to regularise the emoluments paid to sweeper-cleaners. In 2018, government took a decision to regularise the sweeper-cleaners after a group, of predominantly women, protested several times in Georgetown and Linden, demanding to be paid the minimum wage and also for better working conditions.

It was reported that, as the government works towards fully regularising the services offered by sweeper-cleaners, money had been set aside in the 2019 budget for the services of additional persons who provide this service to schools and other public offices across the Demerara-Mahaica region.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, during his presentation to the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly, in December, said that a sum of $200M had been budgeted for cleaners in Demerara-Mahaica. Despite the regularisation of sweeper-cleaners, GPSU Vice President Dawn Gardener had noted in a past report that the union will continue to advocate for the sweeper-cleaners to be entitled to sick leave, vacation leave and allowances, in keeping with the Public Service rules.

In addition, she said these workers upon reaching the age of retirement, should be paid benefits for the period of employment.

Street lights confirmed for Fort Wellington to Bath Settlement

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has heard the cries of residents living along the corridor from Fort Wellington to Bath Settlement in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and will be installing street lights along the vulnerable stretch soon.

A resident recently voiced his concern via letter to Stabroek News highlighting that, “Numerous accidents have occurred over the years with vehicles colliding with animals and other vehicles on that stretch of road from Fort Wellington to Bath at nights.”

In a notice, the ministry said the engineer responsible for erecting lights along the public road reported to the Ministry, on Wednesday, that a request was submitted to include lights in the area. The request was approved.

The engineer added that the villages along the Fort Wellington to Bath stretch and several in Regions three, four and other parts of Region five were earmarked for street lights. According to him, the installation of those lights from Fort Wellington to Bath Settlement could commence before the end of this year as the lights had already been procured.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak celebrated

India High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa addresses the gathering

COMMEMORATIVE coins and postage stamps have been released by the Government of India to mark the 550th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) of the great

Guru, Baba Nanak, who was the founder of the Sikh Religion.

This was disclosed by India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa in a speech at a special event held by prominent business persons Mr. and Mrs. Kirpalani, on Tuesday.

The evet, held at their Lot 32, Dennis Street, Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown residence, was attended by various dignitaries, important religious leaders and around 300 invited guests.

High Commissioner Srinivasa described Guru Nanak as an example of love, peace, equality and harmony.

“These canons of day-today life, humanistic democratic socialism, taught by the great Guru, appeal to me the most as a simple human being,” Dr. Srinivasa said.

He explained that Guru Nanak was the harbinger of humanistic and democratic socialism, the order which is the need of the present times to ward off the evils of hate, enmity, divisiveness, and caste distinctions, among others.

“Let us pray that the teachings of Baba Nanak keep guiding us in the years to come,” he said.

Last week, the Government of India approved the building and development of the Kartarpur corridor to facilitate pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks

of the Ravi River in Pakistan, where Shri Guru Nanak Devji spent 18 years.

“Pilgrims are now able to visit the holy shrine throughout the year. The corridor will have modern amenities and facilities in coordination with the Government of Pakistan. The agreement was

inked last week and we have had the first group comprising of prominent Sikh leaders already visiting the Kartarpur Gurudwara led by ex-Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and Captain Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab. The delegation was flagged off by Prime Minister

of India, Narendra Modi, on November 9, 2019,” the envoy told the gathering.

He said a centre for inter-faith studies is being set up at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Chairs on Shri Guru Nanak Devji will be set up in one University each in UK and Canada.

A section of the gathering at the observance of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh Religion (Delano Williams photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Guyana observes Geographic Information Systems Day THE Central Housing and Planning Authority, in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Earth & Environmental Science, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Environmental Protection Agency celebrated the Geographic Information System (GIS) Day 2019, under the theme: ‘Geospatial Information is Critical for National Development.’

The celebration was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Wednesday and several schools and institutions attended; the Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, along with the Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of

Guyana, also attended.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, said her ministry was established because government realises that when it comes to technology, Guyana really was not where it needed to be, compared to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and with the rest of the world.

She added that government started a very aggressive programme to ensure delivery of internet access to all the schools in the country; and we started off doing that in the Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) labs, teacher’s rooms even in the hinterland and remote communities.

Minister Hughes stated that for the first time in many years government is excited that there are 72 hinterland

Some students who attended the GIS celebration (Photo by: Adrian Narine)

communities where internet connection has been installed, so that young people in schools can access free internet to do School Based Assessments (SBAs) and research; so far, she said, over 170 schools have been connected and over 130 other institutions of learning, including the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture.

According to Minister Hughes, “We are also ensuring today that in the education system, internet is there so that young people can consider careers and can be a part of a process of pushing the development of technology in Guyana.So

by 2020, we want to make sure that we have close to 200 online services; so that means the theory part of the drivers’ licence will be done eventually on line.

“So I’m encouraging you to be a part of this digital Guyana that we want to create; there are several schools that are developing apps through my ministry to test soils. Technology also allows

us to do agriculture in a totally different way; the sky is the limit, you are the chosen generation,” she said.

The Dean, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Guyana, Dr Temitope Oyedotun, elaborated on what Minister Hughes said; he also stated that in the 21st century and beyond, vital services that we need will always

need Geospatial Data.

He added that in order for all this this to work, government would need to play an important role of providing the necessary infrastructure.

“I believe that the nation can meet all of its critical national development needs and it starts from paying attention to geospatial data,” Dr Oyedotun said.

Guyana’s latest centenarian enjoins the young: be kind, stay in church

A STRONG and healthy woman who loves ground provisions and soup celebrates her 100 birth anniversary today.

Essielene Eugene Liverpool called ‘Doris Michael,’ was born on November 14, 1919, at her Naamryck home address in Parika.

‘Doris Michael’ is the only surviving sibling for her parents and the first in her family to meet 100.

The mother of four, the grandmother of 15 and the great grandmother of 25 is excited for this day; she stated that she is happy to see all of her children,

grandchildren and great grands around her for this special day.

‘Doris Michael’ attended the Hyde Park Congress School and Church in Parika where she live most of her life; she was also a part of the Women Congress rounders team and enjoyed shopping and visiting friends.

Her first daughter Janice Edmonds is currently taking care of her. According to Janice, her mother is a blessing to her and her other siblings and all they do for her is cook and wash. She stated that her mother love to drink soup with ground

provisions and rice; she is strong enough to even bathe herself and eat, and she admires her for that.

‘Doris Michael’ reflecting on her youthful days said that she is the second child for her parents and she spends most of her life in Parika where she was born and was married. She added that she used to work on the farm, help with household chores and take care of the children.

‘Doris Michael’ is advising young people to walk in the right way, be kind to others, do what is right and stay in church.

‘Doris Michael’ along with two of her children, Janice Edmonds and Marvin Liverpool. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

GECOM, ERC to collaborate on media monitoring for elections THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) may soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for monitoring of the media during the upcoming elections period.

The cooperation could bolster GECOM’s Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) which, once operationalised, will scrutinise media platforms in print, television, radio and online for breaches in an established Media Code of Conduct (MCC).

“Whilst we haven’t finalised, we’ve asked them to prepare a MOU for possible considerations by GECOM. That, in a sense, wasn’t unanimous, everybody wasn’t necessarily in agreement with that, but that is what we left that engagement saying that we would explore a possibility of a relationship from the standpoint of media monitoring, bearing in mind that there are certain provisions of the constitution and Representation of the Peoples Act which suggest that there should be collaboration between GECOM and the ERC on the question of media monitoring in relation to ethnic matters,” Commissioner Vincent Alexander said.

The media can significantly influence information and the atmosphere of the coming elections and therefore an MCC was established in 2001— and recently revised in 2015 — as the standard of media performance expected especially during the period.

Over the years, while the Commission’s MMU has observed and reported on coverage of the media during the elections season and their breaches of the MCC, the scrutiny had addressed only the traditional media of radio, print and

television.

However, ahead of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the MMU will be increasing its scrutiny of social media news platforms.

“Social media is trumping all other media. The new convergence of this new media technology is really trumping the traditional media, so it means therefore that we cannot say that we’re just going to monitor the traditional media platforms and leave social media out. Social media will be one of our top priorities if and when we have that unit established,” GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward had told the newspaper.

She also stated that the MMU will be taking into consideration the objectives of news agencies as she noted that all news agencies have their own mandates and may therefore be monitored for different aspects.

The Unit prepares and disseminates periodic reports of its findings on the local media’s performance and submits these to interested stakeholders such as GECOM and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ward also disclosed that the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has indicated an interest in briefing media operatives about their conduct – hopefully in January 2020 – which could see a revision of the 2015 MCC to include certain media progressions. The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has also announced that it will be seeking international assistance to monitor the local airwaves for infractions during the elections season and will be approaching the ERC

and the MMU when established.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Alexander also expressed that he was troubled by the number of vacancies for key positions which still existed at the Commission due to the failure of one commissioner to show up for the vetting process.

These vacancies exist for an Assistant Chief Election Officer (ACEO), a Civic and Voter Education Officer, a Research Officer and a Logistics Officer. Since October 15, 2019 Commissioner Alexander had been speaking to the media about the existing vacancies.

He said: “Once again, we were supposed to meet today.

The absence and the non-availability of the Commissioner [meant] we couldn’t meet to do the interviews and that Commissioner has again indicated that she’s unavailable for next week and, in that context, we have suggested that we give the CEO the authority to recruit temporary staff to carry out the tasks that those vacant positions should be carried out so that GECOM can get on with its work.”

He stated that the vacancies are affecting the work of the Secretariat and the chairperson has stated that she would first like to hear the position of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) on the matter before she makes her decision. Even so, Opposition-nominated Commissioners continue to oppose the idea of temporary staff which Alexander said would result in the stymying of the work of GECOM. “The officers who are there will be put under tremendous pressure because these are key positions,” Alexander stressed.

Change Guyana promises to review tax system if elected to office

CHANGE Guyana has promised to create an effective tax policy, which will promote economic growth by stimulating investments that will result in the creation of sustainable jobs and income.

The political party, which is considered the “new kid on the block,” believes that it could implement such a policy once it is elected to office at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Its leader, Robert Badal believes that an effective tax policy should encourage investments in physical infrastructure of roads, buildings, telecommunications and IT infrastructure, medical care, education, and agriculture.

“Excessively high taxation has been a feature and consequence of large governments under the PPP and Coalition governments over the past three decades… over that period government

transferred hard earned income from the Guyanese people to government coffers with not much to show in terms of development,” said Presidential Candidate of Change Guyana, Robert Badal during a press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel, on Tuesday.

In referring to the statistics of the income from taxation over the years, Badal said in 2014 the government took in $145 billion, while in 2018 that figure went to $216 billion and is expected to reach $239 billion this year.

“Even with the more than 60 per cent increase in tax collection, there has been no attempt by the government to relieve taxpayers of the burden of excessive taxation.

In fact, some 200 new taxes were introduced including on education, water and electricity,” Badal lamented.

He said Change Guyana is prepared to address this

and even provide tax shelters for the low-income earners so that they could receive better incomes. The political party is also prepared to give all workers control over what they earn by raising the tax

threshold to $100,000.

“At the business level, we pay Corporate Tax of between 27-40 per cent, Vat of 14 per cent, customs duty of 10-20 per cent, and withholding taxes of 10-20 per

cent on professional services that introduced technologies not available in Guyana, property taxes, among others,” said Badal.

Change Guyana stated that it is committed to reduc-

Presidential Candidate of Change Guyana, Robert Badal (right) and Prime Ministerial Candidate of Change Guyana, Nigel Hinds (Adrian Narine photo)

ing those taxes and believes that a reduction will stimulate accelerated economic growth by promoting investments by the private sector in key development areas.

Prime Ministerial Candidate of Change Guyana, Nigel Hinds said the party also intends to reduce the taxes paid on vehicles. “We will also remove import taxes on farming, mining, oil, construction and fishing to increase employment, and value-added products for exports. Tax on electricity and water will also be removed,” said Hinds.

When asked if the tax measures will affect government expenditure, Hinds said the measures will not affect the financing of government operations as the increase spending in the economy would ignite an economic transformation of the economy.

Beware of house lot scammers― CH&PA warns THE Central Housing and Planning Authority is once again advising members of the public that it is the only government department authorised to allocate housing units and house lots.

In a notice, the department appealed to members of the public to be cautious of con artists attempting to rob them of their hard-earned monies. According to CH&PA, over the weekend it was brought to the attention of the agency

that persons purporting to be working on behalf of the department have been calling unsuspecting citizens about an arrangement between the CH&PA and First Lady Sandra Granger. The arrangement should see persons receiving a housing unit or a house lot if an agreed sum of money is paid. “It should be noted that there is no such arrangement between the CH&PA and the First Lady. Additionally, the agency does not have any such arrangements with any agen-

cy or individual, as such we are asking persons who receive such calls to please contact the Guyana Police Force to report same,” CH&PA advised. It added, “All payments for residential (house lot/housing units), residential/commercial, commercial and/or industrial lots must be paid to the Central Housing and Planning Authority. We continue to ask members of the public to please make contact with us should they need information on any of our housing initiatives.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

13 communities handed over to Haslington/Grove NDC

THE Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA), on Wednesday, officially handed over 13 communities to the leadership of Haslington/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

At the short handing over ceremony at the Golden Grove/Nabacalis/Haslington Community Centre, NDC Chairman, Maureen Philadelphia deemed the move an

important one by the government.

She said people have long been lobbying for such, and they are thankful that what was once deemed a “hoax” is now being made a reality by the government.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, said the initiative was one of many efforts being made by the

APNU/AFC government to ensure democracy was afforded to the people throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

She also made reference to Article 71 of Guyana’s Constitution, which speaks to local governance.

“I wish to remind us of the importance of local governance… Article 71 clearly states that local government is a vital aspect of democ-

racy and shall be organised to include as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live,” minister said.

For over 20 years, Ferguson said residents were deprived of this constitutional mandate and Interim Management Committees (IMC) were imposed on the affairs of the people.

The minister said in order

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson (DPI photo)

NDC chairman of Haslington/Grove, Maureen Philadelphia

for the communities to be adequately represented, persons must be living there and have first-hand experience of issues facing the communities.

She further explained that now the 13 communities are under the purview of an NDC, their concerns will be better addressed.

they were catered for; and underscores transparency in the management of future planning or decision-making for these areas by legitimising the roles of relevant stakeholders,” Ferguson explained.

She further encouraged the residents of the communities to play their part in trans-

A section of the attendees at the handing-over ceremony (DPI photo)

“Some of these areas being handed over today came into existence since the early 90s. It is noteworthy that with the handing over of these areas from CH&PA to Haslington/Grove NDC is a major accomplishment. It will allow for the following to be done: empower the NDC with support of many existing community groups to spearhead efforts related to successfully implementing community development project initiatives for the areas; ensure that all community development efforts for these areas, remain locally relevant to residents

forming their communities the way they want them to be.

This, she advised, can be done by paying their taxes, and exercising volunteerism to mobilise resources and coming together to improve their communities.

A resident of one of the areas that were handed over said she was happy that her community now had leadership.

“Any problem we had, there was nobody to tell.

Now we have people to tell and I glad for that. I glad for the community to be developed,” the woman said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Minister Broomes on ‘anti-suicide’ campaign at Linden schools

FOLLOWING reports that two students in Linden have committed suicide within the span of two weeks, Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, has launched an anti-suicide campaign in Linden as a means of empowering youths.

on how she would have dealt with experiencing some of the above, without attempting to kill her self. She urged the youths to believe in themselves and to don’t give up no matter what. “It is a sad reality, the state of affairs with Guyana’s youths, but who do we expect to change this sad affair...I believe in change, I

circumstances, she reminded them that they are as smart and can excel as students from top-ranking high schools and should not allow any one else to tell them different.

Over at the Mackenzie High School, Broomes urged the students to continue along the path of success, not to give up or to give in to the pressure

Minister Simona Broomes interacting with the students of the Mackenzie High School

There were also reports of other suicide attempts among teens. Broomes was alerted about the issue by Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira. She initiated the process with a pastor, to participate in empowerment sessions with the youths.

On Wednesday, Broomes visited three schools in Linden: The New Silver City Secondary, the Wisburg Secondary and the Mackenzie High School, where she engaged students and teachers on the need to work together, so as to ensure the scourge of suicide is rooted out. The campaign was under the theme ‘ Suicide never, my life has purpose’.

The minister touched on several factors that can lead to suicide which include bullying, abuse, teenage pregnancy, financial challenges, among others, and gave anecdotes

believe and I know that you are a change and together, we are going to make a difference starting with the school in the community, and as we spread across Guyana,” she said.

The youths were encouraged also, to play a role in peer empowerment by not only understanding they are unique and have a purpose, but to ensure their peers feel that way as well. “You have purpose and killing yourself is not the answer, thinking about killing yourself is not the answer, the support is here.”

The minister then made a commitment to take Wisburg Secondary under her wings and to return to hold class sessions with the students. She urged the students to do some introspection and to remain humble and in times when persons may make them feel less, given their unfortunate

of quitting or taking their lives.

She also made commitments to assist the students in any way possible. “I come to tell you that we are committed, that we are going to walk the walk with you, I come to tell you don’t give up. If someone is bullying you in the school, don’t give up. I want you to say I am not alone, we are not alone, you are not alone.”

Broomes reminded the students of how many success stories are coming out of their school and the town and alluded to the most recent JOF Haynes debating competition, of which MHS emerged winner.

At today’s schools’ interaction alone, Broomes said she was pulled aside by two students; one who told her she was raped and she’s finding it challenging to grapple with the situation, and the

other who told her before the talk, he thought of suicide several times but now he feels his life has purpose. She took the numbers of several students, who opted to speak with her one-on-one, and Broomes said that her campaign will continue until the students receive the needed help that they seek. A group of Grade Nine students at Mackenzie High, related that there are many students who are experiencing personal problems at home and when they come to school, they are further bullied by their peers. They pleaded with the minister to continue the work she started to send a strong message particularly to bullies.

Minister Simona Broomes interacting with a student of the Mackenzie High School

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Analysis shows ‘heavy crude’ in Orinduik Block finds

INITIAL analysis of the oil discovered in the Jethro-One well and the Joe-One well in the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana has shown that the finds are heavy crudes with high sulphur content unlike the preferred light, low sulfur crude found in the Liza field.

While the latter allows for the highest value petroleum products to be derived, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Limited (Eco),

which holds a 15 per cent working interest in the 1,800 km2 Orinduik Block, has stated that the company “remains optimistic”. Eco’s Joint Venture (JV) partner, Total holds a 25 per cent working interest while its other partner, Tullow Oil holds 60 per cent. Both Eco and Tullow made the announcement on Wednesday.

The companies said that they are assessing the commercial viabil-

ity of these discoveries considering the quality of the oil, alongside the high-quality reservoir sands and strong overpressure.

“Fluid samples were taken in both of the wells and were sent for analysis by the operator. The complete fluid analysis has not yet been received however, initial results suggest that the samples recovered to date from Jethro-One and Joe-One are mobile heavy crudes,

not dissimilar to the commercial heavy crudes in the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, the Campos Basin in Brazil, Venezuela

drive efficiency; high reservoir temperature of 94 degrees Celsius. It also has an estimated flowing well head temperature

JV partners will keep the market appraised of its progress towards potential commercial production and its plans for its

The Stena Forth drillship which drilled both the Jethro-One and Joe-One wells

and Angola, with high Sulphur content,” ECO stated in a release.

The JV partners have since sought a third party consultant with heavy oil development expertise to “answer our technical queries and provide an initial assessment of several potential development drilling and production scenarios.”

Tullow had announced oil discoveries in the Jethro-One well in August and the Joe-One well in September. The Joe-One well brought the total oil discoveries in Guyana to 16, with ExxonMobil and its JV partners responsible for 14 finds in the Stabroek Block.

The Jethro-One well discovered 55 metres of net pay in high-quality sandstone reservoir in the Lower Tertiary and JoeOne encountered 14 metres of net pay, opening a new play in the Upper Tertiary. According to Eco, the Jethro-One discovery has the advantage of 8,500 PSI reservoir (2,600 PSI Overpressure), which increases

of 90 degrees, which increases oil mobility and provides an advantage at the floating production facility.

Co?founder and Chief Operating Officer for Eco, Colin R. commented: “Having spent three decades working within the heavy-oil industry, we are very encouraged by the initial analysis of these wells and good parameters that define potential pathways to recovery. The fact that the oil is already hot in the reservoir, and mobile, and has high quality porous sand to travel through, helps to eliminate a great part of the conventional heavy oil challenge. Having 8500 PSI in the porous warm formation is an added advantage to drive the oil to the well. Horizontal well technology can allow excellent access to these thick fields and generally reduces the need for multiple additional wells, leading to lower development cost per barrel.”

Kinley said that the

2020 drilling campaigns even as they remain “extremely confident about the future.”

Meanwhile, Co?Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Eco, Gil Holzman, stated, “Our initial two wells this summer have proven two different oil plays in this highly-prolific basin.

The JV Partners are very confident of the potential across the multiple prospects in both the Cretaceous and Tertiary-aged rocks throughout the Orinduik block. This is obviously just the beginning of our journey to unlock the block’s full potential, which, following these initial discoveries, we hope to demonstrate through an updated CPR in the coming weeks.”

Meanwhile, the Carapa well in the non-operated Kanuku licence, which is targeting the Cretaceous play, is currently drilling. The well started at the end of October, with results expected before the year-end.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

Man who killed uncle to be sentenced today

GUYANA Defence Force soldier, Dwayne Tappin, will know his fate today when he appears before Justice Sandil Kissoon in relation to the murder of his uncle back in 2017.

In October, Tappin was found guilty by a 12-member jury, at the Demerara High Court, before Justice Kissoon. Tappin, 29, is convicted for killing 51-yearold Randolph Seenauth on August 6, 2017, at Lot 125 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Evidence in the case was led by state prosecutors Mandel Moore and Abigail Gibbs, while Tappin was represented by attorney-at-law Gwendolyn Bris-

tol. Bristol asked the court to have a probation report prepared on his client before sentence is passed.

According to reports, Seenauth and his nephew had lived in separate apartments on the plot of land.

However, the family had a dispute over the plot of land which the dead man’s mother had occupied before she died. On August 6, 2017, around 04:30 hrs, neighbours heard a loud ‘commotion’ coming from one of the apartments, but then there was silence for a few minutes which led them to suspect something was amiss.

Neighbours called out for Seenauth but got no response and later contacted the Spar-

endaam Police Station. Police ranks arrived shortly after, and, upon pushing the front door to Seenauth’s apartment, found his head lying in a passageway between the living room and kitchen.

Further checks were made in the apartment and the rest of the man’s body was discovered on a mattress in the bedroom. The murder weapon was not recovered despite searches in both apartments. Tappin, hours after the murder, turned himself over to ranks at the Sparendaam Police Station.

During the trial, Government Pathologist, Nehaul Singh had testified on carrying out the post-mortem

examination on Seenauth in 2017.

According to the witness, Seenauth’s clothing had blood stains and his head was wrapped in a piece of cloth. Seenauth’s head was severed from his body and had a laceration under his ears. The back of his hands had cuts which Singh deemed defensive wounds.

The pathologist explained that the cause of Seenauth’s death was decapitation, which was caused by a sharp weapon-- a cutlass.

Police Detective Sergeant, Kevin Martin, had testified during the trial and gave a detailed account of what transpired between himself and Tappin at the

Sparendaam Police Station, on August 6, 2017.

O n t h a t d a y, a b o u t 09:55hours, the detective said that he put the murder allegation to Tappin and cautioned him in accordance with the judge’s rule. After administering the caution, the witness said Tappin told him “Offisah, me guh tell yuh the truth of this story what happen.”

This response caused the Detective to enquire of Tappin if he would like to give a statement and he (Tappin) said ‘yes’ and asked him (Martin) to write the statement.

Detective Martin said that in the presence of his colleague and Tappin’s sis-

ter, the statement was taken.

In reading the statement to the court, the witness said that the murder accused told him, “Sir, this is what happen. Me guh at me uncle at Lot 125 South Better Hope where me mother use to live, but me mother move out and I get a key for the house.

Every time I go there, he (Seenauth) always attacking me when I go there. When I go there this morning he attack me with a cutlass after I open the door with me key. I suspect he was drunk so I tek way the cutlass from he and fire three chops. I then throw way the cutlass in the cane field at the back of Better Hope.”

Work on Leguan stelling to restart next week WORK on the Leguan Ferry Stelling will re-commence next week, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has announced.

The ministry said that the contractor responsible for the rehabilitation is scheduled to recommence works by next week. It was reported to the Ministry that persons using the Stelling would be afraid to do so due to its current deplorable state. “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure the public that the facility will be upgraded to the required standard soon,” the ministry said in a notice.

It added that works were indeed put on a standstill to iron out technical matters which have already been resolved, as was highlighted in a report published by the Guyana Chronicle on October 30, 2019.

“Against this backdrop, we note, with pleasure, that the contractor is currently being ‘mobilised’ and works are expected to resume within a few days.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday, November 14, 2019

UG to host major academic conference in 2020

Tourism Department’s Director-General, Donald Sinclair

THE annual Caribbean Studies Association Conference will, for the first time in 45 years, be hosted at the University of Guyana (UG) from June 1-5, 2020.

Described as an independent organisation and with a mandate to promote Caribbean Studies in both a multidisciplinary and multi-

cultural manner, the Caribbean Studies Association’s (CSA) conference is expected to be a forum in which academic minds, from both the Region and diaspora, will engage in constructive discourse on matters that impact everyday life in the Caribbean.

At a media launch on Tuesday at Pegasus, UG

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Transitional Management Committee, Professor Paloma Mohamed, said while approximately 600 academics, social activists, artists and persons experienced in other fields will attend the conference, UG will use the moment to explore other avenues.

“That [conference] is likely to give to us a huge opportunity for good, solid, mental feasts… UG will also capitalise on the period just before and just after to have two conferences that we should have had this year,” Professor Mohamed stated.

media launch, the Tourism Department’s Director-General, Donald Sinclair, noted that the CSA conference will allow the country to benefit from SAVE (Scientific, Academic, Volunteer and Educational) travellers.

According to Sinclair, foreign participants will not only attend the conference for its rich academic discourse but explore the people, culture and landscape of Guyana.

“We hope that the delegates will leave Guyana with a firm impression of a rich country. Rich in culture and big in heart,” he said.

With much enthusiasm, CSA’s president and proud

UG Deputy-Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Transitional Management Committee, Professor Paloma Mohamed

In the week running up to the conference, UG will host its second Diaspora and Entrepreneurship Conference, and in the week after the CSA conference, the university will host its Guiana Shield Conference.

CSA’s 2020 conference will be held under the theme: ‘Identity Politics, Industry, Ecology and the Intelligent Economy in Caribbean Studies.’ Due to its size and objectives, the conference will be co-hosted by the Department of Tourism.

During remarks at the

Guyanese, Dr. Travis Jules, lauded the support of UG and the Tourism Department for the assistance in making the conference a reality.

“It is the top academic organisation for those of us who study in the Caribbean, those of us who work in the Caribbean, those of us who aspire to study in the Caribbean and in the organisation’s 45 years, it has never set foot on the shores of Guyana. So, this is phenomenal for Guyana to bring it,” Dr. Jules said passionately.

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Windies Women hunting for their first T20 win against India

By Clifton Ross

AFTER being 2-0 down in the five-match T20 series, the West Indies Women will be hunting a win come this evening when they tackle India in game three, under lights at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

With the final three matches of the T20 series being played in Guyana, the hosts are eager to return to their winning ways, especially with a change of venue and atmosphere. The eve of the 3rd encounter saw an ramped up Windies unit pushing in some stiff net sessions on Wednesday morning.

Under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff which includes head coach, former Windies pacer Courtney Walsh and his assistant, Guyanese Rayon Griffith, the women further finetuned themselves in the batting and bowling de-

partments as they looked to shrug off the remnants of the last match they lost.

Recently-appointed Windies vice-captain, Guyanese Shamaine Campbelle, said that she believes her team has lots more to show over the next three matches. “We were doing some work, so we have to improve on our batting. We just have to go out there and express ourselves the way we know”, said Campbelle.

The 27-year-old Berbician, who is just four games away from 100 international T20’s, acknowledged that her own personal form will be key to the team rebounding and possibly forcing the series into a game 5.

“They say there’s always

room for improvement and I’ve been out for a while with injury, but I’m coming back strong, so I just need to go out there, execute and do what I’m accustomed doing”, she ended.

Shifting gears to the first of three games at Providence, Windies will favour their star-studded bowling attack which features Anisa Mohammed, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher and Shakera Selman; players who should find the bowler-friendly Providence track suitable to their craft.

India, on the other hand, will be entering the match with their tails up having commenced their T20 series tour with back-to-back wins.

Known as the “15-yearold run-machine”, leading

run-scorer, Shafali Verma, with 142 runs under her belt thus far and a top-score of 73, will have all eyes on her for the remainder of the series.

Deepti Sharma, the 22-year-old off-break bowler, is another X-Factor for India, as she sits on the leading wicket-takers list with 5 victims heading into the third match. Clearly, India will be looking to wrap up the series come this evening.

The home team, on the other hand, will be keen on winning the remaining matches without any further hiccups; thus reminding the world why they were T20 World Champs.

The match bowls off at 18:00hrs.

FIFA President congratulates GFF president and new GFF Executive PRESIDENT of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, yesterday dispatched a letter to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) congratulating their re-elected president, Wayne Forde and his executive following the GFF’s Extraordinary Congress which took place at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday last.

“I would like to extend to you my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your recent re-election as President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the 201923 period at the GFF’s extraordinary congress on

Saturday, 9 November,” Infantino said.

The FIFA boss also noted, “I would be grateful if you could also convey my congratulations to the vice presidents and all Executive Committee members elected and re-elected with you. I also seize the opportunity to thank you for all your efforts and for your contribution to the development of our sport and the promotion of its values in your country.”

“The best of luck for this second mandate and every success for all the

challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to continuing to work with you and to witness Guyanese football’s steady growth in the years to come,” he added.

Forde will have Bruce Lovell as his First Vice President, Rawlston Adams, Second Vice President and Thandi McAllister, Third Vice President.

Executive Committee members returned to office are: Dion Inniss, Magzene Stewart, Rayan Farias, Carmel Williams, and newly-elected member Terrence Mitchell, who replaces Keith O’Jeer.

Pooran must use incident as a `learning experience’-CWI president

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt, says under-fire batsman Nicholas Pooran must use the ball tampering incident as a “learning experience”.

The 24-year-old Pooran was on Wednesday slapped with a four-match ban by the International Cricket Council after pleading guilty to “changing the condition of the ball” during West Indies’ five-wicket win in the third One-Day International on Monday in Lucknow.

Television footage

showed Pooran using his thumbnail to “scratch the surface of the ball”, a charge he subsequently admitted to after being reported by on-field umpires, along with the third and fourth officials.

“Mr Pooran is a young player who has made a grave error of judgement,” Skerritt said in a statement Wednesday.

“He will suffer the penalty and will be missed from the team as a result.

I am confident that this situation will be used by Pooran, and all concerned in CWI, as a learning ex-

perience.”

The ban rules Pooran out of the three-match Twenty20 International against Afghanistan starting next month, and the first T20I of three-match series against India next month.

Further, the incident takes some of the shine off West Indies’ first one-day series win in five years and the subsequent whitewash.

The Caribbean side beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the opening ODI last Thursday before clinching the series with a 47-run victory last Saturday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE ThursdayNovember November14, 14, 2019 2019 GUYANA CHRONICLE,Thursday,

Invaders Masters power their way to T10 softball title INVADERS Masters of South Essequibo played unbeaten to win the inaugural Orlando Cricket Club sponsored T10 softball title on Sunday at the Reliance ground.

The four-team tournament was played over two days and attracted some of the best softball players from the county. In the preliminary round on Saturday, Orlando Legends of the USA got past Reliance Hustlers who posted 90-6 from their 10 overs to which the Legends replied with 91-7 in the 9th over for a 3-wicket win.

Invaders Masters then disposed of Reliance Hustlers who batted first and made 73-8. Former national T20 all-rounder Ramesh Narine then blasted an entertaining 51 laced with 5x6s and 4x4s to propel the Masters to 75-4 in just 6 overs.

Invaders Masters again was indebted to the destructive Ramesh Narine who hammered an unbeaten 67 (7x6s, 3x4s) to defeat Imam Bacchus Legends who batted first and made 95-8 from their 10 overs.

It was not enough as Narine’s explosive half-century galloped the Masters to 98-5 in the 8th over. It was a good day also for Orlando Legends as they too defeated Imam Bacchus Legends. Fine innings of 43 each from Basil

By Martyn Herman

Persaud and Patrick Rooplall rocketed Orlando Legends to 138-4 . Rooplall clobbered (5x6, 2x4) while Persaud cleared the boundary five times. Bacchus Legends replied with 109-8 to endure another defeat. On Sunday, Reliance Hustlers rebounded to defeat Bacchus Legends who batted first and reach 78-6 from their 10 overs.

An unbeaten 48 (4x6, 2x4) from Teddy Manchal steered the Hustlers to 80-4 for a 6-wicket win. Ramesh Narine then unleashed another master class performance to lead Invaders Masters’ thrilling 5 wicket win against Orlando Legends and a place in the final.

The Legends reached a challenging 130-5 in their 10 overs with Sunil Persaud

striking 41 (3x6, 4x4). An unbeaten 92 (12x6) from Narine saw the Masters eclipsed the total reaching 132-7 in the 9th over. In the knock-out phase, Reliance Hustlers defeated Orlando Legends after scoring 105-7 with Marvin Pearson smashing 38 (4x6).

They then restricted the Legends to 102-8 when the overs were completed. The final was then contested with Reliance Hustlers reaching 96-9 with Trevis Simon top-scoring with 32 (3x6, 2x4).

An unbeaten 48 from former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman Latchmikhant Narine was enough to give Invaders Masters the title as they reach the target with an over to spare.

Narine was later adjudged Man- of- the-Match

when the presentation was conducted. Also receiving prizes were Ramesh Narine as the Best Batsman and Most Valuable Player, Arif Mohamed as the best bowler and Marvin Pearson as the best fielder.

The players received trophies and monetary prizes. Invaders Masters then pocketed $300 US and the winning trophy while Reliance Hustlers collected a trophy and 100 US as the runners-up. A donation of $1000 US was also made to the Reliance Management Committee by the president of the Orlando Cricket Club Mr. Tom Bacchus.

A massive crowd witnessed the two days of exciting cricket and the sponsor has indicated that it will be an annual feature.

Pakistan teenage tearaway Naseem fires in Perth

PAKISTAN’s 16-year-old quick Naseem Shah has given Australia’s batsmen plenty to think about with a fiery spell in the drawn pink-ball tour match against Australia A. Two days after the death of his mother, Naseem delivered a bruising display of fast bowling at Perth Stadium that culminated in the teenager dismissing Marcus Harris (20) with a fearsome bouncer that caught the lefthander’s edge.

Boasting an unusual technique and impressive pace, the right-arm quick finished with figures of 1-21 before Australia A captain Alex Carey and Pakistan counterpart Azhar Ali shook hands with half an hour left on Wednesday evening.

Australia A were 2-91 in their second innings at the conclusion of the three-day match, still 367 runs shy of Pakistan’s tally after a dom-

Uncapped 16-year-old Naseem Shah delivers brutal spell of bowling in tour match against Australia A

inant display by the tourists.

Usman Khawaja survived to be 37 not out, although it was likely to be of little consequence ahead of today’s Test squad announcement.

Left-arm paceman Shaheen Afridi earlier had Test hopeful Joe Burns caught behind on 11, two balls after he was dropped at first slip.

It was another untime-

ly failure for Burns, who was clean-bowled by Imran Khan for a golden duck in the first innings as Australia A crumbled to be all out for 122.

Pakistan declared their second innings at 3-152 after tea, having overall handled the conditions far better than the hosts.

Iftikhar Ahmed, promoted to No.4 for the second

dig, finished unbeaten on 79 and opener Shan Masood scored 65 before falling to Travis Head’s part-time spin.

Ashes reserve paceman Michael Neser (2-10) was the pick of the bowlers, trapping skipper Azhar Ali lbw and having Haris Sohail caught at gully.

Neither Azhar nor Sohail managed to compile a significant score in either innings but Pakistan will take plenty of confidence from Iftikhar and Masood having followed up on centuries to Babar Azam and Asad Shafiq in the first dig.

National coach Justin Langer and chief selector Trevor Hohns met on Wednesday to pick their 12-man squad for the first Test at the Gabba starting November 21, with none of Australia A’s batsmen having made an irresistible case for selection.

LONDON (Reuters) Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his ATP Finals hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4).

The 33-year-old looked beaten as 23-year-old debutant Medvedev broke serve twice in the decider to stand on the brink of a first career victory over the Spaniard he pushed to five sets in an epic U.S. Open final in September.

For once world number one Nadal’s trademark fighting spirit seemed to have ebbed away but he saved a match point at 1-5 with a superb drop shot and was suddenly re-energised.

Twice Medvedev served for the match, at 5-2 and 5-4, but he tightened up and world number one Nadal, roared on by the 02 Arena crowd, needed no second invitation to take advantage.

Nadal has never won the ATP Finals title, the only gap on a CV that includes 19 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold.

He was beaten by German defending champion Alexander Zverev for the first time on Monday in his opening round-robin match and defeat by Medvedev, who he had also never lost to before, would have left him on the brink of elimination.

After an astonishing recovery, however, he will go into his final group game against Greek Stefanos

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Tsitsipas, another rising force in the sport, with everything to play for as he bids to not only win the title for the first time but also seal the year-end world number one ranking.

Nadal had arrived in London with worries about an abdominal injury, but even when not at his sharpest he remains one of the hardest players to finish off on Tour.

“Honestly I’ve been super lucky,” he said on court. “For Daniil it’s a tough loss. He was playing much better than me in the third set of course but it was one of these days when you have a one in a thousand chance to win.”

The deceptively powerful Medvedev dropped only six points on serve in the opening set and comfortably bagged the tiebreak.

His focus dipped at the start of the second though, allowing Nadal a quick break and when the Spaniard broke again to take the set it seemed the momentum was with him.

Medvedev played superbly in the deciding set though — until 5-1. A dreadful Nadal backhand slice gave the Russian a first break and when he chased down a drop shot to flick a winner past Nadal on his way to a 4-0 lead he was in total command.

From 1-5 down Nadal reeled off five straight games and when Medvedev trailed 0-30 at 5-6 he seemed to be a spent force.

Medvedev regained his composure in the nick of time to hold serve with an ace and looked dangerous again in the tiebreak.

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29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 14, 2019

2019 BCB/RHTYSC/Busta Champion of Champions

Six teams advance to second round following strong start

-Karim, Glasgow hit tons

THE 16th edition of the annual Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs 1st division tournament got underway with wins for six teams.

The second round of the tournament set for November 30 will see; Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Young Warriors and Blairmont advancing after recording victories over West Berbice, Skeldon, Rose Hall Canje and Police respectively.

Tucber Park benefitted from a walkover against Upper Corentyne while defending Champions, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour also drew a bye into the second round.

At the Bush Lot Ground Albion defeated West Berbice by 131 runs.

Batting first after winning the toss, Albion made 276 for 8 off 40 overs thanks to knocks from Berbice Under 19 player Jeetendra Outar who hit 63 with seven boundaries and national player Kandasammy Surujnarine 40 not out. Bowling for West Berbice, Keyron Fraser and Christopher Bissoon took 3 and 2 wickets respectively.

West Berbice in reply, were bowled out for 145 in 35.3 overs with Fraser returning to score 62. National youth player Gourav Ramesh grabbed 4 for 25 from 8 overs, with support from Mahendra Chaitnarine 2 for 21 and Beesham Surujnarine

2 for 38.

Port Mourant beat Skeldon by 58 runs At the Port Mourant ground the home team amassed 240 for 7 in 40 overs. Kellon Carmichael top scored with 35 while West Indies youth player Rampertab Ramnauth 33, Arif Chan 28, Trishan Ramsarran 25 and Demetri Cameron 22 offered support.

Kevin Clarke took 3 for 31 for Skeldon, who in reply were bowled out for 182 to lose by 58 runs. Thirteen year-old Salim Khan took 3 for 35 while Carmichael completed a good allround match with 3 for 40.

Centuries from national youth players Seon Glasgow and Javed Karim spearheaded home team Blairmont to a mammoth 291 for 3 from 40 overs. Glasgow struck eleven sixes and four boundaries in an unbeaten 104 while Karim 101 included seven boundaries and two sixes.

Police were then bundled out for 101 as Paul Tyndall topscored with 35 as left-arm spinner Waqar Hassan grabbed 5 for 32, Nigel Deodat 2 for 18 and Shabeer Baksh 2 for 21 for Blairmont.

Young Warriors overcome Rose Hall Canje by 2 wickets The home team made 186 for 5 after Sasenarine Sukhu hit an unbeaten 73 after Trevon Stanislaus and Linden Austin took two wickets apiece for YWCC, who in reply reached 188 for 8 in 37.5 overs with Seon Hetmyer 41 and Ricardo Ramdehol 25 the top-scorers.

Second Round Fixtures

Centurions Jawed Karim (left) and Seon Glasgow

1. Tucber Park vs Port Mourant @ Port Mourant 2. Albion vs YWCC @ Albion 3. RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour vs Blairmont @ Area ‘H’

India’s Kohli hails Australia’s Maxwell on mental health issue NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has set an example by taking a break from the game to address his mental health issues and there should not be any negativity about such situations, India captain Virat Kohli said on Wednesday.

Maxwell has taken an indefinite break from the game to deal with an issue rarely discussed in the sub-continent’s cricketing circles but Kohli was has a clear view on the situation.

“I think what Glenn has done is remarkable,” the 31-year-old told reporters in Indore on the eve of India’s opening Test against Bangladesh that begins today.

“It has set the right example for cricketers around the world that if you’re not in the best frame of mind you try, and try and try, but as human beings you reach a tipping point at some stage or the other. And you need time away from the game.

Not to say you give up, but just to gain more clarity.”

Kohli pointed to his own struggle during the 2014

tour of England when runs dried up and he could not find anyone to confide in.

“I’ve gone through a phase in my career where I felt like it was the end of the world,” he said.

“In England 2014, I didn’t know what to do, what to say to anyone, and how to speak and how to communicate. And to be honest, I couldn’t have said: ‘I’m not feeling great mentally and I need to get away from the game’. Because you never know how that’s taken.”

It should be fine for crick-

Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has taken an indefinite break from the game to deal with his mental health issues.

eters to take a break and try and return refreshed, he said.

“I’m absolutely for it... these things should be of great importance. Because if you think that a player is important enough for the team or for Indian cricket to go forward, I think they should be looked after.”

“I think is quite acceptable and quite a nice thing to do. I think these things should be respected and not taken in a negative way at all because this is happening at a human level...”

After Indore, the teams move to Kolkata where they

will play their first day-night test from Nov. 22 with pink balls.

Kohli is one of several players from both sides with practically no experience of the pink ball and the righthander felt its visibility and exaggerated swing could trouble the batsmen.

“You require extra concentration to pick the pink ball when you’ve been playing with the red ball.”

“I felt it swings a lot more compared to the red ball because there’s extra lacquer on the ball.”

Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger joins FIFA as global development chief (REUTERS - Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been appointed as FIFA’s new chief of global football development, with the Frenchman set to oversee the growth of the sport plus technical matters, soccer’s world governing body said on Wednesday.

The 70-year-old was recently linked with the Bayern Munich job following the sacking of Niko Kovac but said that while he was approached he was never a candidate for the job.

Wenger will be the leading authority on technical matters on FIFA’s Football and Technical Advisory Panels involved in the International Football Association Board (IFAB) review and decision-making process on potential changes to the game’s laws.

He will also be the chair of a technical study group.

“I look forward to taking on this important challenge, not only because I have always been interested in analysing football from a broader perspective but also because FIFA’s

Laureus World Sports Awards - Salle des Etoiles, Monaco Arsene Wenger poses after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo

mission... is truly global,” Wenger said in the FIFA statement.

“I believe that the new FIFA we have seen emerging in recent years has the sport itself at the heart of its objectives and is determined to develop the game in its many different components. I know I can contribute to this objective and will put all my energy into this.”

Wenger will also focus on educating coaches and contribute to the development of an executive programme that will help former professionals enter management.

Wenger left Arsenal in May last year after a reign of 22 years during which he redefined the Premier League club and became their most successful manager.

He led the Gunners to three Premier League titles — including in 2003-04 when his ‘Invincibles’ team went unbeaten for an entire season — as well as seven FA Cups and took Arsenal into the Champions League for 20 years in a row.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 14, 2019

Scorpions see off Marooners challenge to notch first Super50 win

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Assad Fudadin and Andre McCarthy fell just short of hundreds while Rovman Powell blasted a whirlwind half-century as Jamaica Scorpions notched their first win of the Regional Super50 Cup with a comprehensive 97run victory over reigning champions CCC Marooners.

In an authoritative batting display at Warner Park on Tuesday, Scorpions piled up the tournament’s highest score to date when they marched to 330 for eight off their 50 overs.

Opener Assad Fudadin, fresh off a century against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last Sunday, stroked 92 off 123 deliveries while McCarthy, at number four, struck a hasty 91 from a mere 63 balls.

Powell set the innings alight in the middle overs with a 34-ball 57 but opener Aldaine Thomas missed out

on a half-century with 48.

Akeem Jordan again bowled with pace to claim three for 72 while left-arm spinner Akshaya Persaud chipped in with two for 66.

Scorpions then survived a scare when Romaine Morris lashed an up tempo 96 off 85 balls in an exciting opening stand of 119 off 138 deliveries with Paul Palmer (30), as Marooners made a daring attempt at the daunting target.

But once the partnership was broken, not even captain Carlos Brathwaite (8), in for his first game of the campaign, could rescue the run chase as Marooners subsided to 233 all out in the 46th over.

West Indies fast bowler Oshane Thomas spearheaded the attack with three for 25 while left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli supported with three for 44.

The win put Scorpions alongside Marooners on four points but ahead in third by virtue of a superior net run rate.

Fudadin provided the early momentum, hitting 11 fours and a six in a 101-run first wicket stand with Thomas who also showed plenty enterprise with seven fours and a six in a 40ball knock.

The left-handed Fudadin, who reached his fifty off 73 balls in the 19th over, put on a further 37 for the second wicket with Jermaine Blackwood (15) and 53 off 46 balls for the third with McCarthy.

Fudadin looked set for a second straight hundred when Assad Fudadin missed his second conhe walked across secutive ton when he was dismissed for 92 his stumps and was hit in front

by Persaud in the accelerate the innings.

34th over.

Already with a score of McCarthy and Powell 95 against Barbados Pride then launched a savage aslast Friday, McCarthy belted sault in a 114-run, fourth eight fours and five sixes wicket stand off 73 balls to while Powell, with previous

Andre McCarthy … struck 91.

scores of one and five, tasted form with three fours and five sixes.

By the time Powell miscued a pull at Jordan and was taken by Brathwaite running around to short cover, the damage had been done.

Marooners still made a fist of it, however, Morris blasting 14 fours and a six as he and Palmer, who counted a four and a six, injected some nerves into the Scorpions camp early in the run chase.

Left-hander Morris raced to his fifty off 47 balls in the 15th over and Marooners

passed triple figures in the 19th over when Palmer lifted off-spinner McCarthy to the cover boundary.

But things fell apart quickly. Palmer missed a swing at a full toss from leg-spinner Nkrumah Bonner and was lbw at the end of the 23rd over and danger man Morris followed at the start of the 28th over, cutting Bulli to point.

Once Jonathan Drakes was bowled by Bulli for 14 in the 32nd over, the innings lost momentum and the last eight wickets tumbled for 80 runs.

England bowlers fail to fire as tour match ends in draw ENGLAND’s bowlers failed to impress as the two-day tour match against a New Zealand XI ended in a draw.

After reaching 285-3 on day one, the tourists finally declared on 376-5 at the Cobham Oval in Whangarei.

New Zealand under-19 batsman Finn Allen hit a classy century in reply before

retiring out as his side ended on 285-5, with only England fast bowler Jofra Archer taking more than one wicket.

England’s first Test against New Zealand begins on 21 November.

With all-rounder Ben Stokes back bowling after injury prevented him from doing so in the final Ashes Test against Australia, En-

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

England (The Oval, 2007) Canada (Colombo, 2010) TODAY’S QUIZ:

What was the result of the recent WI/AFG ODI series?

Who was declared Man of the Series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

gland are expected to pick between Chris Woakes and Sam Curran for a spot in the starting XI. Both opened the bowling and Woakes failed to take a wicket in conceding 28 runs off 10 overs, while Curran took 1-33 off nine overs.

Stuart Broad took an economical 1-15 off nine overs, Archer was expensive in claiming 2-46 off 11 overs and slow left-armer Jack Leach, leg-spinner Matt Parkinson and Stokes all could not claim a wicket.

“As a first run out, I was a little bit rusty, but with not having bowled a huge amount in the last six weeks I was relatively pleased,” Woakes told Test Match Special.

“I’d like to think I’ve got a good chance of making the Test team but there are a few other guys knocking on the door - myself and Sam played in the last Test so I suppose we’re looking at it between us.

“It’s good to have that competition - I’ll be coming out here to try and knock

Jofra Archer claimed 2-46 but only two other England bowlers took wickets on day two

the door down to get in the team.”

The hosts’ Jakob Bhula made 61 before he was bowled by Curran, with Sandeep Patel adding an unbeaten 56.

Allen hit 10 fours and two sixes in a fluent knock, retiring out on 104 from 130

balls.

England Test captain Joe Root had earlier retired on 41, with Ollie Pope making 31 before Jos Buttler (38 not out) and Stokes (30 not out) set up the declaration.

England face New Zealand in two Tests but the

series does not count towards the ICC World Test Championship.

The tourists continue their preparations against a more experienced New Zealand A side at the same venue in a three-day tour match, starting tomorrow.

(BBC Sport)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 14, 2019

Sparta Boss in action tonight as Rio $1M tournament kicks off A mammoth crowd is expected to descend on the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue this evening when the inaugural ‘Rio Indoor Streetball Championship’ officially starts with the group stage play from 19:00hrs.

According to an official release from tournament coordinator, Three Peat Promotions, “The excitement and buzz is certainly in the air for this inaugural tournament. This is the first time in local history that an indoor community/street ball championship will be played for $1,000,000 first prize.

It is well deserved for the players who have built this format from its initial humble beginnings and deserved recognition for creating a viable format and alternative of the traditional game.”

The release further said, “The tournament is expected to be fiercely competitive and very exciting for both fans and players. We are expecting a huge turnout and support throughout the event as they will be prizes to be won by several spectators each night, which will certainly add to the spectacle that will unfold.

We encourage all teams to be punctual for their respective matches and to help keep the tournament, along with their fan base incident free.”

The historic event will commence with Alexander Village battling Kingston from 19:00hrs, with Spot-7 taking on Buxton Diamond at 19:30hrs and Back Circle tackling Rio All-Stars from 20:00hrs.

The fourth engagement will pit LA Ballers against Beterverwagting [BV] from 20:30hrs, with Leopold Street battling Uprising at 21:30hrs in the fifth affair. In the final two matches, Tiger Bay lock horns with Broad Street at 21:30hrs and Sparta Boss faces off with Melanie from 22:00hrs.

The second night of the event will then occur on Saturday at the same venue. The round-robin competition, which lasts for the duration of eight nights, will conclude with the grand finale on December 14th.

The other playing nights are November 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th and December 7th. With the $1,000,000 slated for the eventual winner, the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

Group-A comprises Back Circle, Buxton Diamond, Spot-7 and Rio All-Stars, while group-B contains Leopold Street, Tiger Bay, Uprising and Broad Street, Group-C features Sparta Boss, Alexander Village, Kingston and Melanie.

Group-D consists of LA Ballers, Bent Street, BV and Avocado Ballers, while group-E Future Stars is made up of Future Stars, Albouystown-A, Showstoppers, Stabroek Ballers. Group-F involves Gold is Money, Sophia, Silver Bullets and Island All-Stars.

At the end of the group round, the top two finishers from each section and the best four third place teams will advance to the knockout round.

The excitement that is expected to be the norm at the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championship at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue

Day-1-Thursday November 14th Alexander vs Kingston-19:00hrs Spot-7 vs Buxton Diamond-19:30hrs Back Circle vs Rio All-Stars-20:00hrs LA Ballers vs BV-20:30hrs Leopold Street vs Uprising-21:00hrs Tiger Bay vs Broad Street-21:30hrs Sparta vs Melanie-22:00hrs Day-2-Saturday November 16th Sophia vs Island All-Stars-19:00hrs Alexander vs Melanie-19:30hrs Albouystown-A vs Showstoppers-20:00hrs Future Stars vs Stabroek Ballers-20:30hrs Leopold Street vs Broad Street-21:00hrs Gold is Money vs Silver Bullets-21:30hrs Kingston vs Sparta-22:00hrs

Pollard praises Windies killer instinct after rare ODI series whitewash LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – Captain Kieron Pollard has praised West Indies’ killer instinct after they completed a rare series whitewash on Monday by sweeping the three-match one-day series against Afghanistan.

The Caribbean side had wrapped up the series last Saturday when they took a winning 2-0 lead but produced another clinical effort in the third way to come away with a five-wicket win.

“Winning is a habit and anything we want to do in terms of coming out and playing a cricket game, it’s a process and it’s a process we want to follow each and every time,” Pollard said.

“Despite the result that may happen, it’s a matter of improving as we go along.

We knew we hadn’t [whitewashed a team] in a while but again, when teams have us in these sort of positions, they put their foot on our throats so it was a perfect opportunity to come out and show we have that venom inside of us.”

He continued: “We knew as well we would be going into this game with an inexperienced bowling lineup so give and take 20, 30 runs, if you look at it, it was the most Afghanistan scored in this series.

“We knew had to rally as a team and again in conversations, we spoke about

Kieron Pollard poses with Man-of-the-Series Roston Chase (left) and Man-of-the-Match Shai Hope (right).

batting 50 overs and again we proved we can bat 50 overs and once we bat 50 overs we’re going to score runs and win games.”

Set 250 for victory, West Indies were in trouble when they lost two cheap wickets with just four runs on the board in the third over but opener Shai Hope stroked his seventh ODI hundred to rescue the run chase.

He finished on 109 not out to move his aggregate for the series to 229 and his career average to 50, and was subsequently adjudged Manof-the-Match.

Pollard said the successful run chase was evidence of the team plans which the players executed efficiently.

“Everything we do we try and do it with a method. Sometimes it’s going to

work, sometimes it’s not going to work but once you have a process and you’re thinking, I think that’s better than coming out and looking sort of brainless,” Pollard explained.

“Well batted to Shai, he continues to show the sort of batsmen he is; Roston Chase at the end [was also great]…

Brandon King the way he looked at the crease and the bowling lineup, restricting any opposition to 240-odd in a 50-over game was always good, and again I just want to commend the guys and the management staff for coming out here and winning this series.”

West Indies have had a rough time this year in ODIs, finishing ninth of 10

teams at the ICC World Cup in England then suffering a 2-0 series loss at the hands of India in the Caribbean last August.

Pollard, appointed in the wake of that series as part of an overall leadership shakeup, said the win over Afghanistan represented a new direction for the team.

“I was pleased after the first game and I am still pleased at the end of the series,” he stressed.

“We came here with a sort of a mission of how we want to play cricket and specific roles for specific individuals. I think the guys responded brilliantly and all kudos and all praises must go to the guys.”

Dragon Stout ‘Community Cup’ Street-ball championship to kick off November 22 THE official fixtures for the inaugural Dragon Stout ‘Community Cup’ Streetball championship, which is slated to commence at the National Gymnasium on Friday November 22nd, was released yesterday.

This was revealed by Dragon Stout Brand Manager, Jamal Baird, via an official media statement. He also disclosed that the event will be officially launched on Tuesday, November 19th, at the National Gymnasium from 11:00hrs.

Baird also confirmed that all systems are in place for the start of the tournament, adding, “The four-day elimination championship, which was scheduled to start on November 15th, has now been scheduled to start on November 22nd.

It will continue on November 29th and December 6th, with the final slated for December 13th. The overall objective of the tournament is to align the emerging brand

with the grassroot movement.”

According to the correspondence, “Ansa McAl is pleased to be associated with yet another sporting event, specifically at the grassroots level. Having been a former player myself and a proud product of the ghetto that was given a chance, I’m am elated to stage the inaugural community cup under the prestige dark and smooth Dragon Stout brand which align and position to be a grassroot flag bearer.”

The release concluded, “The primary stimulus for staging this football event is to highlight and indicate Dragon Stout intended support for sports at grassroot and community level, hence there was no hesitation; and this is an alliance that I envision will continue for the foreseeable future. Given that it is a community-based initiative, it gives the urban community a chance to be seen and heard while having fun in a competitive but friendly environment.”

The winner of the event will collect $300,000 while the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Complete Tournament Fixtures Day-1 Round of 16-- Nov 22nd Section-A (1) Sparta vs Showstoppers (2) Tiger Bay vs Alex. Village (3) Gold is Money vs Melanie-B (4) Sophia vs Assassin Ballers Section-B (1) Bent Street vs Broad St (2) Future Stars vs LA Ballers (3) Back Circle vs Albouystown (4) Leopold St vs Ansa All-Stars Day-2 Quarterfinals-Nov 29th

Section-A (5)-Winner (1) vs Winner (2) (6)-Winner (3) vs Winner (4) Section-B (7)-Winner (1) vs Winner (2) (8)-Winner (3) vs Winner (4) Day-3 Semi-finals-December 6th Section-A (9)-Winner (5) vs Winner (6) Section-B (10)-Winner (7) vs Winner (8) Day-4 Final-December 13th Winner (9) vs Winner (10) 3rd Place Loser (9) vs Loser (10)

Third T20 at Providence Stadium tonight

Windies Women hunting for 27 their first T20 win against India PAGE

India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Shafali Verma

Windies Women assistant coach Rayon Griffith looks on as his squad conduct their pre-match net session ahead of toda’s first match at Providence Stadium. (Adrian Narine photo)

FIFA President congratulates GFF president and new GFF Executive PAGE

27

Pooran must 27 use incident as a `learning experience’ PAGE

-CWI president

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (L) and GFF president Wayne Forde during his visit to Guyana in 2017.

Nicholas Pooran celebrates after completing a catch in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019