Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_15_2019

FRIDAY 15th November, 2019

No.105822

Bolstering capacity for first oil PAGE

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…President Granger says Guyana must be prepared soonest for first oil …holds key meeting with IDB representatives

‘Troy’ optimistic about resuming operations soon

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Executives of the Australian-owned Troy Resources Inc are optimistic that operations at the company’s Karouni gold mines will resume soon (Tamica Garnett photo)

Millions allocated to upgrade, build new police divisional HQs 11 PAGE

Eastern Airlines must lodge US$450,000 bond before flying to Guyana 16 PAGE

$8B to pay increases, 03 allowances PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Bolstering capacity for first oil …President Granger says Guyana must be prepared soonest for first oil …holds key meeting with IDB representatives

PRESIDENT David Granger, who also has oversight of the Department of Energy, on Thursday met with a team from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at State House, to discuss the strengthening and capacity building of the Department of Energy as the country prepares for first oil.

The head of state was accompanied by Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

The IDB team was led

by Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen and included sector specialist, Lenin Balza; Executive Leader, Advisory Services, Cassandra Ramkerrysingh and Executive Director at Ernst and Young Services Limited, Salvador Mancilla.

The President, in his ad-

dress to the team, said Guyana must be prepared in the shortest possible time, for the coming of first oil. He stressed that it is incumbent upon the government to make decisions that are best for the sector and the country.

“This meeting is an important step in our need to make decisions and build capacity. It gives us an idea of what must be done and the IDB has been most helpful in this regard. I admit that there is urgency because of what is currently happening in the sector. Much of it has to do with our capacity and capabilities.

We understand the importance that must be placed in these two areas,” the head of state said.

In December 2018, Guyana signed an agreement with the IDB for an $11.64 million policy-based loan. The project is designed to support the strengthening and the sustain-

ability of the energy sector in Guyana by contributing to the institutional development of oil and gas governance and the development of cleaner energy sources for electricity generation.

MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK The specific objectives of the loan programme were to develop a management and planning framework for Guyana’s oil and gas sector and, in the second instance, to contribute towards the development of a policy framework so that Guyana may diversify its electricity generation matrix using cleaner or renewable sources.

The agreed-upon policy commitments of the first tranche of the programme were the creation of the Department of Energy (DE) within the Ministry of the Presi-

President David Granger and team meeting with the IDB representatives on Thursday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

dency to assume responsibilities related to the governance and development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector; the approval by the DE of a draft roadmap to develop Guyana’s oil and gas institutional framework, and the design of a model contract for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSA).

Following this, the agreed-upon policy commitments for the second tranche were the development, for the DE, of a functions’ manual, establishing its organisational structure, budget and staff allocation, a Profit Sharing Agreement (PSA) set of protocols and mechanisms for contract management; and an oil and gas depletion pol-

icy, designed by the DE and presented for approval to the Ministry of the Presidency.

In this regard, the IDB team discussed several policy options with the government, which are geared towards strengthening and building the capacity of the DE and for the regulation of the oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, Head of the Department, Dr. Bynoe, in an invited comment, said, “The meeting basically looked at two elements that were pre-conditions for the policy-based loans. One was for the completion of an organisational structure, standard operating procedures (SOPs), indicative budget along with

future directions that the department should be heading in. It also allowed us an opportunity to assess where we are and to focus on where we should be. The options that were presented were multiple and so it offers government now a basis for better decision making going forward.”

He noted that the IDB has been supportive of the government and the department through the provision of technical assistance such as the hiring of the DE’s Technical Advisor, Mr. Matthew Wilks and in the development of the Profit-Sharing Agreement (PSA) manual.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

$8B to pay increases, allowances

GOVERNMENT’S decision to increase the wages and salaries of public servants will amount to some $8B and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has urged public servants to make good use of the finances.

On Wednesday, President David Granger announced that public servants earning between $100,000 and $1M will receive an 8.5 per cent increase while those earning less than 100,000, will receive a nine per cent increase. Added to that, the minimum basic salary in the public service will climb from $64,200 to $70,000. All of the increases will be taxfree and will be retroactive to January 1, 2019.

In response to these increases, the opposition leader, during his weekly press conference on Thursday, endorsed the move by government. “Public servants should collect their money, it was budgeted since last year,” Jagdeo told reporters.

Over at GPSU, its President, Patrick Yarde, declined to weigh in on the matter, though the increases would, undoubtedly, positively impact the lives of its members.

When the Guyana Chronicle contacted the union on Thursday, it was repeatedly told that Yarde was not in office.

No other official was available to speak on behalf of the union. When this newspaper visited the union’s head office at around 16:35hrs, it was told that Yarde was in a meeting, and would not engage the press on the issue until he calls a press conference. Top government ministers, however, had met with Yarde and another official of the union on Tuesday and according to a Department of Public Information release, the discussion was fruitful and was held in a cordial manner. The increases and allowances announced by the government have been championed by the union over the years, although it insisted on collective bargaining in arriving at these awards.

Among the beneficiaries of this year’s increases are ‘sweeper-cleaners’ – a category of workers that the GPSU had fought long and hard for them to be regularised within the public service. In making the announcement on Wednesday, President Granger disclosed

that sweeper-cleaners, in the public education system, will get better remuneration starting December, as they too will benefit from the new minimum wage of $70,000.

Since before 2013, 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 (predominantly women) protested several times in Georgetown and Linden, demanding to be paid the minimum wage and also for better working conditions.

Come December, public servants’ minimum wage, including the salaries of sweeper-cleaners, 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.

On Thursday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, who had initially announced the new minimum wage ahead of the Presi-

dent’s address, clarified that, semi-anonymous agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would benefit from the increases.

However, Minister Jordan noted that the increases do not apply to the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, and public corporations on the grounds that they already benefitted from a one off increase in 2015.

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

Station allowances will be increased 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.

The increases in wages, salaries and allowances were announced one day after a meeting between the government and GPSU, and would be paid in December.

The increases will cost the treasury approximately $8B and were budgeted for in the 2019 National Budget.

After taking office in 2015, the administration increased the minimum wage from $39,540 to $50,000, benefitting over 30,700 persons 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 earning 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 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 seven per cent and increased the minimum wage from $60,000 to 64,000. Public servants who earned up to $100,000 received a seven per cent increase while public servants who earned salaries between $100,000 and $299,999 received a 6.5 per 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.

Energy director holds talks with American Chamber ….says body can play key role in promoting oil sector

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, this afternoon, said the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana (AmCham) is well positioned to increase interest and investment in Guyana’s oil and gas sector and it needs only to inform stakeholders that Guyana is open for business.

Dr. Bynoe made these statements during an Interactive Session on Oil and Gas with the group, which was aimed at informing them about the role and function of the Department. His presentation included topics such as Local Content Policy, Institutional Strengthening, Resource Development, Stakeholder engagements and Cohesive Policy Framework, Planning for the future – for 2020 along with the direct and indirect benefits for Guyana.

The Director was accompanied by Legal Officer and Petroleum Geologist at the Department, Ms. Joanna Simmons and Ms.

Marissa Foster, respectively.

AmCham members, including Chairman of its Energy Committee, Mr. Shyam Nokta; Chairman of Bridged Incorporated, Ms. Stephanie Quallis (via Skype); Mr. Robert Persaud, Windsor Estates; Mr. Arif Khan of Keen360 Incorporated; Ms. Denisha Mayers and Ria Samuels, both of Massy Woods; Ms. Ayanna Watson and Mr. Kevin Levans, both of SOL Guyana; Ms. Onicka Newland and Ms. Natasha Peters, both of DAI Guyana Incorporated; Mr. Lekhnaraine Shivraj of Massy Group; Mr. Tom Carpenter of ExxonMobil; Mr. Stephen Roberts of Hughes, Fields and Stoby, Mr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionInvest Caribbean Incorporated and Ms. Sarah Shaffie of AmCham Guyana Incorporated. The meeting was hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Director of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe and members of the American Chamber of Commerce

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

Italy to declare emergency over Venice flooding Italy is set to declare a state of emergency in Venice after the Italian city was engulfed by 1.87m (6ft) high water levels, flooding its historic basilica and cutting power to homes.

More than 80% of the city, a UNESCO world heritage site,

was under water when tides were at their highest.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte described the flooding as “a blow to the heart of our country”.

He said the government would now act quickly to pro-

vide funds and resources.

“It hurts to see the city so damaged, its artistic heritage compromised, its commercial activities on its knees,” Mr Conte, who visited the region late on Wednesday, wrote in a Facebook post (in Italian).

He said the government would “accelerate” the building of structural defences for the lagoon city, referring specifically to the so-called Mose project - a hydraulic barrier system to shut off the lagoon in the event of rising sea levels and winter storms.

The prime minister said he intended to declare emergency measures on Thursday, adding that individuals could claim up to €5,000 (£4,300; $5,500), and businesses up to €20,000, in compensation.

Many museums remained shut on Thursday, AFP reports.

It comes as Venetians woke to sirens indicating that the tide would “remain high” in the coming days. The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, blamed climate change for the highest water levels in more than 50 years this week, saying the impact was “huge” and would leave “a permanent

mark”.

St Mark’s Square - one of the lowest parts of the city - was one of the worst hit areas.

Mr Brugnaro said the famous St Mark’s Basilica had suffered “grave damage”. The crypt at the historic landmark was completely flooded on Tuesday and there are fears that the basilica’s columns may have been structurally damaged.

“The damage will run into hundreds of millions of euros,” Mr Brugnaro warned.

On Wednesday, pumps were deployed to drain water from the church and its 12th Century crypt.

Small business owners and vendors in the city were appealing to tourists, many of whom had left the city after the water levels rose, to return.

One merchant told the mayor that his business relied on tourism, but that his kiosk was swept away by the tide. The city of Venice is made up of more than 100 islands inside a lagoon off the north-east coast of Italy. It suffers flooding on a yearly basis.

Only once since official records began in 1923, however,

has the tide been higher than it reached this week - hitting 1.94m in 1966.

On the island of Pellestrina, two people died as a result of the flooding on a thin strip of land that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. A resident was electrocuted as he tried to start a pump in his home and a second person was found dead elsewhere on the island.

The flooding in Venice was caused by a combination of high spring tides and a meteorological storm surge driven by strong winds blowing north-eastwards across the Adriatic Sea. The winds were so strong that an empty vaporetto - or public water bus - ended up grounded in Venice’s Arsenale complex.

Mr Conte said the Mose flood defence project, part of which was successfully tested in 2013, was not expected to be operational until the end of 2021.

Work on the project began back in 2003 and has already cost billions of euros. It has been plagued by corruption and bribery allegations.

In 2014, the former mayor

of Venice, Giorgio Orsoni, stepped down after he was accused of involvement in the embezzling of around €20m ($27m; £16m) in public funds earmarked for flood defences.

The weather patterns that have caused the Adriatic storm surge have been driven by a strong meridional (waving) jet stream across the northern hemisphere and this has fed a conveyor belt of low pressure systems into the central Mediterranean.

One of the possible effects of a changing climate is that the jet stream will be more frequently meridional and blocked weather patterns such as these will also become more frequent. If this happens, there is a greater likelihood that these events will combine with astronomical spring tides and hence increase the chance of flooding in Venice.

Furthermore, the meridional jet stream can be linked back to stronger typhoons in the north-west Pacific resulting in more frequent cold outbreaks in North America and an unsettled Mediterranean is another one of the downstream effects. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

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Clashes rock Bolivia after senator becomes leader

Clashes have again broken out in Bolivia as supporters of former President Evo Morales oppose the rule of the new interim leader.

Opposition senator Jeanine Áñez assumed the presidency amid a power vacuum and has vowed to hold elections soon.

Supporters of Mr Morales clashed with riot police, while lawmakers loyal to him sought to challenge the legitimacy of Ms Áñez’s appointment.

Mr Morales resigned on Sunday and has since fled to Mexico.

His resignation followed weeks of protests over a disputed presidential election result. He said he was forced to stand down but did so willingly “so there would be no more bloodshed”.

Ms Áñez’s appointment as interim leader has been endorsed by Bolivia’s Constitutional Court.

Riot police fired tear gas during clashes on Wednesday with supporters of Mr Morales, who marched towards the presidential palace in La Paz to protest against Ms Áñez’s appointment.

Some demonstrators used wooden planks and sheets of metal as weapons.

There were chants of “Now, civil war”, the Asso-

Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in La Paz (BBC News)

ciated Press reports.

Protests were also reported elsewhere, including in La Paz’s sister city of El Alto and the coca-growing region of El Chapare.

The latest demonstrations came as lawmakers loyal to Mr Morales sought to challenge Ms Áñez’s legitimacy.

They boycotted the session of congress called to formalise her claim to the presidency, preventing a quorum.

They have since been trying to hold new counter sessions.

Police reportedly blocked some lawmakers allied with

Mr Morales from entering the country’s parliamentary assembly on Wednesday.

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

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 and lower house resigned.

That put her next in line

for the presidency under the constitution.

Ms Áñez said again on Wednesday that she wanted to hold elections as soon as possible and denied that a coup had taken place against Mr Morales.

She also swore in new commanders-in-chief in all branches of the military.

The US recognised her as the leader, saying it looked forward to working with Bolivia’s interim administration.

Brazil, one of Bolivia’s top trading partners, also congratulated her on her “constitutional” assumption of the presidency

Mr Morales has branded Ms Áñez “a coup-mongering right-wing senator” and condemned the US recognition of her interim rule.

In the country, reaction to Ms Áñez’s assumption of power has been mixed.

“We don’t want any dictators. This lady has stepped on us - that’s why we’re so mad,” one protester told the Associated Press news agency.

Others hoped her interim role would bring stability to the country after weeks of unrest.

“It seems she is going to act in a fair way and will get us out of this mess,” one person in La Paz told Reuters.

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.

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.

There have been at least seven fatalities in the weeks of conflict in the country.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

The coming of oil and transparency

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S we approach the close of the year, it is worth the while to reflect on what the next few years could look like for Guyana as we prepare to join the few countries that have been fortunate to discover oil and use it as the path to economic development.

From all indications, the immediate future could be a transformative period for our country. Already, many Guyanese are speculating that Guyana could be entering a period when we could well unlock the gates to the collective prosperity to which all ex-colonial countries aspire. It is indeed an overwhelming feeling for a country that is among the poorest in the Americas.

But, as we have seen from the debates, the much-anticipated economic prosperity would not wipe away our decades of contentious politics, nor would it immediately solve our economic woes. To the contrary, one could conclude that the coming of oil would exacerbate our divisive politics and that could have a negative impact on our capacity to successfully use the oil revenues to effect economic transformation. In this regard, the opposition should rethink its strategy of relentless negativity. One gets the impression that most of the time, the opposition is more concerned with scoring political points rather than helping to improve the situation.

Over the last year, there has been no shortage of advice from local and international experts on how to avoid the pitfalls that accompany oil discovery. Indeed, much of that advice comes against the backdrop of the vulnerability of our political economy and the perceived track record of the oil companies that are poised to dominate the industry. This is understandable, given the experiences of countries and the sense of nationalism that accompanies oil discovery—the old debate about the extent to which countries benefit from their resources. Suffice it to say that Guyana has, in the past, not satisfactorily negotiated the best deals for itself.

But even as we make that observation, we must strive for cooperation and consensus rather than confrontation with foreign investors. In this regard, we must caution against overreaction against Exxon Mobil. While we must be forever vigilant, such vigilance should be balanced and constructive. Government, over the past few years, has been very transparent about the activities in the sector. This was demonstrated after initially deciding not to publicly release details of the contract with Exxon Mobil, the government changed course and has released all other contracts. As it explained, notwithstanding its concerns about confidentiality clauses, the ultimate decision was guided by its commitment to transparency.

As we have editorialised before, no Anglophone Caribbean government, in recent decades, has come under as much scrutiny during its first term in office as our current APNU+AFC coalition government. It is customary for new governments to be allowed the proverbial honeymoon period, with the understanding that that time represents a transition from the old to the new. However, this government has not had that luxury. It has been in office for just over four years, but if one were to judge from the criticisms of the opposition PPP and the commentaries in the media, it seems more like three terms. The big consequence is that the government has not had the space needed to settle into its own mode of operation. It has had to simultaneously try to put its own stamp on the governmental process and defend itself against an avalanche of criticisms, including some glaringly unjustified ones.

The PPP has been the most uncooperative and uncomplimentary opposition. It has gone as far as rejecting national unity talks. Instead, it pontificates on every issue in a manner that suggests its objective is criticism simply for the sake of doing so. What is even more nauseating is that it barefacedly seeks to hold this government responsible for failures which the PPP bequeathed to it.

If the top 1,000 taxpayers pay their rightful taxes, tax rates will be more equitable

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Dear Editor,

HAVE read, with amusement, disgust and derision, the KN article of Mr. Freddie Kissoon of November 14, 2019 titled “President Granger and Godfrey Statia are pathetic failures”.

Amusement in the fact that Mr. Kissoon “like he did my predecessor”, has tried to goad me, by publishing various mistruths on his dealings with the GRA, into a response that will allow some respite to his fledgling and spent career as a journalist and political commentator. Unlike my predecessor, who Mr. Kissoon claims to have treated him unfairly, I find it demeaning to be drawn into any public debate or conversation with Mr. Kissoon. I am a public servant and will continue to do my job in a professional manner, and I have never, past, present nor will in the future, fail in executing my legal duties as Commissioner-General. Actually, I must admit that after his article on the clearing of his vehicle where he included glaring half-truths and innuendos, and to which I refused to respond, I expected to have seen an article on the vehicle registration process, and the fact that the law does not allow for vanity plates, a request for which was not approved.

Editor, I am disgusted by Mr. Kissoon’s utter disrespect to the Office of the President and the holder of the highest office in the land, under freedom of the press enshrined in the Constitution, when in actuality, he is creatively guilty of public mischief. Lastly, utmost derision in the fact that it is either that Mr. Kissoon refuses to read responses to his columns, is guilty of intellectual dishonesty, or through the “advent of old age” and/or previous past experience, is beginning to suffer from amnesia, and by his own admission, inflexible opinion-ism.

It was Frantz Fanon who Freddie knows too well that stated: “Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong.

When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalise, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief”. This is typical Freddie.

Mr. Kissoon, if my memory serves me right, may have written about Property Tax at least three times during my stint at the GRA. On every occasion he has bemoaned the fact that based on the high rises, Property Tax should be raising billions in tax dollars. On more than one occasion, I have had cause to place in the public domain, rather than responding to him directly, full-page adverts that explained the basis of Property Tax and why, contrary to popular belief, Property Tax is not a tax on property but rather is based on a person’s net worth less exemptions et al. I wonder how Freddie – an academic researcher, would have taught his students, since it is apparent, because of his inflexibility, he failed to do any research whatsoever for his article. In the alternative, he could have at least requested an explanation from the Prime Ministerial candidate that he has quoted. But rather he chose to protect his core belief by choosing to ignore and deny anything that doesn’t fit in with this belief.

Property Tax being a net worth tax means that all liabilities, yes Freddie, all liabilities owed by the person should be deducted to arrive at the net property, any associated wear and tear claimed on the property, then the $40M exemption.

The remainder is then taxed at rates of 0.75 per cent to one per cent. Further, it is the acquisition price used, and not the market value of the property. The government, recognising this, has amended the law to utilise a value at 01/01/2011 value as of 2013. Do the math. Check with your business friends, and even your employer, who despite having huge businesses, are mortgaged to the hilt. Check the loans owed to the banks, their bad debt portfolio. All of this information will show that “all that glitters is not gold”. Declaration and filing of Property Tax returns did not culminate in payments in 90 per cent of filing cases. Filings only added paper burden, and no taxes, hence the raising of the threshold. Further, notwithstanding increases in exemptions, property taxes had steadily increased under my tenure from $2.4B in 2014 to its $4.35B in 2018 and a present $4.2B year to date for 2019 due to increased compliance.

But Freddie may not be alone in his simplistic interpretation of the Property Tax, so he can be forgiven. I have

seen some of my very tax officers who have battled with the computation, even a former member of the Tax Reform Committee and a past Chairman of the Board at the GRA. A current Presidential candidate also famously calculated the tax on gross rather than net assets thereby lamenting that Property Tax on his new business venture will exceed $150M annually.

As for his comments on “Clientelism” and concealment of assets, it seems that Freddie may have information that would be useful in increasing tax collections. I have said on numerous occasions, if the top 1,000 taxpayers pay their rightful taxes, tax rates will be more equitable. My agency’s role is to ensure that everyone pays their rightful tax, and to administer the laws in a fair and equitable manner. I will be grateful for him to supply such information to the authority, which will be treated with utmost confidence to facilitate payment of all rightful taxes (not only property taxes).

In a response on May 1, 2017 to Mr. Kissoon’s KN’s article of April 27, 2017 titled ‘From Sattaur to Statia: the unpleasant story of Guyana’, I stated as follows: “Mr. Kissoon is considered an independent thinker, and may have sometimes suffered for his stand. His articles create national and international discourse. It is unfortunate therefore that such a person can descend to such a level of indecency, where he felt it was acceptable to berate and abuse public servants and then simultaneously try to manipulate the situation to garner public sympathy.

This leaves a lot to be desired from defender of the downtrodden”. This is but another cheap and futile attempt at cheap publicity. To again edify the general public, political writers, presidential and prime ministerial candidates, I have again instructed that an earlier Press Release on the basis of Property Tax be recirculated.

Let the public be the judge as to who is or are pathetic failures.

Regards, Godfrey Statia Commissioner-General

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Women in an exciting time Dear Editor,

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n Guyana today the woman’s role in society is becoming increasingly meaningful. She is discovering more of herself, her potentials – the possibilities that are set before her, even though she may yet be a vulnerable creature in so many ways. However, in such an atmosphere of hope that exists in this society today, noticeably more women are exhibiting confidence and trust in the system.

President David Granger has consistently demonstrated his commitment at being a trusted supporter and friend of women. Not just because he is a husband to First Lady Sandra Granger for nearly 50 years so far; not just because, as a father he has publicly shown his love for his daughters and grandchildren; but also because it is not difficult for most women and girls especially, to feel that genuine affection that emanates from him. The fact is that he is a caring president and there is no dispute about it.

As president of the APNU+AFC coalition government, he continues to place emphasis on matters that would help women to rise above situations that may be submerging them. He has not been shy to express care for the women of Guyana, especially those who find themselves in most vulnerable circumstances.

STARTING FROM THE TOP In the Granger-led coalition government, there has obviously been a rise in the women who hold positions of high authority in this country. Other than President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, there are 24 ministers of government. A breakdown would show that there are 13 male ministers of government, with the President and Prime Minister making it fifteen in total.

However, there are currently 10 female ministers of government – three less than their male counterparts.

EMPOWERING WOMEN CRITICAL In fact, President Granger has actually emphasised the importance of gender parity in relation to women in this society. Therefore, every female minister of government must be seen as a way of empowering the women as a whole in this country. As women, they can be considered as lifted to higher levels. However, they are not there for themselves, but for every citizen who may need their assistance in direct or indirect ways. Hence they are empowered to help their women-folks in every possible manner, but are also obligated to be of service to the men as well.

At the most recently held, Women’s History Month event, the President stated, “It is my belief that if women were economically independent, if they were educated and if they were empowered, we would not have this sort of domination and domestic violence that are taking place in this country. So, I call upon you my sisters, to move the

process along by ensuring that your girl-children particularly, can get to school, that they are protected from abuse, that they are given education and that they can take control of their lives.”

The First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, who was patron of that event added her voice: “Girls and our women have to be educated and independent and to know their power; to know how they are going to spend their money and to know how they are going to make the demands that come with that power and that comes with that sisterhood; then is when we will really start to see women moving forward.

“My husband and I talk often about education, and we also talk about the burdens on women, particularly single women who are parents of children and struggle to get them to school and to put a roof over their heads and feed them…” she posited.

And so, based on such a premise, the coalition government of the APNU+AFC has been putting every possible system in place to provoke women to action all over the country. To find stability in proper and sustainable employment; to avoid abuse of all forms; and to avoid the pitfalls that especially single woman encounter. Education and training is not only being made available, but also encouraged.

Women continue to experience tremendous improvements in every region in Guyana. They are much more involved in agriculture and agro-processing and see better outcomes. They enjoy an elevated level of education and training, gaining skills that are positioning them to be engaged in entrepreneurship or become employable.

Then they enjoy better healthcare, with more hospitals and maternity wards; more health centres and health posts.

Mothers can now relax and see their children benefit from better education undertakings by the APNU+AFC coalition government. In this case books, meals and even transportation are made available – all free of cost. There has even been a different approach to the school’s curriculum and this is at every level.

President Granger has even paid attention to imprisoned women, having a plan to pardon some of them who were convicted for non-violent crimes. This was done at Christmas time, starting December 2015. He noted that special attention is to be given to mothers, while young men would be pardoned for the Guyana’s Independence, he said. “My emphasis is on women, women who are mothers and also parents of young children. I want them to be home for Christmas.” He however noted that plans are in the making to provide rehabilitative services for pardoned prisoners, which would help them to live a changed life after being pardoned.

Regards, Margaret Burke

The passage of this resolution sends a strong message to the Iranian Dear Editor,

I

ran has once again been condemned by the international community for its ongoing human rights violations. A United Nations General Assembly committee has expressed serious concern about the country’s continued attacks against religious minorities, including the Baha’is.

This came in a resolution adopted today by a vote of 84 to 30, with 66 abstentions, from the Third Committee of the General Assembly. The six-page resolution expressed serious concern about ongoing severe limitations and increasing restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, … against persons belonging to recognised and unrecognised religious minorities, including ... members of the Baha’i Faith.

This resolution follows two recent reports on Iran.

Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, noted in his July report that, “Over the past 40 years, the Baha’is, considered to be the largest non-Muslim and unrecognised religious minority in the Islamic Republic of Iran ... have suffered from the most egregious forms of repression, persecution and victimisation.” Additionally, the Secretary-General, in a September report about Iran, included the following recommendation: “The Secretary-General urges the government to ensure the protection of minority groups and individuals, and to uphold and implement legislation that protects them.”

The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly today adopted a resolution that expresses its serious concern about Iran’s continued attacks against religious minorities, including the Baha’is.

Meanwhile, in Geneva, during the 34th session of the Universal Periodic Review, a large number of countries criticized Iran for its violation of the rights of religious minorities which led to six recommendations that specifically refer to the Baha’is. “We welcome this resolution and its condemnation of Iran’s egregious human rights violations,” said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations.

The passage of this resolution sends a strong message to the Iranian authorities that continuous violations against the Baha’is and other religious minorities are well-noted by the international community, and ongoing discrimination and harassment of any religious minority group for simply practicing their faith will not be tolerated. The resolution will be confirmed by the plenary of the General Assembly this December.

Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

'Troy' optimistic about resuming operations soon

By Tamica Garnett

EXECUTIVES of the Australian-owned Troy Resources Inc are optimistic that operations at the company’s Karouni gold mines will resume soon.

The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Nilsson and General Manager, Eric Olsen, told reporters on Thursday during a media tour of its facilities that even in its suspended state, it loses some US$40,000 per day due to expenses to remain in existence.

They say at this point in time, it would be in the best interest of all for a speedy decision going forward.

Nilsson explained that the six-week period whereby the company can lay off employees without pay expires next week, so regardless of what decision is made going forward, one is needed by that time.

“My short answer is next week everybody will know.

Before then, we have to have something, in saying this is how we plan to go ahead. At the end of the day, it actually sits with the board of Troy.

We had a board meeting earlier this week and we have another one on Sunday, and that’s where the decision will be made on how we actually do it,” Nilsson explained, as he sought to address several of the burning issues surrounding the company’s future.

Nilsson said shutting up shop is not an immediate

Troy Resources Inc Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Nilsson (right) and General Manager, Eric Olsen

option the company is exploring, cognisant of the current and future potential of the mines.

“What’s possible is everything. We could go back to exactly the way we were or do it in a more focused manner, or do nothing; those are the three options. Of course doing nothing is not a particularly good one, because at the moment with the work we’re doing, it’s costing us about US$40,000 a day and nobody can survive spending that money without having an income,” Nilsson informed.

Though mining and production at the company has been suspended, the company has continued explorations exercises and other works, so never entirely “shut down”, the executives said.

The company has been in the spotlight since the October 8th death of geologist, Ryan Taylor, at its “Hick’s One Extension” pit. It laid off all but some 137 employees,

on October 12. Overall, the company has approximately 500 employees, including approximately 80 contracted workers. Following a meeting with Minister of Social Protection (MoSP), Amna Ally, last week Thursday, the company has been cleared to resume operations and employees have been anxious for word on the future of their employment.

STRUCTURED PLAN The company said resuming operations is not just a matter of going back in the pit since a structured plan is first needed.

According to the executives, for the past few months, the company has been experiencing downward projections but is banking on future forecasts.

As such, resuming operations require much deliberations and clearance from the Australian principals.

“If you have a business and it shuts down, you have

Troy Resources Inc gold production plant at Karouni in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni Region (Tamica Garnett photo)

to have a good business plan for it to open back up; so that’s what my team and I have been working on for the last three-four weeks. It is about coming up with a business plan that makes sense for the board,” Olson conveyed He added: “So, I think we have a plan that makes sense and that’s what we’ve been putting together for the board to decide. We don’t operate without plans approved by the board. For the last six months, we’ve had more mining people than we need, but part of what we’re going to do… is another project, so we need those people. It’s [the project] not fully permitted and that sort of stuff, so that’s where the juggling comes in.”

Olson further said that even when the company resumes operations, it will take some time before the first income is realised, and all of that has to be taken into consideration in plans going forward.

Financial, assets recovery training concludes today A THREE-DAY training workshop on Financial Investigations and Asset Recovery for State lawyers, police prosecutors, police and financial investigators from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) will conclude today.

The event was a collaboration between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit.

Other agencies that participated are the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

The workshop is facilitated by the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS)’s Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre (OTC) on Camp Road.

The ARU provides technical assistance on mentoring of financial investigations, legal advice, training and capacity-building to law enforcement, criminal justice practitioners, financial investigators and analysts lobbying and advocating on policy and legislative framework.

The training also focuses on fundamentals of money launder-

ing and asset recovery issues and challenges.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Commissioner of Police, Leslie James and ARU’s Director, Grenville Williams, made brief opening remarks while Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (ADPP), Dionne McCammon, gave an overview of the training.

The training is another in a series of training workshops by the DPP’s Chambers from 2013 to present in collaboration with the ARU and USAbased National Centre for State Courts (NCSC).

“When we start back, the first ore we put in the system won’t come out for six-seven weeks. From the day that first ounce of gold that we put in, we won’t see that revenue for six weeks, so basically you have to pay all the wages and so for that six weeks,” he noted, pointing out that “it’s not a desirable situation and we are obviously working very hard to resolve it so that everybody is reasonably happy. And we get back into production.”

REHIRING The company said when it resumes it will be looking to take on back all laid off employees once they are willing to return. “They have an option whether they want to work for us or not; we can’t force anybody to come back.

These are people we have, we’ve spent massive amount of money in training. Obviously, if we have to go back and do that all over again, we’ll set ourselves back a

long time, so that’s not really desirable,” Nilsson explained.

Following Taylor’s death, investigations were launched by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Occupational Health and Safety Department (OSHD) into the company’s mining operations. Despite initial reports of investigations also being conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), acting Crime Chief, Michael Kingston, earlier this week noted that he has no knowledge of such investigation.

The company had also launched its own investigation into the incident.

The GGMC report has been completed since October 17. The state of the OSHD report is unclear, and the company’s executives said they would not be releasing the findings of their report now until the government agencies release theirs.

More economical to sell GDF Bell-412 chopper DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said it would be more economical for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to sell its Bell-412 Helicopter than to repair it.

Over the weekend, the GDF announced the sale of the unserviceable Bell Helicopter. In the advertisement, it detailed the Bell 412, registration – 8RGFP, Year – 1982, and serial no.

33040.

At a post cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, the Director-General said the decision to sell the unserviceable Bell Helicopter was taken at the level of the Guyana Defence Board.

He said given the helicopter’s current state, it would be difficult for the GDF to rehabilitate it.

“This is an aircraft that has been unserviceable for close to 10 years now, so there is no possibility right now of the GDF making that helicopter serviceable

again to fly in a commercial way,” he explained while fielding questions from reporters.

Once sold, he said the Defence Force would be able to source new equipment.

“The expense is so much that it might be easier for the GDF to sell that helicopter and to purchase newer equipment,” he pointed out.

“There are private entities who have similar types of aircraft and who might be in a better position to take what is there and to rehabilitate it and get it going,” Harmon added.

Already, there have been several expressions of interest for the purchase of the Bell-412. “There has been some interest expressed in the purchase of the helicopter and we trust that we would be able to get that completely very shortly,” Harmon said.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

$21M upgrade for Soesdyke Post Office

THE Soesdyke Post Office, which provides service to hundreds of residents, has received extensive upgrades which will allow it to serve its customers efficiently. The

Guyana Post Office Corporation, Rev. Dr. Murtland Raphael Massiah said the commissioning of the new outpost was a “significant step” for the company. He described the old facility

bilitation of the post office.

She said the project was among many undertaken by the government as it continued to deliver superb services to all Guyanese.

“There is no question. We

A resident of Soesdyke, Murtland Higgins, cuts ribbon to the new facility

their education… This also makes it possible for us to conduct business easier at the Post Office.”

Minister Hughes said her ministry was on a mission to refur-

bish each postal service outpost throughout Guyana. Among the post offices rehabilitated are Kitty - Georgetown, New Amsterdam - Berbice, Anna Regina on

the Essequibo Coast, and Wismar in Linden.

The Plaisance Post Office is currently being constructed, while the one at Buxton is next on the list. (DPI)

Rev. Dr. Murtland Raphael Massiah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Post Office Corporation

A section of the gathering at the dedication ceremony

rehabilitation to the facility was in keeping with the government’s mandate of providing quality services.

The construction work on the brand-new stateof-the-art building commenced on June 4 and was completed on October 29, 2019, at the cost of $21M. The single-flat commercial structure has approximately 810 square feet of usable space and is equipped with the necessary amenities for a public building, including features that can accommodate access by persons with disabilities.

At a small dedication ceremony on Thursday morning, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the

as deplorable. He recalled that when it became known to him that dedicated employees were working in those conditions, he vowed that this situation had to be changed.

The director reminded those present that the work of the Guyana Post Office (GPO) was second to none.

“I want to report that the Post Office enjoys a level of efficiency that I would dare many organisations to meet… We delivered 98% of mail that we processed,” he disclosed.

Also present at the opening was Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes, who noted her satisfaction with the reha-

know where we started prior to 2015, and therefore, I feel I have every right to stand up and say I am proud that we have started a process of fixing and restoring and building so that our citizens can benefit from these opportunities.”

According to the minister, space has been allocated for a new ICT hub and the wifi connections have been installed. She noted that residents, especially school children, can make use of the free service. “I am letting you know that the students who may not have the internet at home can come with their phones, tablets and laptops and get free internet access to enhance

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes interacts with senior folks as they sit patiently at the Post Office’

The recently refurbished Soesdyke Post Office

Vox-Pop

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

ON Wednesday President David Granger announced that all public servants earning between $100,000 and $1M will be receiving 8.5% increase and those who are earning less than $100,000 will be receiving 9% increase. Those earning a minimum wage of $64,220 will be receiving, in December, $69,336 as retroactive pay.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, stated, earlier on Wednesday, that the minimum basic salary in the public service will ‘move’ from $64,200 to $70,000. All of the increases will be tax-free and will be retroactive to January 1, 2019.

The Guyana Chronicle, on Thursday November 14, 2019, took its microphones into the streets to solicit the views of Guyanese on the salary increase. The views have been captured below:

“I think the increase is good because for a very long time Public Servants have been at the bottom but we are getting there. For me I appreciate it,”

“the increase is good because it gon help us out a lot, because well certain thing wa you can’t do with yo salary wa yo use to get, with this increase could help you with situation, like me I is an example like I does got to travel from far and the salary I’m getting right now is not really working out; by time I done pay passage to reach work half gone.

It is very good for me I could say and be very good for people,”

“I believe it would be something good especially for persons who are handling debit. Such an increase will be a plus on their part because it could actually pay off some stuff that they have been saving up for, and even buy more and handle more of the affairs in a more efficient and effective manner and still have a bit more to live comfortable enough,”

― Angelicia Robertson

“From 2015 to now it show that the government is making an increase and I think this is a good idea, plus this will be a good start for next year this is a good start,”

― Claude Lewis

― Claudette Tobin

― Darrell Boustwick

“For me it is a very good step, it is a good increase, it is a good move and it is coming at the right time when they all as public servants expected it, it is a pity I am not in the public service. I would have love to enjoy it. But it will come down to me in some way because I am a businessman,”

― Sherwin Dublin

“ I would say the salary increase is good and as the Finance Minister said that it would be retroactive from January 1, it make no sense we ask for a bonus and then you still getting the same salary, so is best we accept the salary increase and get your retroactive.

So I think is something good I don’t think it is a bad move they deserve it,”

― Mr. McKinnon

“I heard that some teachers were waiting anxiously for the news to come out when they will get the increase and how much it will be and finally when the news came the teachers were jumping up. They were very happy with the increase and now they are waiting on the day to be paid; people are happy about it and it helps a lot,”

― Denton Osbourne

“I think the increase is a good effort the government is making and I know that is just a wink because I know, in the future, this same government is going to do more great things for our nurses and other public servants in Guyana. They are doing good so far. I love this government because we use to be getting 5% and 2% and it never use to be tax-free now it is tax-free so I am happy for it and I am contented,”

― Lorraine Hall “The pay increase is an unprecedented move by the President David A. Granger led Coalition Government to continue to bring the Good Life to all Guyanese. As public servants we have seen significant increase to our salaries, amounting to the promised 77 percent cap mentioned by the Minister of Public Finance over the period 2015 to 2019. I am intrigued to see where such a caring government will lead this country as we approach 2020 and beyond; we have seen such rapid increases without even receiving first oil profits. The part I look forward to the most are the hikes in the allowances, as we have seen significant increase in almost all of them. No matter the situation, these allowances will never be taxed; so this should be the area that persons should be most excited about. I have been a teacher for several years and cannot remember so much emphasis being placed on the Public Servants; I can humbly conclude that His Excellency is on a mission to make us some of the most respectable persons in the Caribbean. As I pass almost every corner, persons are literally thanking His Excellency and team for ensuring that we have a great Christmas and a Prosperous 2020. My Government has put a smile back on the faces of many and I must say how grateful I am for these mercies.”

― Douglas Gittens

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Millions allocated to upgrade, build new police divisional HQs

By Alisa Lashley

MILLIONS have been allocated to upgrade several police stations that will be used as the headquarters of the new regional police divisions, Director General within the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon has said.

He made the disclosure during a post-cabinet news briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday. He, at the time, was briefing the media on a number of contracts awarded by the various procurement agencies. The contracts include the rehabilitation and upgrading of divisional headquarters in Regions One, Two, Three, Four and Five, with (Region Four) hosting three of such divisions in Agricola to Cummings Lodge, Eccles to Moblissa on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and Industry, East Coast Demerara to west of the Mahaica Bridge.

Harmon said this will therefore allow every administrative region to be in a division in the Guyana Police Force. It will also enable the newly-elected regional and appointed deputy commanders to be physically present in their regions of elect, with adequate accommo-

dations that will allow them to “function effectively,” according to Mr. Harmon.

The aforementioned contracts will see the rehabilitation to the divisional headquarters under the Ministry of Public Security in Mabaruma (Region One) for the allocated amount of $208,571,685;

$199,838,860; the rehabilitation of the Cove and John Police Station (Region Four) for the amount of $47,476,020 and the construction of a divisional headquarter at Fort Wellington (Region Five) amounting to $201,715,800.

The introduction of regional police divisions is one

Director General, Joseph Harmon

Anna Regina( Region Two) for the amount of $215,189,400; the reconstruction of the Leonora Police Station (Region Three) amounting to of $72,732,088; the construction of the divisional headquarters at Diamond (Region Four) for the allocated amount of

of the new policy decisions undertaken by His Excellency, President David Granger.

He previously described the changes as necessary to ensure that the GPF executes its duties to the best of its abilities in every region. “I’ve tried to erect a new architecture, ap-

Ramjattan apologises for EBD traffic congestion PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has apologised to commuters who criticised the suspension of the use of a third lane along the East Bank Demerara which resulted in a massive traffic build up there on Wednesday.

Ramjattan also noted that Commissioner of Police, Leslie James was the person who ‘made the call’ to suspend the use of the third lane.

He and the traffic chief reportedly received complaints from commuters heading south along the East Bank Demerara corridor that they were affected by the three-way traffic route to Georgetown.

“It is the commissioner to make the call and he made the call,” Ramjattan told reporters.

The three-way traffic arrangement has been in place for several years and appears to have been working well, at least for those heading into Georgetown from the East Bank and West Demerara in the mornings and returning home in the afternoons.

“To placate them ap-

parently, he tried it out but it was totally, in my view, not an advisable thing to do so. I rather suppose that this morning (Thursday) it would be restored to traffic in the morning, coming into Georgetown, there must be three lanes, one on the other side of the road and one going it in the afternoon, it will be tree lanes in the afternoon like normal. A lot of people called me with a lot of vexation and I have to apologise, so we are going to correct the situation,” Ramjattan said.

Ramjattan noted that while the decision to suspend the third lane was one made by the Police Force, it is an operational matter, which falls within the remit of the Police Force.

“These are operational matter, and operational matters are handled by the police and if upon that handling of it, it does have huge other problem, well then we resolve it; it is like you have to do certain things by trial and error and the minute we realised that there some negatives about it, we have it corrected,” the Public Security Minister said.

The suspension of the third lane caused much discomfort to persons using the East Bank Demerara carriageway since no prior notice was given to the public about the change.

On Thursday morning, the south-bound East Bank carriageway returned to a two-lane traffic heading in the opposition direction as the police sought to ease the congestion caused by the numerous vehicles heading into the City.

The issue of big sand trucks on the road has also caused some concerns to commuters, but Ramjattan said systems will be put in place to fix the problem.

“What we will have to do is to get the big trucks carrying containers and sand, and so on, off the road during those morning hours -- that’s also an additional kind of instruction so that we can ease that thing. A lot of people live on the East Bank now that come to work in Georgetown and they are saying that sometimes these big trucks park on the road and block them,” the minister said.

pointing a new commissioner, deputy commissioners and ensure that certain reforms are put in place… The police’s divisional structure has been modified to coincide with the administrative structure so that the types of crimes that we saw occurring in the hinterland – interpersonal violence, illegal migration, mining, and pollution of our rivers – fell under one police division…

We now have four police divisions which are responsible for enforcing the law in those areas,” President Granger told journalist, Gordon Moseley, recently. He reminded them that Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine previously comprised a single division. The Police Division in Region One (Barima-Waini) is now headed by Senior Superintendent, Wendell Blanhum. He was the Officer-in-Charge of sub-division three in the ‘F’ Division (interior locations). In Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Acting Commander of the former ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast

and Islands), is Superintendent Crystal Robinson. In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Commander of the ‘D’ Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo), is Senior Superintendent Linden Lord.

Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), due to its large populace, is divided into three sub-divisions; Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, and East Coast Demerara. Assistant Commissioner and Commander Marlon Chapman, former ‘A’ Division head (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), is responsible for the capital city.

Head of the Police Narcotics Branch, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon is in charge of the East Bank Demerara corridor. Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor will be in charge of the East Coast Demerara corridor. In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Superintendent Yonette Stephens is the new commander. Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is headed by

Senior Superintendent, Calvin Brutus. Regions Five and Six had originally comprised the ‘B’ Division (Berbice) and was headed by former, now retired, Commander Paul Langevine.

Assistant Commissioner Kevin Adonis, who served as the previous commander for the dissolved ‘F’ Division (interior locations) which comprised of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, now commands Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Former ‘A’ Division Deputy Officer in Charge of Traffic, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, is now responsible for Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Superintendent Ashram also acted a Commander of ‘E’ Division (Linden-Kwakwani) for a short period. Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is commanded

by Superintendent Keithon King and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice),

by Superintendent Courtland Winter, the prior Superintendent of the Court.

No date set for the dissolution of Parliament – Harmon

DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said no date has been fixed for the dissolution of the Parliament of Guyana on the basis that there may be a need to return to the National Assembly.

“I cannot say to you now that there has been a firm decision on the dissolution, the date when that is to take place,” Harmon said in response to a question posed by a reporter during a post-cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, on Thursday.

The Director-General said several factors must be considered in fixing a date for the dissolution of Parliament.

One such factor, he posited, is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). GECOM, during a press conference last Friday, said is a likelihood that additional funds would be

needed to facilitate the March 02, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“It is within our interest to ensure that all of the mechanisms that are necessary are put in place so that we can have free, fair and credible elections by March 02, that we are going to do that,” Harmon said.

Commenting on the issue recently, President David Granger said he did not set a date for the dissolution of the Parliament of Guyana, on the grounds that the government may need approval from the National Assembly to access finance from the treasury in the event there is a matter of national importance.

“I will stay away from dissolution as long as there is a likelihood that we would need a vote of the whole parliament to pass any financial measure.

Unfortunately from time to

time sometime, because of urgent matters, such as a flood, a fire, we may need funds and only parliament can authorise the disbursement of funds which have not been provided for,” the Head of State explained.

Last September, the Head of State proclaimed that General and Regional Elections will be held on Monday, March 02, 2020. Constitutionally, the Parliament must be dissolved three months before an election.

“An election of members of the National Assembly under Article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation,” Article 61 of the Constitution states. As such, the Parliament of Guyana would have to be dissolved by December 2, 2019.

New Doctors’ Quarters, extension of District Hospital for Kamarang

Facilities will be put in place to accommodate doctors in the Upper Mazaruni area, specifically in Kamarang, with the construction of Doctors’ Quarters that is expected to commence shortly. J’s General Store and Construction Company will be working on the $22M project.

This was announced by the Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

The same construction company will also carry out the rehabilitation and extension of the Kamarang District Hospital. The works to be done the hospital will cost $21M. These upgrades will allow for the provision of additional services as there is an increased patient load at the facility. The Kamarang District Hospital is the only secondary health facility located in that section of the Cuyuni/Mazaruni Region.

The Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala had previously noted that the rehabilitation and extension to the hospital will not only be infrastructural as there are plans to include equipment as well.

This will ensure that patients are catered for, and would not have to be referred to GPHC. “We need it to be well-equipped to cater to the patients in Upper Mazaruni, so instead of those doctors referring cases directly to the Georgetown Hospital, if we upgrade Kamarang and we put medical specialists [there] in the near future, they will able to work along with other doctors in the area so that is another vision” Dr. Sagala noted.

12

Work commences on National Land Policy

UNDER the theme “Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management”, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has started work on a National Land Policy.

This is according to policy analyst at the GLSC, Durwin Humphrey, during a press conference on Thursday at the commission’s Durban Backlands location.

He explained that a National Land Policy will be a framework of how to proceed with the development of the country’s land, and such a policy was never completed or adopted in Guyana previously.

“We consider this a monumental step in the country’s history,” Humphrey said.

He said a national land policy is important for several reasons since land essentially is a developmental issue.

Adding that a national land policy is government’s perception of priories in

the land sector, he said an 18-month timeline has been set for completion of the policy.

He said that there will be a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nation, along with an international and national consultant to lead in the development of the policy.

what are the priorities in relation to housing, what are the priorities in relation to Indigenous lands, mining, forestry, agriculture, water frontlands and development; what do people want to see in terms of ‘green’ spaces and several other issues,” he said.

He said land is a fundamental pillar of development

GLSC Policy Analyst, Durwin Humphrey

“Over the 18-month period, we are likely to see several rounds of very-detailed consultations with all sectors; we are considering

in everyone’s life, “and land can be a contentious issue in Guyana.”

“When we are done with this land policy, it must be

acknowledged and owned by the people in order for us to have success in terms of its implementation,” Humphrey noted.

He said people must see their priorities reflected in the National Land Policy as interactions will occur countrywide.

Underscoring that previously land was issued in an ad hoc manner, he said that there are many overlaps and fragmentation of mining and agriculture lands.

“What a National Land Policy does, is that it creates a framework for what people’s priorities are and how we go about with land administration and land distribution and so it tells us of how we ought to plan for the development of our land and it is developed based on input from the people,” Humphrey said.

He described it as a bottom-up approach from the grassroots level, noting that works to commence the policy started two months ago.

Further, he said Jamaica completed its National Land Policy since 1992. He said funds will be sourced from the US$15M Guyana Red Plus Investment Fund.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

‘Break and enter and larceny’ accused remanded A 23-year-old man, who claimed he was drunk on the day he was found breaking and entering a shop, was, on Thursday November 14, 2019, remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Mark Ceaser

Mark Ceaser of North Rumiveldt appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge which stated that, between November 11 and 12, 2019 at Port Mourant, he broke and entered the shop of William Deochan and stole an Xbox music speaker valued at $260,000, three Samsung cellular phones valued at $144,000 and $200,000 cash.

Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman objected to bail being granted based on the serious nature of the offence.

He added that the accused tried to escape when he was caught and was a flight risk. Prosecutor Blackman also informed the court that Ceaser admitted to the offence and was found with several of the items mentioned in the charge.

According to the statements presented in court, on the day in question, the accused broke and entered the shop of the virtual complainant and stole several items along with cash.

The accused then made an attempt to escape but was apprehended by public-spirited citizens who conducted a search and found the three cellular phones mentioned in the charge and $172,000 cash in his pants pocket.

The said citizens then dealt Ceaser a sound thrashing and summoned the police.

However, Ceaser told the court that, on the day in question, he was drinking at the said shop and fell asleep and a beating ‘woke’ him.

“I was drinking at the shop and I tek knock out right there and when they get up and see me sleeping them start beat me,” Ceaser stated.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the statements, remanded him to prison and transferred the matter to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for today.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Mechanic accused of GPL says customers armed robbery remanded a top priority

IMPROVING the quality of electricity supply to its customers continues to be a top priority for the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL). With support from both the government and international organisations, the power company continues to work assiduously to strengthen and expand its generation, transmission and distribution systems.

The company’s hard work has begun to bear fruit and in March of this year the company marked a significant accomplishment with the commissioning of its US$8.5 million 5.5- Megawatt Power Plant in Canefield, Berbice.

The power station is part of the Demerara/Berbice Inter-Connected System (DBIS) which is linked by 69,000 volts and supplies electricity mainly in Berbice. Prior to the installation of the power plant, the old Mirrlees Blackstone Engine commissioned in the 1970s produced 4.5 MW of power generation and had already completed 130,000 running hours.

This vital investment has resulted in residents within the area being supplied with a more

stable electricity supply and improved voltages.

Regional Executive Officer, Region Six, Kim Stephen-Williams lauded GPL for the initiative which she said has significantly enhanced the lives of residents. Stephen-Williams stated that “Berbice, particularly East Corentyne, is very appreciative of the power station, improved voltage and constant flow of electricity for us now and ultimately no more damages to appliances. Street lights remain lit and help safeguard us from predators. Anything that enhances the life of persons, the administration appreciates and expresses thanks to GPL and the Government of Guyana.”

Stephens -Williams added that most importantly the new upgrade has seen students, who rely tremendously on the electricity for their studies, being able to do so effectively without frequent disruptions.

Following this achievement, in April, GPL once again recorded another significant achievement with the commissioning of its $1.8B, 5.4 Megawatt Power Plant at Anna Regina, Region Two. The new power plant was 100 per cent financed by GPL. The elec-

tricity is distributed from three new 1.8 MW generators which supply the entire Essequibo Coast at peak. The facility is also outfitted with an administration building, control room, water treatment plant and an incinerator.

Regional Executive Officer, Region Two, Dennis Jaikaran related that the region has transformed from a region with a series of blackouts to one with little to no blackouts. He explained that since the completion of the new Power Plant economic activities in the region have been boosted. “The residents are very satisfied with the installation of the new plant and satisfied with the services provided by GPL. There has been a significant improvement in businesses due to regular supply of electricity and more persons are even venturing out into new fields due to the improvement. We are very thankful for this improvement

by GPL,” Jaikaran explained.

These achievements are just some of the projects GPL has in its pipeline as it heightens efforts to enhance operational efficiency and services to new and existing customers.

A 20-year-old mechanic, charged for armed robbery, was, on Thursday, November 14, 2019, arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Levar Moore of Leopold Street, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge which stated that, on November 9, 2019, at Princess Street, Georgetown, at the Special Constabulary Headquarters, while in the company of others and armed with a dangerous weapon, he robbed Sherwin Thornhill of a Motorcycle valued at

$270,000.

According to statements presented in court, on the day in question, the virtual complainant was sitting on his bike talking to a female

Levar Moore

when the defendant and several others approached them.

The defendant then placed a gun to the virtual complainant’s head and demanded the said bike and made good his escape.

Moore, who was unrepresented, told the court that he was unaware of the allegations and had no knowledge of how the court operated.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the statements presented in court, remanded Moore to prison.

Moore will make his second court appearance today (November 15).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

‘Small, middle and big’ ― all crimes warrant serious attention, says Public Security Minister

PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said everyone should be concerned about all categories of crime. Ramjattan was, at the time, responding to comments by Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, who, two Fridays ago, said he was not necessarily bothered about the crime situation.

“We should all be concerned about petty crime

and big time crime and middle crime… whatever the crime,” the Public Security Minister said.

Ramjattan then sought to suggest that the comments of the top cop might have been misrepresented but was assured that the comments were a true representation of what the commissioner said.

“That is probably not the best and wisest of

words in the context, especially knowing that you have Mr. Smith who is going to come and jump on you like you are jumping on me on this issue,” the minister said.

The police commissioner had said, “I am not necessarily bothered because I am saying that there are a few sensational crimes that are occurring ok; but we noted there might have

been a spike but I am saying that in terms of serious crimes at the moment, we have a minus 3.4 per cent in serious crimes generally.” He gave the response when asked about the crime situation.

Responding to this comment, the minister said: “Ok, well good, crimes of all categories, we must all be concerned about, but what I am saying here is

not to be used as contradicting; oh, minister fighting down the commissioner for a remark he made; that is what you press people feel you can do all the time,” the security minister said Thursday Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of crimes, especially on unsuspecting persons. The Commissioner of Police did, however, assure

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

reporters that the Force is addressing this issue.

Today, the Guyana Police Force Administration would be unveiling security measures for the upcoming Christmas season.

UWI hosts Caribbean-China trade, investment symposium

THE University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus held a symposium titled “Exploring New Horizons in Caribbean-China Trade and Investment Relations” on Tuesday at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI).

The half-day symposium was a collaborative effort by the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services (SRC), the Confucius Institute, the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) and the Faculty of Law, each of whose mandate touches, in some respect, on the Caribbean’s growing relationship with China.

The symposium was held on the margins of the annual Confucius Institute Board Meeting between the Cave Hill Campus and the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL). It was attended by members of the university and business communities, as well as academic and policy experts from the Caribbean and China.

In his welcome remarks, SRC Director, Neil C.A Paul, noted that the event was reflective of the emphasis UWI Cave Hill Campus placed on increasing its international presence and connections with top institutions across the globe.

Delivering opening remarks, Deputy Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor Winston Moore explained that UWI saw itself as playing a role in deepening China-Caribbean trade relations. The deputy principal also drew attention to several broader business and entrepreneurship-related initiatives UWI is currently undertaking.

Making remarks on behalf of the Minister in the Ministry

of Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, was Ambassador of Barbados to the People’s Republic of China, François Jackman, who lauded the initiative and underlined that for Barbados, the regional dimension of the China-Caribbean relationship was of importance.

Several Caribbean countries, including Barbados, have signed Memoranda of Understanding with China under the latter’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Two major issues the symposium sought to address were: What are the potential trade and investment opportunities and the legal considerations arising from the deepening engagement between Caribbean countries and China, particularly under the BRI. The first panel focused on the “Evolving Dynamics of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Caribbean and the Legal Norms and Principles underpinning the BRI”.

DISTINGUISHED PANEL The panelists were the Honourable Ambassador Professor Richard L. Bernal, OJ, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The UWI who joined via Zoom link; Sir Trevor Carmichael, KA, LVO, SCM, QC, attorney-at-law; Dr. Lan Hua, Associate Professor, Faculty of International Law, China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL); Dr. Don Marshall, Director and Senior Research Fellow of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES); and Dr Yu Meng, Assistant Professor of private international law, School of International Law, CUPL. The panel was chaired

by Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at The UWI Cave Hill.

The second panel was on “Business, Investment and Trade Dimensions in Caribbean-China Relations”. The panelists were Ambassador Jackman; Dr. Dong Jingbo, Associate Professor of Law at CUPL; Mrs. Connie Smith, Managing Director of Tricor Caribbean; Dr. Helene Zamor, Lecturer in French and Coordinator for Modern Languages at The UWI Cave Hill. Ms. Huan Zhu, Research Associate Professor at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies joined via Zoom link. The moderator was Alicia Nicholls, trade researcher with the SRC. Key themes coming out of the panels were that the centre of the world’s economy is shifting east and that there are several areas of potential collaboration between China and the Caribbean under the BRI, including climate change, the film industry, international business, dispute settlement, economic substance requirements and language training. One of the main recommendations was the need for greater data and studies on Caribbean-China relations to assist in crafting a Caribbean trade policy towards China. The closing remarks were jointly delivered by the co-directors of the Confucius Institute, Dr. David Bulbulia and Dr. Li Renyan.

Expected outcomes of the event are the publication of academic papers on China-Caribbean relations under the coordination of the Faculty of Law to be featured in a high quality-themed journal, and a short policy document by the SRC reflecting the major themes and recommendations from the panels. It will also serve as input for the UWI-Global Belt and Road Research Network spearheaded by SALISES.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Harmon renounces US status DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Ministry of The Presidency, Joseph Harmon, has successfully relinquished his US citizenship, and is now “fit and proper” to return to the National Assembly as a Member of Parliament.

Harmon, the former Minister of State, was among four government ministers with dual citizenship, who tendered their resignations on April 1, 2019, in keeping with the indications of the High Court and the Court of Appeal that it is unconstitutional for a person who swore allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state to be a Member of Parliament.

At a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, Harmon said that upon his resignation from office, he submitted an application to the US Embassy here in Georgetown, Guyana, asking that his citizenship be relinquished.

“I got a response from the United States, which came on the 8th October, indicating to me that with effect from the 31st July, 2019, that my application was approved and therefore my US citizenship has now gone through the window,” Harmon told reporters.

Positing that he is now “GT to the bone,” the Direc-

tor-General said that like any other Guyanese, he would be required to apply for a visa, in the event that he needs to travel to the US.

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon

Last month, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, confirmed that his British citizenship was renounced. Greenidge, who serves as Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said he now looks forward to being included on the list of candidates from which the governing APNU+AFC will make its selection of Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Regional and General Elections in 2020. Dominic Gaskin, former Minister of Business and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, former Minister of Public Service, had also resigned.

In the Opposition, PPP/

C’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira-- a Canadian citizen who served as a Member of Parliament since 1992-- Adrian Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba, were also forced to resign for being dual citizens in the National Assembly.

In the case of Teixeira, reports suggest that she has relinquished her Canadian citizenship.

The issue of MPs with dual citizenship status became a subject of discussion and legal action last December after Charrandass Persaud, a then Government MP, used his seat in the National Assembly to vote in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, that was intended to topple the government. At the time, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, had declared the motion passed by a majority of 33.

Subsequently, a farmer from New Amsterdam, Compton Reid, challenged the validity of the vote on the grounds that Persaud breached the Constitution when he sat in the house as a dual citizen. Reid, through his attorneys, Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Neil Boston, argued that Persaud was not eligible for membership of the National Assembly and ought not to have been in the House on the night of

December 21, 2018. While the courts have upheld the vote cast by Persaud, who has since been recalled from the National Assem-

bly, they have indicated that it is unconstitutional to be a MP and hold dual citizenship at the same time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Eastern Airlines must lodge US$450,000 bond before flying to Guyana

EASTERN Airlines LLC is mandated to lodge two bonds totalling US$450,000 before it commences operations here in Guyana, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, disclosed on Thursday.

The airline had submitted an application to the Guy-

ana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) to operate scheduled flights between the John F. Kennedy International Airport and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport using its Boeing 767200/300 aircraft.

At a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, Harmon said while Cabinet has approved

Eastern Airlines’ application to conduct scheduled air services between New York, United States of America and Georgetown, Guyana, the bonds are a prerequisite given the history of the airline here.

“Cabinet approved the application submitted by Eastern Airline LLC and has agreed that the airline can commence operations on or before December 08, 2019 subject to the posting of a bond of US$250,000 to the Government of Guyana and a separate bond of US$200,000 to the Guyana Revenue Authority,” the Director-General told reporters.

Eastern Airlines, under its former brand – Dynamic Airways, had filed for bankruptcy in 2018. It was as a result of its financial challenges, that the Guyanese Government had taken a decision earlier this year to decline its application to re-enter Guyana’s market. Approximately six months after rejecting the airline’s application, the government has granted its approval but under strict conditions.

“We were always concerned about its history and the fact that we do not want Guyanese people stranded again having bought tickets, and stranded either here in Georgetown or New York… and so the question of the bond was one sure way of satisfying that requirement that if in fact that were to happen, that we would be in a position to be able to charter aircraft to get people to their destinations,” the Director-General explained.

Harmon noted too that the application was approved after extensive due diligence and “serious” lobbying from international bodies. “From the GCCA, where these decisions are made, they actually reported that there has been a heavy lobbying taking place from official US sources to get this airline to come to Guyana,” he said.

Previously, Eastern Airlines, which was headquartered in Miami, operated a charter service between Guyana and New York through an arrangement with Travel Span and One Guyana. However, Eastern Airlines folded in 2017 and was bought over

by Swift Air.

Following a range of investment maneuverings, a document seen by this newspaper indicated that Dynamic International Airways had applied to the United States Department of Transportation to operate its Boeing 767 aircraft under the Eastern Airlines name.

The document, filed with the U.S. authorities, stated that Kenneth Wolley, a 38 per cent shareholder of Swift Air, became the 100 per cent owner at Dynamic Airways after it declared bankruptcy earlier this year. As a result, Dynamic Airways is able to use the ‘Eastern’ brand.

In July 2017, following several instances when passengers were stranded at the CJIA and the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, the carrier announced that it had filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court.

It stated that it intended to continue its operations here as its principals had restructured plans. The airline noted that its decision to file for bankruptcy protection followed litigation matters resulting from Hajj flights, the airline operated in 2014 for Air India.

Later, Dynamic made its final flight out of Guyana in October 2017 and left it to the travel agents here to inform passengers left behind that they needed to officially write the company to request refunds for tickets purchased.

Several weeks before the announcement, travel agents indicated that they were unable to book flights with the troubled airline.

Dynamic subsequently announced that as of March 8, 2018, it was out of bankruptcy protection and would be developing its ACMI charter business under its Eastern Air Lines brand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

Coconut husk pose danger in Pomeroon River THE coconut industry is a thriving commercial business in the Pomeroon basin with huge coconut estates and businesses where the coconuts are sold and processed.

But the focus of the processing businesses is only on the water and the kernel while the shell is discarded. But there obviously needs to be a much better way in which the husks of the coconut are disposed of.

The only mode of transportation on the Pomeroon River is via speedboat, but traversing this waterway, as it was observed during a recent visit by this publication to Adel’s Rainforest Resort, located upriver from Charity and about six miles from the Atlantic Ocean, can be very

risky, particularly at nights, as a result of the numerous coconuts which litter the waterway, especially in the vicinity where most of the estates are located.

At most of the estates, the husks are seen piled at the front of the land and in close proximity to waterways, where, it is obvious that during high tides, some can easily be washed into the river. The floating husks not only create a flood risk but pose a potential hazard for speedboats travelling on the river at nights, as more often than not, they get caught in the propellers of the engine and this can cause the boats to capsize.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a watchdog body for the en-

Ramjattan apologises for EBD traffic congestion PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has apologised to commuters who criticised the suspension of the use of a third lane along the East Bank Demerara which resulted in a massive traffic build up there on Wednesday.

Ramjattan also noted that Commissioner of Police, Leslie James was the person who ‘made the call’ to suspend the use of the third lane.

He and the traffic chief reportedly received complaints from commuters heading south along the East Bank Demerara corridor that they were affected by the three-way traffic route to Georgetown.

“It is the commissioner to make the call and he made the call,” Ramjattan told reporters.

The three-way traffic arrangement has been in place for several years and appears to have been working well, at least for those heading into Georgetown from the East Bank and West Demerara in the mornings and returning home in the afternoons.

“To placate them apparently, he tried it out but it was totally, in my view, not an advisable thing to do so. I rather suppose that this morning (Thursday) it would be restored to traffic in the morning, coming into Georgetown, there must be three lanes, one on the other side of the road and one going it in the afternoon, it will be tree lanes in the afternoon like normal. A lot of people called me with a lot of vexation and I have to apologise, so we are going to correct the situation,” Ramjattan said.

Ramjattan noted that while the decision to suspend the third lane was one made by the Police Force, it is an operational matter, which falls within the remit of the Police Force.

“These are operational matter, and operational matters are handled by the police and if upon that handling of it, it does have huge other problem, well then we resolve it; it is like you have to do certain things by trial and error and the minute we realised that there some negatives about it, we have it corrected,” the Public Security Minister said.

The suspension of the third lane caused much discomfort to persons using the East Bank Demerara carriageway since no prior notice was given to the public about the change.

On Thursday morning, the south-bound East Bank carriageway returned to a two-lane traffic heading in the opposition direction as the police sought to ease the congestion caused by the numerous vehicles heading into the City.

The issue of big sand trucks on the road has also caused some concerns to commuters, but Ramjattan said systems will be put in place to fix the problem.

“What we will have to do is to get the big trucks carrying containers and sand, and so on, off the road during those morning hours -- that’s also an additional kind of instruction so that we can ease that thing. A lot of people live on the East Bank now that come to work in Georgetown and they are saying that sometimes these big trucks park on the road and block them,” the minister said.

vironment, has been vigilant in ensuring that the country’s waterways are not polluted or encumbered, including the Pomeroon River where businesses involved in the processing of coconut and its byproducts, are cautioned to dispose of their waste in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Earlier this year, the EPA had imposed a $1M fine on “Fat Boy Coconut Ventures” managed by the Alfro Alphonso & Sons Enterprises, one of the large companies with business holdings in the Pomeroon River, following complaints from resi-

dents about the daily wanton dumping of coconut husks and shells into the waterway and tributaries. The action was taken after the watchdog body had issued several warnings for the company to desist from such practice.

According to residents with whom the Guyana Chronicle spoke, since the EPA’s action, it is obvious that the widespread dumping of the husks in the river has been somewhat reduced, however, the storing of the husks close to the waterway remains a concern.

One resident, who chatted with the Chronicle but prefers

to remain anonymous, pointed out that the haphazard way the discarded coconut husks are thrown away, close to the waterway, is not ideal as some of it can easily find its way into the river.

Meanwhile, Zena Stoll, the proprietress of Adel’s, said that she has leased a portion of the Stoll’s family estate at Enterprise to Pomeroon Trading, an English company involved in the production of spices.

She said the company that is managed by Duncan Turnbull, a Stanford Business School graduate, disclosed that the company has begun

experimenting in grinding the husks to be used as mulch for plants.

The husk can also be used for fire or as charcoal and, according to the website, the coconut husk and or coir, the fibrous material found between the hard internal shell and the outer coast of the coconut, when mixed with nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps and lawn clippings, makes a good bedding material for worm compost.

Also, the natural fire extracted from the husk can be made into floor and door mats, brushes, ropes, furniture and mattresses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 15, 2019

‘Block Party’ makes a comeback --tomorrow night @ de Racquet Centre ALL roads lead tomorrow night to the Racquet Centre on Camp Street, as Drew Thoven brings back the ‘Block Party’, which grew

into the most anticipated event in the last quarter of the year.

Speaking with ‘The Buzz’, the young creator said that

this Block Party idea was birthed last year after the major success of the first Guyana Carnival. He said he wanted to create an event leading up

to the Carnival for this year.

So, last November, Drew hosted the first Block Party at the Giftland Parking Lot, and statistics show that his event was the biggest ever that was held at the venue.

Thousands of young people packed the parking lot, causing now, much excitement for the return of the Block Party this year.

Drew said that the party is more than just him wanting to host an event, but rather it’s paving the way for what is yet to come.

“I’m a producer, and the block party I would have experienced was thrown by Mad Decent (Major Lazor).

What it is, it’s like a DJ show that the entire community comes out and features them and their friends. So while I may not be performing at the last block party and this block party, or even the next one, it’s just building that brand so that when I’m ready to start performing, I have that platform. So that is basically the reason why I am even doing an event. So it still ties back into my music career. It’s not just that I want to throw a par-

ty. It all ties back into selling an experience and giving an experience that is different, and tying it in back with music and the concept of Guyana Carnival,” he told ‘The Buzz’.

This year’s Block Party has already been creating chaos, since it started out with a secret location. Now the location has been announced, over 800 University of Guyana students would have already secured their passes, and many other patrons are already rushing ticket locations.

Male tickets cost $3000 and the female tickets that admit two persons, cost $2000.

Ticket locations are: The Chaos booth at the Giftland Mall,

That Look Boutique on South Road, and Latoya’s House of Fashion on Robb and Albert Streets.

Persons are advised to dress comfortably, and come prepared to have and enjoyable violence-free night with friends.

Many attractions are also in store, as Drew would have disclosed that fire breathers, stilt walkers, the inhale baes, and some of the best DJs in the country.

All this effort being placed into the event is to create the perfect ambiance and enjoyable vibes for all, and give a preview of what to expect for Guyana Carnival 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

‘I always wanted to come; to see home’

--says ‘Haves and Have Nots’ star, Gavin Houston IT’S no question that Guyana is home to a plethora of undiscovered talents. Similarly, it is also a home away from home for many international celebrities.

Last weekend, ‘The Buzz’ just happened to be at the right place at the right time, as dining at the Marriott Hotel with his father last Sunday evening was Gavin Houston, who is part of the cast on the popular Tyler Perry TV show, ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’.

Many people were not aware, but Gavin is Guyanese! In a brief interview with the celebrity, he said that this was his first visit to Guyana.

Born to Guyanese parents, Houston said that he is the only one in his family who wasn’t born in Guyana.

However, growing up in a home where both parents and an older sister have Guyanese roots, all he grew up hearing were stories of Guyana.

“I always wanted to come to Guyana because I’m Guyanese, and my family is from Guyana. Dad is a Queen’s College alum, so he came for the 175th Anniversary, and I wanted to be here with him to see home, ‘cause I’m the only one born in the States. It was good to finally be able to make the trip,” he said.

Houston was fascinated by most of his experiences in our country. He said that it was unfortunate that he had to cancel his trip to the Kaieteur Falls and the Essequibo River, but he got a chance to see what life in the countryside is like, and places where his father grew up.

“I love animals,” he said, “and seeing the horses pulling the people made me remember when my dad told me stories of him jumping on the back of those horses to catch a ride, and jumping off when they reached his stop. That’s just fascinating; and it’s so much different… A lot of natural, beautiful things…

And it’s really interesting, because there is also the flip side to it; there’s a lot of poverty still… Also I went out and I saw the night life, and it was really good. I went to ‘The Strip’; I liked it. I went to Palm Court; it was good… It was a bit unexpected, but it was just good to be around all Guyanese people. The food, the people, the experience was amazing,” Gavin told ‘The Buzz’.

‘Haves and Have Nots’ star Gavin Houston enjoying a light moment at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana

JUST THE BEGINNING He said he wants to learn more about Guyana, and not just about Georgetown. In fact, he said this first trip is just the beginning.

Knowing now that he is well known in Guyana, the star said he will organise his next trip better so as to be able to go into schools and communities to give motivational talks and so forth. With reference to the lack of opportunities here for persons wanting to be in theatre, he said that all is not lost for Guyana, as the ability is always there, and potential can always be propelled.

Said he: “The opportunities aren’t here as much, and the one thing is, will this be similar to Hollywood or New York? Probably it will take a long time for that, but the one thing that is here, and everywhere, is the ability. If you have an interest in it to grow and get better, that’s what I think is important. To make sure that it’s in the school systems; make sure that people are being trained. If they want to get into theatre, they’re getting a chance to use their artistry to do that, whether they stay here or not. I just think it needs to be more exposed from a younger age… Theatre gets you comfortable in yourself; with speaking and being in front of people. I think those things are definitely important.”

Additionally, he noted that there is evidence that change is coming.

“I love being here at the Marriott because it shows change is possible. And I would love to see more money going into the community,” he said, adding: “Certain places I went to, it shows that money needs to be going into that community. So, hopefully, with what’s happening here, and with the Marriott here, it will bring in more people; more revenue stream for the country as a whole.”

BEING AN ACTOR Speaking on his character in the popular TV show, the actor said that it is not the same as his actual life. That, he said, is the most challenging part of being an actor.

“We really have to transform into something different to be in that world,” he said, adding: “It’s easy to fear something that is different from you, and different from what you’re used to. For me, I think it’s just the focus and immersing yourself into a character. When my first character came on, people didn’t like it. But now, understanding the history and the back story, and the treatment from the family and mother, now the same person they didn’t like they root for. And that means so much to me; to see people have a different perspective, because we’re so quick to judge, but we don’t always know what’s happening behind the scenes for that person. So it’s not always what a person is doing; it’s why they’re doing it.”

In his admonition to young people, Houston said, “You have to have a dream of where you see yourself, and you have to protect it, because there’s always going to be people who will try to throw you off of your own belief.

Do the work. You see people being rewarded publicly for the things they have been doing privately for years and the sacrifices. Nobody is an overnight sensation; there’s always a lot of work, and there’s always a lot of hours that go into it. Do what you can do, which is getting better at your craft. Because, the one thing with this is that you can never be over-trained; you can only be better.

Jobs are given, but careers are built; you have to put in the work. Go to where you can be most successful. If the opportunities aren’t here, go to where the opportunities are.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 15, 2019

Meet the Miss Berbice

2019 contestants THE third annual Miss Berbice Pageant is set for Saturday November 30 at the Albion Sports Complex Ground on the Corentyne.

According to event coordinator Tracey Khan, this year’s pageant will be held in four segments, starting with the sashing ceremony. Over $500,000 in cash and prices will be up for grabs, she said.

DELEGATE

DELEGATE

DELEGATE

NAME: Sunesha Lindanie Faith Murray, 18

NAME: Sheleza Sattaur, 20

NAME: Shaquilla Sharpe, 24

NAME: Shmael King, 18

OCCUPATION: Aspiring Accountant

OCCUPATION: Public Servant

OCCUPATION: Aspiring Social Worker

PLATFORM: Domestic Violence

HOBBIES: Reading, writing, dancing, meeting interesting people

PLATFORM: Identifying and dealing with depression in teens

1:

OCCUPATION: Clerk/Accountant PLATFORM: Raising awareness on racism HOBBIES: Reading, dancing and exploring new places.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Winning isn’t all; it’s the lasting experience you gain.”

2:

HOBBIES: Drawing, painting, travelling.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Richness is not having many possessions, but being oneself.”

3:

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Success is never a mistake, but the result of hard work, determination and dedication.”

DELEGATE

4:

HOBBIES: Writing poems and short stories, swimming, reading and acting.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “What the mind of Man can conceive and believe, he can achieve.”

DELEGATE

5:

NAME: Annada Aaliyah, 17 OCCUPATION: Aspiring Accountant PLATFORM: Eradicating Poverty HOBBIES: Dancing, engaging in photographical activities, playing cricket, browsing the Internet, meeting new people, listening to music, cooking and helping the elderly.

FAVOURITE QUOTE: “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the Life you’re living?”

S

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

avour the taste of ranch-style living

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--as Rupununi Music and Arts Festival comes to town

EXCITING, entertaining, fun-filled and affordable, the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival comes to Georgetown at the Theatre Guild, Parade St, Georgetown on November 22 – 23.

The theatre will be buzzing, both inside and outside, with good food, sounds and smells, laughter and lights, with music, dance, spoken word and comedy, art and craft and much more, as the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival comes to Georgetown for its second festival event, GT2.

According to Festival Director, Dr. Bob Ramdhani, “Including Georgetown in the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival programming has been integral to the festival’s strategic plan since inception, and so November 22 & 23 is the 2nd of many events that will be staged in Georgetown in the coming years. These ‘Georgetown Connect’ on events will provide a slice of what you can expect when you join us in November 2020 (13-15) in the Rupununi at the Manari Ranch.”

Confirmed international artistes include Semi (reggae quartet from St. Lucia), Iryna Muha and Rob Rosa (folk and funk from Ukraine/UK), Kairi Kaiso (‘old time’ calypso, T &T), David Frank (funky violinist from T&T), Maya (jazz vibes from Suriname), and a dynamic range of local entertainers, including Gavin and Hucky (Folk), Vanilla (Soca), Herbie Marshall (Guitar), Calibro Band (Indigenous + Forró), Young Bill Rogers (Kaiso/Chutney) and many more.

Marva Newton, who performs calypso of yesteryear under the sobriquet ‘Kairi Kaiso’ will be accompanied by talented percussionist James Fenton. For them, “Calypso is both entertainment and living folklore” which tells Trinidad and Tobago’s rich stories in song and through the music. They will also be joined by another independent ‘Trini’ solo performer, Tobago-born David Frank.

Guyana, too, will present some of its best in music, spoken word, comedy and dance.

There are many Guyanese artistes joining the Festival for the first time; Vanilla will have the house rocking for sure; Herbie Marshall will add his distinctive guitar flavours to the weekend; Ovid Williams will share Amerindians stories, and festival favourites, Gavin & Chucky will ‘folk up the place’ Guyanese style, to complement the ‘old time’ calypso renditions of Kairi Kaiso.

Vanilla

Herbie Marshall

David Frank

Young Bill Rogers Semi

There will be some surprises, as more artistes are expressing an interest in performing at the Festival.

The programme opens on Friday evening with a mixture of local and international artistes, and on Saturday, the action begins after lunch when there will be loads of interactive workshops to get everyone involved, including a ‘Masterclass in Jazz Guitar by Herbie Marshall’.

Children under 12 will be admitted free, and there will be a range of food and arts & crafts stalls. A special feature of the GT2 will be the interactive “Talk Tent”.

Programmed for Saturday afternoon include a small, intimate space, where the audience will be able to engage with some of the artistes directly, as they share their musical journeys.

Day passes are for $3,000 and a weekend pass for $5,000 and tickets are available at Zoon (Middle St & Giftland Mall) + Howard’s Restaurant (Eccles) + MovieTowne.

(Call to reserve - 629-4535 / 626-9014) The festival, including the Georgetown Connect, on events, is a genuine government, private sector and NGO partnership and is supported by The Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Banks DIH Ltd, Trans Guyana Airways (TGA), Rent-a-Tent, Giftland Mall, Cara Lodge, Silverbait Design Inc., Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Air Services Ltd (ASL), University of Guyana, Theatre Guild, NCN, MovieTowne and others, who collectively help to make the event a very special treat.

Kairi Kaiso

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 15, 2019

US-based ‘homey’ releases new single, music video RENWICK Duesbury formerly known as Epraise has recently released his debut single and music video titled “You Cover Me”.

The message of the song speaks about God’s daily protection over our lives. We often take for granted the unseen attacks but God is constantly covering us and keeping us.

The soundtrack comprises of a unique, trendy afro beat fusion. The song was created with the intent to invoke a grateful and celebratory attitude for the artiste and the listeners.

Renwick is no stranger to understanding the importance of God’s covering. His passion for living comes from being broken, torn, cast out and homeless. He

knew there was a higher purpose and kept the faith.

He believes that everyone has a purpose and life is meaningless if your purpose is unknown. Jesus does not only forgive sins but he reconnects us to our God-given purpose. This has become the soundtrack of Renwick’s life Renwick Duesbury was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Guyana.

He currently resides in the United States where he started “Living on Purpose Records,” which focuses on music and content that will inspire people to live on purpose by spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

You can find the single and video on YouTube and other social media platforms.

Talking music with Akeem Alexander

--who aspires to make it big one day

MUSIC has always been a ‘go-to’ for many young people, including 19-year-old Akeem Alexander, who hails from Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Akeem is a customer service representative with aspirations of becoming an artiste.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the young man said that he considers himself to be a very outspoken, intelligent and kind-hearted individual who has the mind of a 60-year-old person. “I’m young in age, but old in mind,” he said.

His love for music came from the likes of Nicki Minaj and Neyo, who are both successful artistes themselves, and Akeem hopes to gain their kind of success some day, or even bigger.

His singing ability varies in genre, such as Soca, R&B, Hop-hop and Dance Pop. Being fairly new to the industry, Akeem said he has had the opportunity of performing in a number of local shows, such as KAST Talent Management’s ‘Made for Now’ production.

He cites these opportunities as a way of pushing himself and gaining popularity on the local scene before eventually going international where he can join the many Guyanese artistes who are working to put Guyana on the international scene.

“With much hard work and determination,” he said, “I believe that I can achieve this goal and help make a way for future artistes coming out of Guyana. And now this goal is even more possible, since I was signed to a new Management team, KAST TALENT MANAGEMENT, and they have been working with me to achieve this goal. It is time Guyanese people start respecting local artists and artistes, and with my contribution I know I can change that.”

He can be found on social media as: FB – Akeem Alexander, IG - @iamakeem, and Youtube – Akeem Alexander.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

‘Dream big; live by faith’ --aspiring ‘superstar’ urges fellow young Guyanese seeking keep doing me; day life, Chaitram aims to fame and fortune on the music scene keep“I’llbeingalways a conqueror like King spread love and positivity to HE aspires to make it big on the international music scene, but he does not plan on eating his bread alone.

He would like his fellow young Guyanese to dream big as he does.

And in the pursuit of that dream, 21-year-old Andrew Chaitram, who hails from the island of Leguan, has already taken upon himself an alias that he thinks is befitting of his musical aspirations. As such, he’d like to known as ‘Sledge G’.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, Chaitram said that his passion is to gain the whole world, but at the same time aspires to be happy in life.

“I’m known to be a responsible individual; a leader to be exact,” he said. “But I’m also into sports activities, new adventures, and socialising with friends and family.

And I also like getting to know new people.”

He said that he is inspired by a plethora of people in the music industry. “Every re-

Andrew Chaitram, called ‘Sledge G’

cording Dancehall and Reggae artiste,” he said, adding: “They have helped inspire me to be as great as I am today.

I want to keep being great as I am; nothing’s wrong with being confident.”

And, limited though opportunities are here in Guyana, especially on the small island on which he lives, Chaitram is confident that he will accomplish his superstar dream.

David, but lyrically,” he said, adding: “My message to all the young uprising artistes and everyone worldwide is: ‘Don’t downgrade your dreams to match your reality; upgrade your faith to match your vision. You have to always make yourself sufficient and efficient, so you have to always be prepared.

Sometimes you gotta run; you can’t stay one place. You can’t be stagnant and stationary. So you always have to make yourself ready.”

Through his music and every-

foster peace in the world.

“Live good; love unconditionally,” the young visionary said, adding: “Try to understand each other’s differences; war isn’t the answer.

There can be no peace unless I accept you, and you accept me.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 15, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

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GFF, THAG sign MoU to promote Sport Tourism THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) yesterday morning signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work closer in promoting Sport Tourism through football.

Both sides view this new venture as significant, highlighting Sport Tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism globally.

The signing of the MoU was done by president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, and head of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, at Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston.

The signing was witnessed by Keeran Williams of the Football Federation and Treina Butts of the Tourism body.

The objectives of the alliance are (1) Promotion and Marketing by increasing visibility of the destination and football to international partners; (2) Research and Information Sharing by improving readiness and promotional efforts of sports tourism events; (3) Product

Development by developing initiatives that promote events such as Beach Football and Futsal competitions at locations across the country; and (4) Sustainability of Ventures by devising strategies that support the sustainability of the organisations through the hosting of activities.

Comments by key stakeholders Treina Butts - Executive Director, THAG: “Sport Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism and more and more tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips whether or not sport was the main purpose of their visit. Sport Tourism of various kinds and sizes attracts tourists as participants and spectators to destinations worldwide and destinations do their best to add local flavour to those activities and distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences.

“Mega sports events such as the Olympics and World Cups can be catalysts for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic and social benefits.”

Mitra Ramkumar - President, THAG: “I want to say why we should use this (Sport Tourism), and Guyana as a destination should use this as a strategy,

and why it needs to be forward thinking. If you were to look at the upcoming (Football) World Cup that’s going to be happening in Qatar in 2022; this was as a result of a deliberate strategy from Qatar.

“It is really aimed at having a surge in visitor arrival to that country.

2026 has already been awarded, so you can see the forward thinking and planning that has to go behind Sport Tourism and really reaping the benefits of Sport Tourism.

We need to put Sport Tourism as a strategy to really build our infrastructure and elevate the livelihood of our people.”

Canadian Racing Tips

Wayne Forde - President, GFF: “We have to remind ourselves often that football is an entertainment product, and like any product marketing of that product is critical. The partnership that we’re building with the Tourism Authority would see the Tourism Authority bringing its weight, its platform, its resources, its network and every other tool it has to its disposal to leverage, promote and advertise the tournaments and competitions and international events of the Federation.

One of the first such activities that we would engage in the spirit of the MoU would be the Super 16 tournament that would be launched in a matter of days.” (Newsroom)

Race 5 Gray Witch

India Women crush Windies by 7 wickets to take T20 series A sterling all-round performance, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 40, helped India surge to a 3-0 series lead after the third T20 clash at the Providence National Stadium, last night.

Batting first proved to be a nightmare for the home team, who were snuffed out cheaply at the end of their 20 overs as they ended on a paltry 59-9.

India, in reply, cruised to 60 for 3 in 16.4 overs thanks mainly to Rodrigues who oozed class in her unbeaten 40 from 51 balls with four boundaries, leading the batting charge.

Only all-rounder Hayley Matthews 2-7 managed to look threatening as the home team failed to keep the five match series alive. Forced to go at 2.95 runs an over, it was a horrid batting card for the Windies Women as all of their stars misfired terribly, with Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation the only two players to reach double figures with 11 runs apiece.

The Indians were nothing short of ruthless in their bowling approach, collectively sharing the 9 wickets among them with Radha Poonam Yadav bowling a magical spell of 2-6 from her four overs and all-rounder Deepti Sharma duly lending

support with 2-12.

India lost their leading run-scorer in 15-year-old Shafali Verma who was stumped by wicket-keeper Shamaine Campbelle for a duck off Matthews.

But Rodrigues played confidently as she carried her side close to the total, even surviving a caught and bowl chance after spinner Sheneta Grimmond spilled a return catch.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur fell to Fletcher for 7, but the unfazed Rodrigues pushed on as she took her score into the 20’s as her team crept to 37-3 at the end of 10 overs.

Earlier, Windies suffered a huge blow as their top three batters-- vice-captain and homegirl, Campbelle (02), Matthews (05), and Stacy-Ann King (07)-were back in the dressing room with 26 runs on the board.

When the team’s 50 came up, the Windies were eight down with just four overs remaining. The innings inevitably ended as the pair of Mohammed (06) and Selman (02) were left stranded in the middle.

The two teams will clash in the fourth T20 at the Providence Stadium on Sunday.

The match bowls off from 13:30hrs.

Woodbine Race 1 Willed Race 2 Big Rocket Man Race 3 Call Me Wally

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Vintage Hollywood Race 2 War Canoe Race 3 Mrs S Race 4 Dirty Bird

Race 6 Moana’s Tale Race 7 Keep Your Distance Race 8 Alisio Race 9 Seanow Race10 Super Twenty

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English Racing Tips Newcastle 08:30 hrs Imperial Prince 09:05 hrs Ellarna 09:40 hrs My Manekineko 10:15 hrs Angels Antics 11:25 hrs Jeremy Pass

Southwell 08:50 hrs Babytaggle 09:25 hrs Very First Time 10:00 hrs The Mulcair 10:35 hrs Felix D’Autry 11:10 hrs Peltwell 11:45 hrs Ventura Dragon

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:15 hrs San Juan 13:45 hrs Strong Johnson 14:15 hrs Grandmaster Flash 14:45 hrs Charcor 15:15 hrs Rockview Roman 15:45 hrs Cache Queen 16:15 hrs Gold Factory 16:45 hrs Sabrina Fairchild

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

India on top in Indore Test despite sloppy catching NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - A dominant India remained on course for a big first-innings lead after skittling out Bangladesh for a meagre 150 runs, despite some sloppy catching on day one of the opening Test yesterday.

The hosts lost opener Rohit Sharma for six in their reply but finished the day on 86-1 with Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Agarwal putting on 72 runs for the flourishing second-wicket partnership.

Pujara was batting on 43 with seven boundaries. Agarwal was lucky to reach 37 after being dropped in the slip

by Imrul Kayes when on 32.

Earlier, Mominul Haque won the toss in his first match as Bangladesh’s new Test captain but his decision to bat immediately backfired.

India’s three-pronged pace attack exploited the early morning conditions and reduced them to 31-3 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.

After repeatedly beating the tentative bats of both openers, Umesh Yadav drew

India’s Mohammad Shami celebrates the dismissal of Mosaddek Hossain during the opening day of the first Test in Indore on Thursday.

first blood in the sixth over, getting Imrul caught in the slip for six.

Ishant Sharma sent back Shadman Islam in the next over before Mohammed Shami trapped Mohammad Mithun lbw for 13 to wreck the top order.

Mominul and Mushfiqur

Rahim combined pluck and luck to forge the only 50-plus partnership in the Bangladesh innings.

Mominul was on three when he was spilled in the slip by Ajinkya Rahane, otherwise a safe catcher, who had a terrible day, off Ravichandran Ashwin.

Mushfiqur was dropped twice, first by Virat Kohli and then by Rahane, who also dropped Mahmudullah off Ashwin.

Ashwin spared himself any more heartbreak by bowling out Mominul, who made 37, and Mahmudullah.

A much-relieved Rahane, sporting a sheepish smile, ran to congratulate Ashwin after the spinner sent back Mahmudullah.

Shami (3-27) dismissed Mushfiqur, who made 43, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the last two balls before the tea break but Taijul Islam denied him a hat-trick after tea.

“I had to think of the conditions and situation and try to keep my line as tight as possible and stick to my plans,” Shami told broadcaster Star Sports afterwards.

“I have been bowling from wide of the crease in the last two years and I once again backed myself.”

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st innings Shadman Islam c Wriddhiman Saha b Ishant Sharma Imrul Kayes c Ajinkya Rahane b Umesh Yadav Mominul Haque b Ravichandran Ashwin Mohammad Mithun lbw Mohammed Shami Mushfiqur Rahim b Mohammed Shami Mahmudullah b Ravichandran Ashwin Liton Das c Virat Kohli b Ishant Sharma Mehidy Hasan lbw Mohammed Shami Taijul Islam run-out Ravindra Jadeja Abu Jayed not out Ebadat Hossain b Umesh Yadav Extras: (lb-3, w-1) Total: (all out, 58.3 overs)

6 6 37 13 43 10 21 0 1 7 2 4 150

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-12, 3-31, 4-99, 5-115, 6-140, 7-140, 8-140, 9-148.

Bowling: Ishant Sharma 12-6-20-2, Umesh Yadav 14.3-3-47-2, Mohammed Shami 13-5-27-3 (w-1), Ravichandran Ashwin 161-43-2, Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-10-0.

INDIA 1st innings Mayank Agarwal not out 37 Rohit Sharma c Liton Das b Abu Jayed 6 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 43 Extras: Total: (one wkt, 26.0 overs)

0 86

Fall of wickets: 1-14.

Bowling: Ebadat Hossain 11-2-32-0, Abu Jayed 8-0-21-1, Taijul Islam 7-0-33-0.

Bancroft, Burns named in Australia Test squad … Khawaja, Harris dumped

By Ian Ransom

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia selectors have shaken up the squad’s underperforming batting lineup for the two-Test series against Pakistan by dumping top order batsmen Usman Khawaja and Marcus Harris while handing a surprise recall to Cameron Bancroft.

Opener Harris averaged 9.66 against England in the last three Tests of the Ashes and has been jettisoned in favour of Queensland’s Joe Burns for the series, which starts in Brisbane on November 21.

Burns has been recalled after being snubbed for the Ashes despite having scored 180 in the previous Test against

Sri Lanka in Canberra in February.

Khawaja, once among Australia’s first picks, was dropped after the third Ashes Test at Leeds and has failed to find form for home state Queensland.

Bancroft may consider himself the luckiest in the 14-man squad released yesterday having been given another chance after being dumped two Tests into the Ashes.

He was a late call-up for the Australia A team that played Pakistan in a tour game this week after Nic Maddinson pulled out for mental health reasons.

He scored 49 from 155 balls in the first innings, which turned out to be the team’s top score

Cameron Bancroft as the rest of the Test hopefuls failed in the unofficial audition in Perth.

Harris, however, may have cause to feel aggrieved having had a stronger first class season in the domestic Sheffield Shield than Bancroft.

Selector Trevor Hohns said Bancroft’s ability to play in

the middle order as well as at the top had been in his favour.

“He’s got the ingredients of being a very good Test match player, he’s a hard worker,” Hohns told reporters in Perth of the 26-year-old Western Australian who has averaged 26.23 from his 10 Tests.

“And the improvement in his

game is very noticeable.”

Middle order batsman Travis Head, who had a poor series in England and was dropped for the final Test, has been retained.

After strong domestic form, uncapped bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been included along with pacemen Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.

Cricket Australia (CA) announced earlier yesterday that promising young batsman Will Pucovski had withdrawn from selection for “mental wellbeing” reasons.

Hohns said the uncapped 21-year-old’s decision came before selectors had finalised the squad.

Pucovski, who pulled out of the Test squad in January for similar reasons, became the third Australian cricketer to

report mental health problems to staff in just over two weeks.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell remains on an indefinite break after pulling out midway the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

“I think we should be quite proud and pleased in our sport, players are comfortable coming out and talking about (mental health),” said Hohns.

“It’s just happening more and more in everyday life.”

Tim Paine’s Australia meet Pakistan in the second Test in Adelaide on November 29.

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

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OMSCC president lauds continued improvement TORONTO, Canada – President of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Azeem Karamat Khan is upbeat about the level of cricket in the Masters league, pointing to the introduction of the Memorial Cup as a further testimony to the league’s continued improvement.

Khan made the disclosure at last Saturday night’s 19th annual presentation, dinner and dance held at the Qssis Banquet Halls, Scarborough here.

According to Khan, the memorial game was introduced to honour “all our loved ones who are watching us from above with Royston 11 emerging as the inaugural winners. We also had our second Over-60 friendly games, sponsored

by Naseer Baksh and won by the Littles Sports Club team who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.”

The long-standing president also paid tribute to all the participating teams, their families and friends and gave due recognition to all trophy winners and championship teams such as Friendship Masters, Hawaiian Sensation and the Toronto Blizzards

OMSCC president Azeem Khan hands over a trophy to vice-president, Feizal Bacchus, for his outstanding contribution to the league. who won back-to-back championships in the Over50 category in the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) tournament and at home in Toronto Cup 3.

Touching on the staging of the third edition of Toronto Cup 3 during the Labour Day weekend, Khan disclosed that for the first time, the three categories, Open, Over-40 and Over-50, were captured by Canadian teams Softball Cricket Canada (SCC) in the Open, Our Own in the Over-40 with Toronto Blizzards

winning the Over-50 division.

Khan also recognised the presence of Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Michael Thompson, and Ward 25 City Councillor Jennifer McKelvie for their attendance at Toronto Cup 3. He also thanked the new sponsors for their contributions. He boasted that the tournament paid for itself.

The OMSCC president also acknowledged the contributions of his hardworking board members Feizal Bacchus, Dickey Singh,

Khem Singh, Indira Singh, Jas Mathura and Paul Jaman - and the invaluable support from the several sponsors and looked forward to their continued assistance in 2020.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the OMSCC, Khan rewarded all his executive members with appreciation plaques while Bacchus was singled out for special mention, receiving a trophy in the process.

Khan reserved special thanks for Frederick Halley of the Guyana Chronicle who was described as a “dynamic sportswriter”; supporters Patsy and Banda Jirjhodan; and his wife Indra,

“for supporting me as a board member for the past 17 of 19 years since this league was formed”.

The Norman Sue Spirit Awards, given annually to worthy individuals who played big roles both on and off the field, were awarded to OMSCC secretary Jas Mathura and registrar/ statistician Indira Singh by the late businessman’s daughter Kim Sue. According to Sue, she wanted to recognise two stalwart women this time around, a change from the past when mostly men were given the prestigious awards.

(Frederick Halley)

Secretary Jas Mathura is rewarded for her efforts.

Mayers maiden century takes down Hurricanes BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Kyle Mayers’ maiden List A hundred proved the difference as Barbados Pride halted Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ unbeaten streak by handing the Group A hosts a 32-run defeat here Wednesday night.

Opting to bat first at Warner Park, Pride finished on 255 all out from their 50 overs, with the left-hander stroking 113 off 110 balls.

In his first campaign in several years for his native franchise, following several seasons with Windward Islands Volcanoes, Mayers hit nine fours and eight sixes in an enterprising knock.

Wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott

Left-hander Kyle Mayers scored his maiden domestic 50-over hundred.

chipped in with 39 and captain Jonathan Carter got 34, in an otherwise patchy batting display

by Pride.

Fast bowler Sheno Berridge claimed four for 38 while leftarm spinner Jason Campbell picked up three for 30, giving Hurricanes the early advantage in the day/night fixture before also ensuring a strong finish to the innings.

In reply, Devon Thomas sustained his great form with exactly 50 off 85 deliveries but other than Terrance Ward’s 41 at number seven and opener Kieran Powell’s 30, Hurricanes failed to mount a coherent run chase and were

dismissed for 223 in the 48th over.

They were undermined by leftarm spinner Joshua Bishop (3-31) and off-spinner Ashley Nurse (3-46) who finished with three wickets apiece.

Hurricanes were still in the hunt at 179 for five but then lost their last five wickets for 44 runs off the last 61 balls of the innings.

It was Mayers, however, who took the spotlight inside the first 50 overs of the game, producing a high-quality knock, to twice pull Pride out of trouble.

They were first slumping at 36 for three in the 12th over following two strikes from Berridge, before Mayers put

on 44 for the fourth wicket with Carter, whose 47-ball knock contained three fours and a six.

When Campbell bowled Carter and then trapped Roshon Primus lbw without scoring in the 25th over to leave Pride tottering on 80 for five, Mayers paired with Walcott in a 117-run stand to once again rescue the innings.

The 27-year-old was measured in his first fifty, requiring 69 balls for the landmark but raised the tempo to reach three figures off only a further 37 deliveries, by smashing left-arm spinner Yannick Leonard for a straight six in the 45th over.

He was eighth out in the next over,

caught on the ropes at backward point off Berridge looking for quick runs.

Left-hander Powell then struck five fours in a 45-ball knock as Hurricanes reached 50 for one in the 12th over. When Powell smashed a wide ball from Nurse to Leniko Boucher at cover point, Hurricanes lost a cluster of wickets to be 112 for five in the 26th over.

Thomas, who punched four fours and Ward, whose 46ball knock also contained four boundaries, added 67 for the sixth wicket; but once the stand was broken, the last five wickets went down in another cluster.

Man-of-the-Match Keron Cottoy stay at the crease.

In reply, United States lost Sagar Patel in the second over for five

with eight runs on the board but recovered after Steven Taylor struck 62 off 99 balls with seven fours and a six.

Taylor put on 61 for the second wicket with former West Indies batsman Xavier Marshall (20) and 48 for the third wicket with Monank who hit 37, before Monank added a further 35 for the fourth with Nisarg Patel (16).

The partnerships left Volcanoes on 152 for three in the 31st over but once Cottoy claimed Monank driving low to cover, the last seven wickets fell for just 30 runs.

Volcanoes end winless streak with 43-run win over United States TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – Windward Islands Volcanoes finally broke their winless streak when they brushed aside United States by 43 runs in an uninspiring Group B fixture of the Regional Super50 Cup here, Wednesday.

Without a victory in two previous outings in the tournament, Volcanoes kick-started their campaign when they got up to 225 for nine off their 50 overs and then dismissed United States for 182 in

the 46th over.

At the centre of their success was leg-spinning all-rounder Keron Cottoy who top-scored with a run-a-ball unbeaten 43 and then returned to take five for 37, in an outstanding performance.

While the victory handed Volcanoes their first points, United States remained bottom of the standings without a point in three outings.

Choosing to bat first at Brian Lara Stadium, Volcanoes found

themselves 17 for three in the sixth over after seamer Jasdeep Singh (2-24) struck twice in successive overs to set the innings back.

Three key partnerships then engineered a Volcanoes recovery and put them on course for a competitive total. Kavem Hodge and Desron Maloney, both with 42, put on 55 for the fourth wicket to steady the innings before Hodge paired with Alick Athanaze (25) to add a further 40 for the fifth wicket.

Hodge’s dismissal, gloving a pull at seamer Cameron Stevenson (2-43) to wicketkeeper Monank Patel in the 30th over, saw three wickets tumble for 16 runs in the space of 19 balls.

Cottoy, who featured last season for reigning champions CCC Marooners, then came to his side’s aid, striking four fours and a six off 43 deliveries, as he staged a 47-run, eighth-wicket partnership with Shane Shillingford whose 31 included three sixes in a 45-ball

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 10, 2019

CWI assigns respected T20 analyst A.R. Srikkanth to two-year contract

A.R. Srikkanth, one of the world’s leading T20 cricket analysts, has been appointed as the new West Indies Men’s Team Analyst, on a two-year contract.

Srikkanth has worked in the India Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Global T20 Canada.

He is also no stranger to West Indies players, having worked with Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder and Rovman Powell for

New West Indies Men’s Team Analyst A.R. Srikkanth Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since the inception of IPL and Trinbago Knight Riders

(TRK) since the Red Chillies Entertainment ownership took over the three-time CPL

winners in 2015.

Srikanth’s role with the West Indies will be in addition to his roles with KKR and TKR. “I’m really pleased to have ‘Sri’ on board. He has a wealth of experience, especially in T20 cricket, and with two T20 World Cups in the next two years, his expertise and knowledge will be invaluable as we look to defend our title in Australia next November.

An important part of his role will also be to assist in the training and development of our analysts in the Caribbean,” said West Indies head coach,

Phil Simmons while reacting to the appointment.

Srikkanth joined the team in Lucknow ahead of the first T20 International against Afghanistan that the West Indies won by 30 runs yesterday.

The Team Management Unit also includes Roddy Estwick as the bowling coach; John Mooney as fielding coach for the white-ball formats against Afghanistan while Rayon Griffith will replace Mooney for the Test match against Afghanistan as well as the white-ball series against India in December.

Experienced strength and conditioning coach, Ronald Rogers rejoins the team’s medical staff, which also includes physio Denis Byam and massage therapist Zephyrinus Nicholas. Rogers has worked with West Indies team for close to two decades and brings a wealth of experience to the post.

CWI is also in the process of securing the services of a batting coach to join the team for the upcoming series. This announcement will be made in the coming days. (Sportsmax)

Pakistan to host home Tests for first time in more than 10 years MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Pakistan will play a Test match on home soil for the first time in more than 10 years when Sri Lanka tour the country for a two-match series next month, the country’s cricket board (PCB) said yesterday.

Pakistan has not hosted a Test match since a 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore left six security personnel and two civilians dead and six players injured.

PCB director of international cricket Zakir Khan

Pakistan did not host any international cricket for six years after the attack, with the team playing their home matches in the United Arab Emirates.

“This is fabulous news for Pakistan and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world,” said Zakir Khan, the PCB’s director of international cricket, in a statement.

Pakistan has hosted a number of limited-overs internationals

in recent years, with Sri Lanka playing three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches there in September and October, though 10 key players opted out of that trip citing security concerns.

A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) source told Reuters there was some apprehension about touring Pakistan for the limited-over series but concerns have since eased.

“The board is looking at sending a full-strength team for the Test

series,” the source added.

The first Test will be held at Rawalpindi December 11-15 while Karachi will host the second December 19-23, the PCB said.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva said it was time for Test cricket to return to Pakistan.

“We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as, based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket,” he

said.

“We also believe all cricketplaying countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation we are happy to play our part in complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan.”

The two boards had agreed to bring forward the limitedovers leg of the split series and pushed back the two Tests, which were originally set to take place in October.

Santos, Fruta Conquerors register two wins in one-day football festival SANTOS teams registered two wins and a draw while Fruta Conquerors also won twice when Eyeful Entertainment and the Kingston Football Development Academy hosted its ‘Sunday Football Festival’ last Sunday last at the GFC ground.

The seven-game day of football,

which was deemed a success by the organisers, saw four female teams battle, including the Santos Ladies who registered a 2-0 win against a young Eastveldt female side.

Later in the day, Santos FC won on penalties, 7-6, after they had finished regulation 0-0 against GDF FC in the Elite Teams

battle.

Meanwhile, in an Over-50 battle, Santos FC drew 1-1 with Pele FC. Jolyan Lewis scored for Santos and Wayne Poulis for Pele.

In the other female battle, Fruta Ladies edged out Lady Panthers 2-1. Thandi Smith and Abiosa Heywood scored for the

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 15, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Fruta Conquerors Ladies collect their trophy. Also in picture (left) are members of the Lady Panthers team.

(1) WI won 3-0 (2) Roston Shase (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan?

(2) Who scored most runs for AFG in the recent ODI series against the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

winners, while Pasty Edwards netted for the Panthers.

In a male battle, Simeon Moore netted a brace as Fruta Conquerors FC got past an U-20 President XI side by a 2-1 margin. Anthony Allicock scored for the President XI side.

There were two other games

carded, including one between GT Masters and Ballers FC Veterans. In that game, Omali Nassy and Calvin Pitt scored a goal each for GT Masters to secure a 2-0 win.

In another clash, West Dem Masters emerged victorious over Kanaimas via a 6-5 penalty finish. Both teams were

scoreless at the end of regulation time.

The event was sponsored by the Outdoor Store and Pet Shop, West Indian Sports Complex and Trophy Stall.

It was supported by GFF, ABSAA Inc. and many individuals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

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Lewis, Williams give Windies T20 series lead LUCKNOW, India (CMC) – Opener Evin Lewis struck a trademark aggressive halfcentury while seamer Kesrick Williams marked his first appearance for West Indies in 16 months with a three-wicket haul, as the Caribbean side swept aside Afghanistan by 30 runs in the opening Twenty20 International here yesterday.

Sent in at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium, West Indies lacked fluency but still gathered 164 for five off their 20 overs with Lewis lashing 68 off 41 deliveries and captain Kieron Pollard getting an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls at the end.

In reply, the hosts never really threatened and were limited to 134

Evin Lewis goes on the attack during his top score of 68 in the opening T20 International yesterday. for nine off their 20 overs, to fall

behind in the three-match series.

Najibullah Zadran (27), Asghar Afghan (25) and Fareed Ahmad (24) all got starts but failed to carry on as the West Indies bowlers struck at regular intervals to unsettle the innings.

Williams proved exceptional with his variations in finishing with three for 17 from his four overs while Man-of-the-Match Pollard (2-17) and leg-spinning Hayden Walsh (2-34), on his T20 debut for West Indies, supported with two wickets apiece.

Looking to extend their dominance from the ODI series whitewash, West Indies made a less than stellar start when debutant Brandon King (4) tried to cut one from off-spinner

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and was bowled off the fourth ball of the innings.

Lewis then took charge, however, pummelling four fours and halfdozen sixes as he dominated an 87-run second-wicket stand with fellow left-hander Shimron Hetmyer whose run-a-ball 21 was sedate by his standards and included just one six.

Hetmyer finally perished in the 10th over when he inside-edged a heave onto his pads and was taken by the keeper running around, and Lewis, who brought up his fifth T20 half-century in the eighth over with a swept boundary off leg-spinning skipper Rashid Khan, followed in the 12th over when he skied fast bowler Gulbadin Naib

(2-24) to long off.

Denesh Ramdin (20) and Sherfane Rutherford (9) fell cheaply as Afghanistan pulled the scoring rate back and it was then left to Pollard with two fours and a six in a 22-ball knock, to get West Indies past the 150-run mark.

The World champions quickly asserted themselves in Afghanistan’s run chase, fast bowler Jason Holder having Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught at short fine leg for a first-ball ‘duck’ in the second over and left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell accounting for debutant Ibrahim Zadran (2), skying one to mid-wicket.

Opener Hazratullah Zazai, who struck 23 from 29 balls, paired

with Asghar in a 48-run, thirdwicket stand to repair the damage as Afghanistan temporarily regained some momentum.

Williams, however, made the breakthrough when he got Zazai to nick a drive at a slower ball to be caught at the wicket and Pollard then claimed Asghar holing to deep mid-wicket at 69 for four in the 11th over.

Left-hander Najibullah threatened to stage a late rally when he stroked three fours and a six in a 22-ball cameo, as he put on 25 for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nabi (7).

But once he skied Pollard to wicketkeeper Ramdin in the 14th over, the energy left the Afghan innings.

GFF, THAG sign MoU to promote Sport Tourism THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) yesterday morning signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work closer in promoting Sport Tourism through football.

Both sides view this new venture as significant, highlighting Sport Tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism globally.

The signing of the MoU was done by president of the GFF, Wayne Forde, and head of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, at Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston. The signing was witnessed by Keeran Williams of the Football Federation and Treina Butts of the Tourism body.

The objectives of the alliance are (1) Promotion and Marketing by increasing visibility of the destination and football to international partners; (2) Research and Information Sharing by improving readiness and promotional efforts of sports

worldwide and destinations do their best to add local flavour to those activities and distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences.

“Mega sports events such as the Olympics and World Cups can be catalysts for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic and social benefits.”

GFF officials Wayne Forde (second left) and Keeran Williams (left) and THAG representatives Mitra Ramkumar (second right) and Treina Butts pose with the document.

(Photo: Avenash Ramzan) tourism events; (3) Product support the sustainability of sectors in tourism and more and Development by developing the organisations through the more tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips initiatives that promote events hosting of activities. whether or not sport was the such as Beach Football and main purpose of their visit. Sport Futsal competitions at locations Comments by key stakeholders across the country; and (4) Treina Butts - Executive Tourism of various kinds and sizes Sustainability of Ventures Director, THAG: “Sport Tourism attracts tourists as participants by devising strategies that is one of the fastest growing and spectators to destinations

Mitra Ramkumar - President, THAG: “I want to say why we should use this (Sport Tourism), and Guyana as a destination should use this as a strategy, and why it needs to be forward thinking. If you were to look at the upcoming (Football) World Cup that’s going to be happening in Qatar in 2022; this was as a result of a deliberate strategy from Qatar.

“It is really aimed at having a surge in visitor arrival to that country.

2026 has already been awarded, so you can see the forward thinking and planning that has to go behind

Sport Tourism and really reaping the benefits of Sport Tourism.

We need to put Sport Tourism as a strategy to really build our infrastructure and elevate the livelihood of our people.”

Wayne Forde - President, GFF: “We have to remind ourselves often that football is an entertainment product, and like any product marketing of that product is critical. The partnership that we’re building with the Tourism Authority would see the Tourism Authority bringing its weight, its platform, its resources, its network and every other tool it has to its disposal to leverage, promote and advertise the tournaments and competitions and international events of the Federation.

One of the first such activities that we would engage in the spirit of the MoU would be the Super 16 tournament that would be launched in a matter of days.” (Newsroom)

Djokovic’s hopes crushed as Federer serves up a masterclass

By Martyn Herman LONDON, (Reuters) - Roger Federer lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday.

In the 49th meeting between the two great rivals, Federer snapped a five-match losing run against Djokovic and gained some consolation for his heartbreaking Wimbledon final defeat.

After both men had been beaten by Dominic Thiem earlier in the group, their eagerly-anticipated duel was a straight shoot-out to join the Austrian in the semi-finals.

Cheered on by the majority

Roger Federer

of the 17,000 fans in the arena, Federer produced an astonishing display of power, grace and precision and Djokovic simply had no answer.

Djokovic’s first defeat by Federer for four years means Rafael Nadal will end the year as world number one for the fifth time even if the Spaniard fails to reach the semi-finals.

Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have all achieved the feat five times. Pete Sampras managed it a record six times.

Nadal takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the other group today and should he win and Alexander Zverev lose to Daniil Medvedev, it would set up a Nadal versus Federer semi-final. Federer had played down talk of seeking revenge when asked about his impending clash with Djokovic this week, but his victory celebration showed exactly what it meant.

“I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis,” Federer, who at 38 continues to mock the ageing process, told reporters.

“I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed.”

BAD MATCH Djokovic, who had needed to win the title to stand any chance of overhauling Nadal, said it had been a “bad match” from his side but admitted Federer had done everything right.

“He was the better player in all aspects,” the 32-yearold said. “I have the utmost admiration for him. What he’s still showing on the court is phenomenal.” England’s soccer team was playing across the city at Wembley on Thursday, but when Federer and Djokovic share a tennis court it is always the hottest ticket in town.

Djokovic had reached the

final on his last six appearances at the ATP’s most exclusive event in London while six-time champion Federer had only once failed to reach the semi-finals in his 16 previous appearances. Something had to give and from the moment second seed Djokovic double-faulted twice in the third game to invite an early break for Federer, he was never really in contention.

Federer was seeing the ball like a melon, timing his groundstrokes to perfection while his serve was unplayable.

He dropped only three points on serve in the opening set and Djokovic’s only chance was that Federer would cool off. Djokovic dug deep to fend off break points in the opening game of the second set, then had his one and only

break point in the fourth game but Federer whipped a huge forehand into the corner before pouncing on a volley.

Federer was relentless and surged 0-40 ahead in the next game. Djokovic saved one break point with a backhand pass but hit a forehand long on the next.With crowd roaring Federer on, the end came quickly.

Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic was broken to love as Federer sent a dipping backhand to his feet.

Earlier in the day Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match at the ATP’s year-ender, beating Thiem 7-6(3) 6-3. Despite the loss, Thiem won the group by virtue of his victory over Federer on Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 15, 2019

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GFF, THAG sign MoU to promote Sport Tourism

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GFF officials Wayne Forde (second left) and Keeran Williams (left) and THAG representatives Mitra Ramkumar (second right) and Treina Butts pose with the document.

(Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

India Women crush Windies by 7 wickets to take T20 series PAGE

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Windies’ Afy Fletcher looks back as her stumps is disturbed by a beauty from Radha Poonam Yadav (Adrian Narine photos)

Right-hander Jemimah Rodrigues steered India to the T20 series win with her unbeaten knock of 40.

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Kumar century carries Canada to first Super 50 win

A brisk half-century from Nitish Kumar pushed Canada to a massive 100-runs Super 50 win over the Combined Colleges and Campuses at the Conaree Sports Club, in St Kitts, on Thursday.

The top-order batsman plundered 14 boundaries in 102 runs from 99 deliveries, as the Canadians scored their first win of the season. Batting first, the Canadians suffered an early set back after losing opener Shereyas Movva, who made 2 runs, with just four runs on the board.

Kumar joined Mehta at the crease to, however, stage an immediate recovery as the pair put on 80 for the second wicket.

The partnership was broken when Mehta was run out.

Another big partnership

between Shahid Ahmadzai (73) who joined Kumar to put on 103 for the third wicket put the Canadian in a strong position. Kumar was eventually dismissed after being caught by Sadique Henry off the bowling of Yax Patel, leaving the team at 187 for 3. With more further partnerships of note, however, the Canadians lost their last seven-wicket for 31 runs.

In reply, the Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) lost wickets at regular intervals with Jonathan Drakes putting up the most resistance with 40 runs from 52 balls. Akeem Jordan was the next best with 37 from 50 runs.

Canadian bowlers Kadeem Sana and Kanwar Mann took two wickets each.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019